“I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” James Baldwin
Reflecting on the opening words of the Constitution of the United States, the We the People series uses the sacred document as a base for visual reflections on the history, principles, visions, costs, accomplishments, and challenges confronting our democratic ideals and values since the founding of our republic. Quotes from Presidents, Senators, Representatives, Justices, and others alerting us about threats facing our democracy accompany the images.
What does America stand for? In my heart and mind, as in the hearts and minds of millions around the globe, America is the leader of the free world, a beacon of democracy, an ideal for liberty, a supreme model for human rights, and a legacy of justice and hope. People fight for the unalienable rights our democracy protects and inspires.
Disheartening truths have filled me with poignant presentiments and sad premonitions of powerful forces threatening the very spirit of our democracy. A fire stirs in me; I’m merely the wood for its light, smoke, and ash. Refuting despair and overcoming helplessness, I affirm hope.
My shock came with Citizens United and the movie Inside Job. Pain, disbelief, doubt, distrust, grief, and skepticism expressed my outrage. In many countries around the globe, those who should serve the people instead oppress them and those who should defend the Law instead assail it. What persuasions allow the servants of the temple to trample its spirit as they consolidate power to protect it and compete for gold to adorn it?
Is America just another of these states?
Can politicians and legislators serve with integrity two masters: the American people and election funders? A just democratic system and corporate influence on campaign finance rules? What becomes of our representative democracy when money is free speech? Is ours an elusive justice protecting too big to fail and to prosecute, trashing election laws, deregulating financial markets, demolishing principles and safeguards to buttress reckless greed, and bargaining negotiated settlements for severe and pervasive violations of the Law? What is justice if the elite is not equally accountable as the underprivileged? Are campaign contributions, lobbying maneuvers, political donations, market extortionism, perverse incentives, and religious zealots the new pillars of bargained democracies or the ropes of corporate fundamentalism? Shame on you who corrode the rights and liberties of the people and grant impunity to the elite!
I, one of the people, plead with you who are committed to peace, human rights, dignity, justice, and liberty to reconsider if our beliefs, words, and actions are causing more suffering, prejudice, and bigotry than we care to perceive. My work, empathy for humanity and love for our shared planet, is a pledge to dismantle walls and use the same stones to build bridges.
Chawky Frenn 