“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.”

Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Regardless of the current situation in our nation, we have not only survived catastrophic events but as a nation, been strengthened by them. Several lessons in American history substantiate the resiliency of the American people when confronted with challenges. “We the People” is not just a catchy phrase in the Constitution. A clear call for action united against the forces that believe American democracy cannot withstand the onslaught of external forces intent on fermenting internal strife. Rest assured, we can, and we will.

From “We the People,” leaders will rise. Reconciliation, restoration, and reunification will replace dismay, disunity, and disenfranchisement. And therein lies the immediate problem in America; the failure of the political leadership to rally “We the People” to the great cause of equality, civic duty, and community service.

For too long, the Democratic and Republican parties have ignored “We the People.” They have place petty politics over the people’s business. They have forgotten the simple truth that democratic governance is a human endeavor designed to protect and enrich the lives of citizens, not their positions of power. To be elected to Congress, Senate, or any office is a privilege, an honor – lately much besmirched by the daily antics of the two parties who seem content with allowing the government to operate like reality television or some chaotic game show.

Unfortunately, the winners in this show are almost always the politicians and the losers, “We the People.” The founders warned against political elitists replacing the egalitarian virtues of equality in rights, positions, and opportunities for all citizens. Political power does not confer a special privilege but a special duty and obligation to others. Unfortunately, in modern times this is no longer the case. The Democrats and Republicans have managed to construct a monopoly on privilege, power, and access. These are the very things the founders feared most. The very ideals disdained since the founding of America.

The Democrats and Republicans choose deceit over honesty, sow discord rather than encourage unity, and conflict over cooperation. They ignore and disdain the very implication of “We the People,” we have a higher expectation for civility, cooperation, and decency in how the political parties act. Sadly, they fail on all accounts. They have forgotten the sacred oath of their offices, and public service is a sacred honor.

And, while cities are in turmoil, school systems flounder, systemic discrimination permeates many public organizations, the health of the most vulnerable citizens is at risk, millions without work or inadequate housing or food; the best the Democrats and Republicans can do is to point blame to the other. The only point of agreement between the two is the other is at fault, or if we throw enough money at the problem, “We the People” will forget the problem exists. In a land of more than three hundred million people, can we not find better representatives of America? Is America without men and women who rather lose an election doing the right thing than win just because the winner retains power? Where are the leaders to be found? Certainly not in the ranks of the current political parties.

Fortunately for “We the People,” leadership is found in our ranks. Daily, people risk their own health to work in healthcare facilities. Churches, mosques, and synagogues attend to the spiritual needs of members and non-members alike. Community organizations have risen to the challenge of providing meals, housing, clothing, and necessities to those in need. Small business owners are finding ways to utilize their services to support the less fortunate, even when their survival is precarious and threatened by recession. The military and reserve units have stepped up to deliver meals, medical testing, and protect citizens. Police officers continue to show up for work and patrol neighborhoods knowing there exists an element of society that believes they can use the crises in leadership to their nefarious advantage. Firemen and EMT’s answer the call in emergencies when others dare not leave for fear of injury. In the ranks of the most virulent protests, several protesters have stepped from the line to assist their fellow citizens without regard to their political beliefs and predispositions. Even children are giving up their weekly allowances to comfort people they have little in common and do not know. Yes, “We the People” are the empowering spiritual force that drives America forward.

Suppose there is to be a revolution in America. In that case, it must be like that of our founders and like those of the generations that faced the Great Depression and turned the tide of world war to democracy’s favor. It must be a revolution by those who met the challenge of 9/11, not by shirking civic responsibility by running from the collapsed towers but sprinting towards the inferno and toxic fumes. It must be a revolution of people like those on Flight 93 sacrificing their own lives by overpowering terrorists and crashing the plane into an empty field so that other families would not suffer the loss of loved ones. Their cry of, “Let’s roll!” should be our call to arms. Not the components of weapons or violence, but that of locked arms in a common belief that American democracy is still more reliable, moral, and of higher purposes than any alternative. For all our faults, transgressions in history, and flaws, democracy thrives because liberty is best at resolving strife.

The revolution begins at the ballot box. It will be a revolution of ideas, values, and ethics. The revolution is a call for the most basic of all human rights, equality and respect. “We the People” expect better. “We the People” demand better. It’s time for political parties to become part of the solution and no longer the problem.