Midterm results could spark a new wave of positive action
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Midterm results could spark a new wave of positive action
For many political observers, democracy was on the ballot in last week’s midterm election that was viewed as a battle for the soul of a deeply divided America.
And, at least for this political moment, it appears that the American electorate is more inclined to embrace the higher ground, rejecting the voices of extremism that have threatened the future of our republic.
For that, we should all be thankful, quieting talk of an impending civil war that would open up another gaping wound in a nation that for much of the past decade has been caught in the throes of profound polarization, bitter disagreement, and differing understandings of reality.
Still, there remains much work to be done to calm the fear that the November 8 election results are but a momentary reprieve to a much more pernicious threat that likely will be unleashed in the run up to the 2024 presidential campaign.
It’s clear that America has developed more than a few blind spots when it comes to choosing its political candidates, setting aside such traditional virtues as intelligence, honesty, and integrity in favor of charlatans who are a mile wide in terms of baseless claims and an inch deep in offering concrete solutions to our most pressing problems.
The blame for that disturbing development may well rest on the rise of various social media platforms that refuse to block outlandish conspiracy theories and hate speech, giving further credence to the time-honored Mark Twain belief that a “lie can get halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes.”
Such outlets are Petri dishes for extremist propaganda where those who promote vitriolic views can do so under the cloak of anonymity and with unchecked impunity.
Be that as it may, the fact remains that the future of our democracy will continue to face challenges from conspiracy theorists and election deniers who are determined to have their seat at the political table no matter how far-fetched an agenda they push. In the coming weeks, we should expect they will file a raft of lawsuits challenging the election results in desperate attempts to spread more lies and conspiracies, and to undermine the will of the people.
Instead, we can only hope they eventually come to the realization that the vast majority of citizens want a government that works for everyone, and a democracy where every vote is counted and every voice is heard.
Those are among the many goals of the Primerus Foundation, which took a turn in the spotlight at the recent Global Conference in San Diego. There, before Primerus members from around the world, we formally unveiled ambitious plans of our own, inviting widespread support for our efforts to “save the world in the nick of time.”
Whatever your political leanings, there can be little doubt that we as a nation – and as a world – are at the proverbial fork in the road, faced with a profound choice that will define civilization for years to come.
The gravity of our situation has been magnified over the past nine months by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a Putin-propelled attack that could turn into a nuclear conflict if military defeats continue to pile up for an unhinged dictator.
The crisis in Ukraine is a reminder of mankind’s power to do good and to spread evil, as seen in the two most consequential events of the 20th century – the development of the atomic bomb that ended World War II and the July 20, 1969 Moon landing that opened up the space frontier.
One monumental scientific achievement brought death and destruction on an unprecedented scale, while the other opened the door to a universe full of unimaginable
discoveries that may well unlock solutions to many of our earthly problems.
Both were life-altering events that demonstrated our seemingly limitless capabilities, intellectual energies that can be harnessed for the good of mankind.
That type of positive force is what we hope to channel into the Primerus Foundation, offering the potential to spur significant change in how we attract and support quality candidates for political office. Our goal, quite simply, is to be a magnet for the best and the brightest the country has to offer, supplying them with the means and the resources to develop their political skillset on a nonpartisan basis.
They will serve as the beacons of hope for a new and civilized approach to politics, personifying a desire to change how we treat each other, tossing aside anger and bitterness in favor of kindness, understanding, and mutual respect.
We invite your interest and support in helping make it happen.
Best regards,
Jack Buchanan, President