Submitted by sandra on Tue, 2005-10-18 21:33.
|
"Fighting for Democracy," the curriculum of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, is premised upon three profound and far-reaching ideas:
1) We, the people, shape democracy;
2) I, too, can shape democracy;
3) Those who have struggled for freedom and equality have extended democracy’s reach |
| Many students, we believe, along with many Americans broadly, hold views contrary to those three assumptions that inform this curriculum. Democracy, if they think of it at all, was framed by the founding fathers in the system of government that they bestowed, like a precious gift, to succeeding generations. In that sense, the preservation of democracy, as originally conceived, is the duty and deed of patriots. |
| Instead, "we, the people shape democracy" understands democracy--or rule by the people--to be a work in progress. Democracy is not enshrined in a museum case, in the U.S. Constitution, or in the ballot box. Democracy is made and remade by individuals and groups in time and place. Democracy is struggled over, and is thus "fought" for. Hence this curriculum is titled, "Fighting for Democracy." |
|
|
