Letter: Self-government for a majority is not enough

Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 25, 2026

Editor,

I am 64 years old. If we go back in history four of my lifetimes, we arrive at the year 1770. Yes, only four of my lifetimes takes us back to before the birth of our nation. Wow! We really and truly are youngsters in this world. So, now that we are growing up, what are some things we’ve learned that will help us get through our next 250 years? Here are a couple of thoughts…

Self-government is not enough if it doesn’t apply to everyone.

Democracy is not about majority-rule decision making. It is about every person having a voice in the decisions that affect them.

Democracy can become tyranny if it does not include the protection of basic human rights and dignity, regardless of majority opinion.

America is multicultural by definition. This is our strength and our identity, united under the umbrella of mutual respect.

This multicultural solidarity extends to the entire planet. We are absolutely all in this together.

No one said this was going to be easy. Communicate, collaborate and co-create ad infinitum.

Jim Strickland

Marysville