(C) Minnesota Reformer
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On the anniversary of Jan. 6, let’s protect elections, give workers a say and lift up education [1]
['More From Author', 'January', 'Bernie Burnham']
Date: 2023-01-06
Two years ago today, violent insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. People were killed and injured in Washington D.C. as the rest of the nation looked on, concerned about what might come next.
For many of us, it was the first time we ever had to fear for the future of the democracy that has been our country’s foundation for over 200 years. But our democracy has always been a work in progress, getting stronger as we’ve brought in people who were once excluded. And while we hope to never see anything at this scale again, the attack on Jan. 6, 2020 was a reminder that we must actively work to protect the democracy we have.
Because while it may have been an infamous and violent flashpoint, the events of January 6th were not the end of the MAGA movement and its attempt to discredit and dismantle our democracy. Those efforts have continued in states across the country, including right here in Minnesota.
Luckily, November’s elections, the first statewide elections since the attempted coup on January 6th, were a resounding victory for democracy in Minnesota. Prominent election deniers, like Scott Jensen and Kim Crockett, lost statewide races. And as we’ve come to expect, our elections went off without a hitch thanks to the work of everyone from the Secretary of State to the election workers who diligently make sure Minnesota remains the gold standard for elections.
The victory for democracy in Minnesota’s elections this past November was the result of two things: elections we can trust and massive organizing efforts from working class people. Voters came out to reject the cynicism of MAGA Republicans — and the wealthy corporations that supported them — who sought to discredit elections they couldn’t win fairly.
As labor leaders, we understand that democracy is essential, whether at the Capitol, in city hall or the workplace. We also understand that it’s not something you can take for granted, because there are corporations and wealthy special interests that would gladly sell out the democracy that working class people deserve, if it would mean more money for shareholders.
Because all of our rights and freedoms, all of the things that Minnesotans value and hold dear, rest upon a foundation of a healthy democracy. We all want a better future for our kids, and we need a healthy democracy where we can fight for lower costs, create good jobs and give every child the education they deserve.
We’ve seen growing inequality and stagnating wages for years. As the cost of living gets worse, we need to make sure all workers have their voices heard at the Capitol. And legislators must take bold action to protect the rights of workers to speak up whether they’re on the job or in their communities.
Democracy and education have always relied upon one another. Our elections and our schools are two of the most vital public goods that Minnesotans have. This bond is strong because it is rooted in the Minnesota Constitution, which recognizes that, “The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it is the duty of the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools.”
Democracy, labor and public education are all under attack from the same small, but vocal groups. To protect one requires protecting the others, as MAGA Republicans and their corporate backers will attack all of them in order to weaken public life in Minnesota.
Protecting our democracy is the best way to meet the needs of Minnesotans, take meaningful action on the things we agree upon and live up to our shared values. There’s no reason we can’t take action to protect our democracy, fully fund our schools, and make sure every worker is earning a liveable wage that allows them to invest in their family and community.
As we look back on the events at the U.S. Capitol two years ago, we must be clear-eyed about the threats to our democracy and our most vital public institutions. They are real and they’re not going away on their own. But the solutions are there too.
The best way to protect our democracy is to expand it by reducing barriers, improving access, and diminishing the influence of corporate money in our elections, putting power firmly in the hands of the people.
It’s time for our legislators to take meaningful action this session to protect our elections, fund our schools, and empower our workers in pursuit of the multiracial democracy Minnesotans deserve.
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https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/01/06/on-the-anniversary-of-jan-6-lets-protect-elections-give-workers-a-say-and-lift-up-education/
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