26 Roadmaps for a More Perfect Union
Today we’re launching Out of Many, One: Writings on American Universalism — an anthology of essays by 27 Americans—including campaigners, builders, entrepreneurs, journalists, theologians, and historians—who present personal reflections on the universal and radically democratic values at the heart of the American project. We asked them to consider what they mean to us at this moment when an authoritarian takeover threatens to end American democracy.
You’ll hear from voices like Sam Gill and Anne-Marie Slaughter on crafting a renewed universalism that integrates critiques and celebrates being “many and one” at the same time; personal reflections from Eric K. Ward, Jason Mangone, and Theodore Johnson on the sources of their patriotic pride; Sharon Davies on the urgent need for collective defense; and Barry Lynn on confronting the threat of monopolies to our freedom and democracy.
Download the book for free at TheAllAmerican.com
Given the urgency of our situation, it may seem counter-intuitive to step back and reflect. But at every moment of crisis in this country, it was great ideas and bold visions that saw us through to the next chapter of forming a more perfect union. And this moment requires the same.
The values that run through this book – a commitment to universal rights, freedoms and opportunity – have animated every great movement in our history. They inspired the fights to end slavery, recognize women's right to vote, win workers' rights, confront concentrated wealth and power, and defeat Jim Crow segregation. At this time, when the country needs a new movement strong enough to defeat authoritarianism and write democracy's next chapter, we believe it makes perfect sense to remember what inspired the patriots who came before us, who managed time and again to defy tyranny and move the project forward.
The authoritarian right claims to be leading a revolution. Unlike the American and French Revolutions, which paved the way for unprecedented freedoms, this dangerous movement would do the opposite. The threat is deadly serious, and we can already see how the attempt to overthrow liberal democracy is sparking a major reaction from the American people.
Accelerating, shaping, and strengthening that reaction is the most powerful strategic response the nation can have. We must counter efforts to divide us and ensure that the people's reaction sparks a pluralist and inclusive movement—uniting a majority around a vision that inspires and helps us believe that “a new birth of freedom,” a new and better America, is possible.