“If you look at opinion polls, many Americans are deeply concerned about the social state of this country today.”
That’s Jeff Polet, director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation’s Leadership Forum. He describes growing U.S. political divisions a crisis situation requiring immediate addressing.
The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas is encouraging other presidential museums, libraries and foundations across the United States to embrace and promote democracy. Its statement “calls for a renewed commitment to American democratic values, civic responsibility, and respect for differing viewpoints. We urge leaders across the United States to model our nation’s democratic principles.”
Urging political leaders to join in the movement is critical. Polet explains democracy promotes opposing viewpoints. It’s healthy to debate and reach consensus.
“So, when you see disagreement becoming more and more heated to the point where violence becomes justified, that’s a moment where you have to step in and say something has to be done about this.”
It begins with governing effectively restoring trust. The 13 institutions are focusing on civic education and participation, tolerance, and a commitment to a pluralist social order.