Lessons Learned: Moving Beyond Just Talking

Engaging in discussions about political history is a beloved activity that transcends cultural and geographical divides. In the United States, engaging in spirited debates is a favorite pastime in barbershops, basements, and bars, where individuals often reflect on how they would have acted during tumultuous historic events. Whether addressing human-made tragedies like American chattel slavery or uncontrollable phenomena such as pandemics, conversations often turn to hypothetical heroism, with many claiming, "I would have acted differently!"Today’s historical crossroads permits us an opportunity to embody those heroic visions without needing capes—just courage and conviction. Approaching the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. faces an unprecedented challenge with a president reminiscent of the warnings issued by our founders against potential tyranny. Concerns voiced by historical figures like Edmund Randolph, Patrick Henry, and George Mason about concentrated presidential power echo while framing our current reality. While the Constitution established checks, its limitations remain heavily scrutinized today. The moment has arrived to defend our democratic ideals and assert our rights. It’s time for us to become the heroes we’ve envisioned ourselves to be.