Guest Opinion | Safeguarding democratic norms in uncertain times

While comparisons to pre-war Germany should be approached with extreme caution, the concept offers a framework to examine potential threats to democratic norms. All administrations face the temptation to consolidate power, and citizens must remain vigilant regardless of which party holds office.

Milton Friedman famously declared “government is the problem,” advocating for limited government intervention. While reducing bureaucracy and wasteful spending are legitimate policy goals, we must distinguish between responsible governance reforms and potentially dangerous power consolidation that undermines institutional checks and balances.

History shows democracies can erode gradually when independent institutions are weakened, media is delegitimized, and an “us versus them” mentality replaces civic discourse. The concerns aren’t about policy disagreements but about protecting democratic guardrails.

Here in the San Juans, our community may seem removed from national politics, but we have meaningful ways to protect democratic norms:

1. Support local journalism and reliable news sources. Subscribe to publications that maintain journalistic integrity and fact-based reporting.
2. Engage with local government. Attend council meetings, participate in public forums, and hold local officials accountable to democratic principles regardless of party.
3. Build community resilience. Strong communities with active civic participation are less vulnerable to divisive politics. Our island’s traditions of volunteerism and mutual aid are democratic strengths.
4. Practice respectful dialogue across political differences. Democracy thrives when citizens engage meaningfully with diverse viewpoints.
5. Support organizations defending democratic institutions, transparency, and voting rights.