A Look at Democracy's Health as America Turns 250
A Time for Reflection
America is about to hit a big milestone: 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. This is a time to look back at how far the country has come and what challenges it has faced. But it's also a time to think about whether the U.S. is still living up to its democratic values.
The Importance of Midterm Elections
Midterm elections are happening this year. These elections are a big deal because they decide who represents us in government. But sadly, not everyone cares about them. In Ohio, only about half of the people voted in the past 10 years. That's a problem because the whole idea of democracy is that regular people should have a say in how they're governed.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence said that all political power belongs to the people. But lately, it feels like special interests, greed, and corruption are taking over. Instead of focusing on what's best for everyone, politicians are making decisions that benefit only a few. They're cutting taxes for the wealthy and spending money on things like a new football stadium instead of affordable housing or healthcare.
Federal Level Issues
At the federal level, it's the same story. The majority party is cutting taxes for the wealthy and supporting expensive military operations that don't really help Americans. These choices are driving up costs for everyone.
A Chance for a Healthier Democracy
But it's not all bad news. There's still a chance to fight for a healthier democracy. In 2026, Ohioans should have a real say in their government. Elected officials should listen to their voters, compromise, and make ethical decisions. They should focus on investing in things like new homes, healthcare, and reducing inflation.
The Role of State Representatives
It's not easy being a state representative. There's a lot of pressure to make the right decisions. But it's important to remember why we're here: to represent the people and uphold the values of democracy. When we do that, we can create better lives and brighter futures for everyone.