The Preamble to the Declaration of Independence is almost prophetic in forecasting periodic recalibrations of the American political landscape. It anticipates that when political parties and systems fail, the governed reserve the right to replace elected leaders with those who will lead with courage, justice, and wisdom.
Yesterday, we witnessed such a significant recalibration during the midterm elections. With Democrats picking up over 20 seats in the House and at least six seats in the Senate, the governed have voted for change and in utter repudiation of Trumpism and its deleterious effects on the American ethos.
Thomas Jefferson and the founders embraced democratic ideals that have endured throughout this country’s history. Although our country has never perfectly lived up to these ideals, it has made incremental improvements throughout history. Many of these values regarding political life are enshrined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident … that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
Yesterday’s historic “Blue Wave” across the nation, in federal and statewide races, indicates this needed recalibration. Democratic voters repudiated failed policies of the current administration in Washington, including the unlawful war against Iran, disastrous tariff strategies that have caused significant inflation, and an impotent Republican Party that has failed to rein in the authoritarian proclivities of the president.
In many ways, yesterday’s Democratic victories clearly articulated the message, “You don’t have the consent of the governed to lead in this manner.”
As one who has lamented the systematic destruction of our democracy over the past two years, I have earnestly prayed and fasted for this needed recalibration. I am encouraged by the millions who exercised their constitutional right and duty to vote and make a difference in the American political system.
The months ahead will be challenging for this new era of divided government. Democratic leaders will need to devise bold strategies to hold those in the current administration accountable, address inflation, end the expensive war in Iran, reassert control over tariffs, rein in ICE, and address a myriad of other problems in society. This won’t be easy, and the path to improvement will be slow but deliberate.
Pray for our elected leaders, that God would give them great wisdom, courage, and tenacity to lead this country in a new direction where all citizens can flourish together.
This comports well with the apostle Paul’s words to his young protégé Timothy:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (First Timothy 2:1–4).
Keep praying and working for this continued recalibration. The journey will be long and hard, but restoring our democracy is worth the struggle.
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Donald E. Williams is a United Methodist pastor and Duke University graduate. He completed his doctorate at Duke University in 2022 and is the author of An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Aristotelian Eudaimonia and Christian Discipleship: A Thomistic Perspective, Wipf and Stock Publishers. His website is https://www.virtuespromise.com/.
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