Charlottesville Rally Sends Message: We Will Not Let Our Democracy Be Destroyed
Charlottesville, VA – On Saturday, September 16, 2023, hundreds of people gathered in Charlottesville, Virginia, to rally against threats to democracy. The rally was organized by a coalition of local groups, including the Indivisible Charlottesville Area, the Sierra Club, and the NAACP.
The rally was held on the second anniversary of the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, which was organized by white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups. The Unite the Right rally ended in violence, with one counter-protester killed and dozens of others injured.
The speakers at the rally on Saturday warned that the threats to democracy in the United States are still very real. They pointed to the January 6th attack on the US Capitol, the ongoing efforts to suppress voter turnout, and the attacks on reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights as evidence of the threat.
“We have to pay attention,” said Kirk Bowers, who chairs the conservation committee of the local chapter of the Sierra Club. “We have to stand up and fight for our democracy.”
Other speakers at the rally included:
Dr. Jalane Schmidt, a professor of history at the University of Virginia
Tracie Gantz, the president of the NAACP Charlottesville/Albemarle Branch
Rabbi Levi Shemtov, the director of Chabad of Central Virginia
Dr. Michael Signer, the former mayor of Charlottesville
The rally ended with a march through downtown Charlottesville. The marchers chanted slogans such as “Protect our democracy!” and “No hate! No fear!”
The rally in Charlottesville was just one of many events that were held across the country on Saturday to mark the second anniversary of the Unite the Right rally. Other events were held in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
The rallies come at a time when the United States is facing a number of challenges to its democracy. The January 6th attack on the US Capitol was a direct attack on the democratic process. The ongoing efforts to suppress voter turnout are aimed at disenfranchising marginalized communities. And the attacks on reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights are an attempt to roll back important civil rights gains.
The rallies on Saturday were a reminder that the fight for democracy is never over. It is important to be vigilant and to stand up against all attempts to weaken our democracy.
Threats to democracy in the United States
The following are some of the key threats to democracy in the United States today:
Voter suppression: Voter suppression is the systematic effort to make it more difficult for people to vote. This can be done through a variety of means, such as passing restrictive voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and closing polling places in minority communities.
Misinformation and disinformation: Misinformation and disinformation are false or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive people. Misinformation and disinformation can be used to undermine trust in democratic institutions and to sow discord among the public.
Attacks on the rule of law: The rule of law is the principle that everyone is subject to the law, including those in power. Attacks on the rule of law can include efforts to interfere with the independence of the judiciary, to pardon criminals who are allies of those in power, and to obstruct justice.
Political polarization: Political polarization is the increasing division of the public into two opposing camps. Political polarization can make it difficult to find common ground and to compromise.
Electoral interference: Electoral interference is any attempt to influence the outcome of an election through illegal or unethical means. Electoral interference can include foreign interference, hacking, and voter suppression.
What can be done to protect democracy in the United States?
There are a number of things that can be done to protect democracy in the United States, including:
Support voting rights organizations: Voting rights organizations are working to make it easier for everyone to vote. You can support their work by donating money or volunteering your time.
Register to vote and vote in every election: Every vote matters. Make sure you are registered to vote and that you vote in every election, from local elections to national elections.
Stay informed: It is important to stay informed about the issues facing our democracy. Read news from a variety of sources and listen to different perspectives.
Get involved in your community: There are many ways to get involved in your community and make a difference. You can volunteer for a local organization, attend city council meetings, or contact your elected officials.
Support strong democratic institutions: Support strong democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, the free press, and the independent election administration.