I need your help with a very simple question about who we are

Can you help me?

The word democracy is everywhere now, but it seems we all have a different understanding of the idea. Some say it’s important enough to get up and take action while others seem indifferent to or even against it. We keep using the word, so it must mean something to us all on a deeper level. But what is that?

I’ll say this: until we give others the opportunity to share their understanding of an idea, where we truly listen and ask questions to the point that we can see our own humanity in their humanity, we cannot possibly see things the way they do. And until we see things the way others do, we will continue to live in a divided world where we talk past each other and pray for the wind to blow our way. Each day we are given an opportunity to change, and yet we do not look deeper.

I write to you today to ask a divisive question and will listen and ask questions until I can see myself in your shoes. Later, I’ll share what I learn from everyone in a way that helps us understand each other.

So forget definitions, news, and Google, and hit reply to this email (or message if you’re on Substack) and send me a response to the following question that truly has no right or wrong answer:

What is democracy: what does it / should it look like? What does it / should it feel like for you and your family? Why does it matter (or not)?

Thank you!

PS - your reply will be sent directly to my email.