News organizations unite on U.S. Democracy Day to help protect a democracy under attack.
This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.
There were a few simple lawn signs on the front yard of a home in Merced.
One stated: “Vote like Democracy Depends on it. It does.”
Another read: “It’s your voice! Vote!”
The political divides run even deeper.
In contrast to those signs, there are others about Making America Great Again. Or saying to back a certain candidate and f--- your feelings.
In a March poll by the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, 81% of respondents said they believe democracy in America is being threatened.
The threats they cited included Donald Trump, MAGA Republicans, major news organizations and social media.
Anyone watching the recent presidential debate between Trump and Kamala Harris mightagree, depending on their political leanings.
And this is why I am writing, to bring attention to U.S. Democracy Day. On Sept. 15, news organizations come together to sound the alarm about the threats to democracy.
Threats thrive in darkness. That’s where rumor, misinformation and disinformation gather strength.
By shedding light on the big uglies out there, we have the opportunity to defeat them.
Democracy here has always been under threat, ever since July 4, 1776, when the nation claimed its independence.
Initially, voting rights went to white male landowners, a small portion of America.
That’s just a reflection of the complicated relationship the U.S. has had with itself and its inhabitants.
The country wanted its freedom from the rule of England but enslaved others.
Later, people migrated to the seemingly unclaimed territories of the West to seek their own destiny. But in doing so, they devastated Native Americans in the process.
And even as some gained their freedom, there remained strong opposition to allow others to do the same.
And those being disadvantaged would not go away.
Even today, we battle voter suppression.
We always have lived in a teetering alliance with ourselves.
What we do as a news organization to help is provide readers with information.
This is why we have added a civics and democracy reporter at The Modesto Bee. Kathleen Quinn will cover that topic in Stanislaus County.
This is why Alma Villegas of The Merced Sun-Star will be writing stories that hold government accountable in Merced County.
This is why Erik Galicia at The Fresno Bee is working on a collaborative project about a Latino Republican who supports Donald Trump for president.
All three reporters have joined McClatchy as part of the state’s Local News Fellowship program, the state-funded initiative that puts journalists in newsrooms to cover local news.
Kathleen, Alma and Erik are among more than 70 state-funded journalists devoted to independent local news.
They will live and work full-time for two years in their respective communities, gaining newsroom experience, training and mentorship while generating local news for readers.
Kathleen and Alma joined their news sites just last week.
Erik, who is in his second year at The Fresno Bee, has written extensively about Madera County, stories ranging from Valley Children’s Hospital to homelessness to transportation of farmworkers.
Kathleen is a graduate of UC Davis and has a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley.
Alma is a graduate of San Francisco State and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in Latina/o studies.
This program helps news organizations provide additional coverage for readers.
It is because we live in a democratic society that we can express our voice, question authority and offer differing opinions.
At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the podium after finishing first and third in the 200 meters, wearing black socks and no shoes to represent Black poverty. With heads bowed, they raised black-gloved fists in protest as the national anthem played.
There was a cost for Smith and Carlos: death threats, economic hardship.
And then came the acceptance and appreciation that can come with time and perspective: They received the highest honor from the university they attended: San José State. They have received the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
And a statue of that iconic moment stands at San José State.
Our democracy will continue to be imperfect. But as we observe Democracy Day, do your part to protect it.
Be informed and vote.
