“a Democracy in Ruin”

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed legislators, and President Biden,

Today, I address you not from a distant era, but as an impassioned voice woven into the fabric of time. It is with urgency, anger, and a sense of unwavering duty that I implore you to grasp the weight of this moment. The signs are stark, the warnings clear—our nation stands on the precipice of a new Civil War, and the price of complacency is too steep to fathom.

Reflect on the horrors of the past, when the scourge of slavery and the tumult of the Civil War tore at the very soul of this nation. Today, while our struggles may take different forms, the threads of division and discontent are disturbingly reminiscent. The era of the 45th President, characterized by divisive rhetoric and the sinister “birther” conspiracy, has seared the essence of this nation. The echoes of racial animosity from that time linger as poignant reminders of the darkness that can silently creep into our midst.

The corrosive impact of this era on our democracy is undeniable—a poison that seeps into the very veins of our nation, jeopardizing the unity that once fortified our foundation. The words and actions of leaders reverberate beyond their immediate impact, shaping the course of our democracy. We stand witness to history’s lessons: leaders who sow division sow the seeds of our own downfall.

In this dire moment, let us chart a course of action to mend these wounds, to reclaim the unity that is the lifeblood of our democracy:

Unity Through Understanding: Forge unbreakable bonds among us by nurturing empathy and understanding—citizens from every walk of life bound together by a shared humanity. The dialogue we foster must rise above divisions, guiding us to unity as a tenacious collective.

Equal Voice for All: The right to vote is the bedrock of democracy, unassailable and non-negotiable. Crush any attempts at voter suppression, ensuring each voice is a resounding note in the harmonious chorus of our democracy. Tear down the barriers of discrimination; let our democracy resonate with an all-encompassing symphony.

Community Healing: Our communities must become crucibles of candid discourse, where raw conversations about the festering wound of racial injustice transpire. Healing is a communal journey, embracing diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Educational Enlightenment: Commit to unfiltered education that arms every citizen with an unvarnished truth about the systemic racism that plagues our society. Empower them to be active participants in dismantling oppressive structures and forging an era of true equity.

Leadership of Integrity: Our leaders must embody unwavering integrity, steering us towards unity through their words and unyielding actions. Rally behind those who champion justice, equality, and the essence of authentic unity.

The poison of our past must serve as a clarion call, alerting us to the stakes at hand. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow divisive forces to root themselves anew. We must administer these remedies proactively, fortifying our democracy and ensuring unity and equality blaze unfalteringly.

The challenges ahead are formidable, but their significance is paramount. Let our strength, wisdom, and resilience be our guiding lights, weaving an unassailable tapestry. Stand resolute and united, shielding yourselves from the corrosive poison that threatens to corrode our very essence. Forge ahead with unwavering determination, towards a future where the echoes of history lead us towards progress, justice, and unity.

Rally, my fellow Americans, for the consequences of ignoring these dire warnings are catastrophic. Another Civil War, ignited by division and strife, looms large, threatening to rend the fabric of our nation apart. The lessons of history resound, revealing the patterns of destruction they unveil.

Your democracy—the envy of the world—would crumble under the weight of its divisions. The echoes of unity that once resounded across this land would be drowned by the cacophony of conflict and chaos. The values you hold dear—freedom, justice, and equality—would be trampled upon by the march of hatred and division.

Our nation, once a beacon of hope and progress, would be plunged into darkness. The progress you’ve fought for, the strides towards a just society, would be undone in the blink of an eye. The dreams of unity that you’ve held close would shatter, replaced by the harsh reality of conflict and strife.

Yet, my friends, the path to redemption lies before us. We must embrace unity, understanding, and healing to veer away from disaster’s brink. The legacy we leave for future generations hinges on the actions we take today.

Stand united against the forces that threaten to tear our nation apart. Heed the lessons of history, for they hold the key to a brighter future. Rally behind the principles that have guided us for centuries, and tirelessly strive to ensure that the shadows of division and conflict never darken our land.

The choice is yours, the consequences stark. The specter of a new Civil War looms, but your unwavering determination has the power to halt its advance. Forge a legacy of unity, strength, and resilience—a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation that refuses to be torn asunder.

In righteous urgency,

Frederick Douglass