LETTER: Burns’ program reminds us of duty to defend democracy 

To Ozaukee Press:

Ken Burns and associates and PBS, have again given us a well-done historical documentary, “The American Revolution.”  This six-part series reminds us of the harsh sacrifices early colonists experienced in fighting and replacing England’s authoritarian rule with a constitutional democracy.

Out of that struggle came some important documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. While these are great and powerful documents, continued adherence to their principles and intent needs constant vigilance and work.

The airing of Burns’ documentary was very timely, as we will soon observe the 250th anniversary of our nation.  Additionally, right now, we find our nation experiencing a deeply flawed authoritarian presidency, and a cowardly Congress afraid to exercise their independent and equal power to govern. 

Next year, if we are able to preserve free elections, we will have an opportunity to begin to reverse this present attack on our constitutional democracy and the dismantling of so many basic life-line services and laws established by Congress over many decades. Then, voters can review candidates’ stands on government operations, their commitment to preserving the powers of our three equal branches of government and democracy’s basic truth that officials are elected to serve the public and not to enrich themselves. 

We are the beneficiaries of 250 years of others’ work and sacrifices to preserve our democracy. We have a responsibility to continue that work. Voting for candidates committed to that task is expected of a good citizen.

Cal Potter

Sheboygan Falls