John,

On this day, back in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was leaving the Constitutional Convention and was asked what type of government they had formed. He responded:

"A Republic, if you can keep it."

An astute reader will recognize this story from their high school history class – or possibly from a previous email I have sent on the dismal state of our nation's civic health. I love this story because of its honesty, and its wisdom. To that point, a democratic republic like ours had never existed, and all previous attempts at representative government had failed or were irredeemably tied to the rights of nobility.

If you can keep it.

Franklin knew what he was talking about when he added that modifier. And the words have never rung so true.

From my time in Congress through to today, I've had a front-row seat to the declining political discourse in our country. The temperature of our politics has ratcheted up and the expectations of violence have grown. But now, decisions that should be held up as the sacred choice of voters, are being eroded by insurrectionists who storm the halls of Congress and lone gunmen who crouch in bushes.

Protecting our democracy and reinvigorating our civic health are key to our future. But the only way to do either is to participate and manifest the "you can" that Benjamin Franklin imagined. When we all take part in the democratic process — voting, running for office, writing to our members of Congress — we are building on and reinforcing the great republic that previous generations of Americans gave to us.

Not only is today the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's prescient quote, but it's also National Voter Registration Day. So, if you recognize the threat of toxic partisanship and want to strengthen our democracy, check your registration. And if you or your friends aren't registered to vote, register today!

CHECK VOTER REGISTRATION

REGISTER TO VOTE

We're only weeks away from Election Day and it's our responsibility to participate and cast our well-considered vote, John. We are lucky to have a democratic-republic, and it's our responsibility to keep it.

Thank you for your support and for participating in our democratic process.

Denny