Backbone of U.S. is its democracy

The United States’ grand experiment in democracy is well into its third century, and despite a hurdle now and then and differing political opinions, it gives no indications of imploding.
As much as anything, that may be because the approach to government — to do collectively what we don’t have the wherewithal to do individually — differs little and is progressive in nature, from the smallest hamlet to bustling cities to individual states and finally to all 50, plus territories.
Monday night Moran’s city council gathered for its monthly session, and showed, as so many have time and again, why democracy thrives. It also demonstrated convincingly that government closest to the people is most efficient.
A woman came to seek help with noise in her neighborhood; water sales not keeping pace with expenses resulted in rates being raised; minor, but to some important, problems with chickens were hashed out; department heads told of budget needs for 2016.
The same scenario plays out monthly among governing bodies throughout Allen County, and a multitude of other places in the nation.
Citizens make a mistake by not becoming directly involved by offering themselves to serve;  by not keeping abreast of what is occurring and why; and by not taking time a month or three a year to attend a meeting to hear firsthand what transpires.
The Register is passionate in its efforts to report fully what happens at city, school and county meetings, but there is no way we can paint as thorough a picture of what occurs as a citizen can learn from taking time to sit in on a meeting. We have to choose how deeply to report each item of business, including sometimes devoting little space to those that would be expected to generate next to no public interest. Best said, we have limits on how much time and space may be given to any one topic.

WHAT LIES ahead is important to know at all levels, and, as has been the case, democracy will evolve with the times. But the basics remain, and it is incumbent that citizens exercise their right — thoughtful observers would say obligation — to vote to ensure that democracy doesn’t falter.
— Bob Johnson