Although our great nation was founded by elitist property owners the vast majority of whom were slave owners, the Constitution nevertheless suggested, in word, that a pluralistic society was a possible outcome arising from this democratic experiment.
As we continue to evolve through the early stages of the 21st century, changing demographics afford a possible fulfillment of the pluralistic dream once envisioned by the spirit of our Constitution and its accompanying government.
Sadly, the pervasive concurrent existence of political/cultural tribalism and polarization operates as an impediment to the realization of a society in which a vibrant democratic structure reflective of a variety of points of view voiced by a diverse electorate of active citizens can be the hallmark of a contested yet united body politic.
As our diverse population continues to assert needs and desires too long ignored by a power structure impervious to the realities of exclusion, discrimination, and disempowerment experienced by so many of our brothers and sisters, the opportunity to include their rich and important experience into the national discourse looms as an essential aspect of an emerging pluralism. We now have a chance to throw off the constraints endemic to association with just two political ideologies and power centers and give expression to the full array of thought, experience, and aspiration implicit in our collective voice across the spectrum of American life.
Consistent with this notion is an ongoing commitment to the principle of inclusion of all ideas, as part of a new American 'gestalt' where we coexist in an environment of respectful, contentious, inspired, forward thinking, compassionate, widely representative, and truly democratic interaction where the original vision a pluralistic democracy might actually become a thriving reality.
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