Hi Friend, Five years before becoming president, then-Senator John F. Kennedy published the book Profiles in Courage. In it, he wrote, “Today the challenge of political courage looms larger than ever before.” Sixty-six years later, this sentiment still rings true — possibly more so than it did when it first went to print. In 1956, there were fewer than 10 senators who were willing to break the party line and place country over party. Today, we see a very similar scenario playing out. However, there is a silver lining — thanks to the courage of a few brave politicians, others are beginning to follow in their footsteps. And moreover, the election reforms making headway in states across the country have the power to rewire our broken political system to ensure that when elected leaders put country and voters first, they’re rewarded, not punished. Leaders like former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger did both: bucking his party to ensure stronger democracy in his efforts to pass landmark reform over a decade ago — but more on that below. Keeping courage in mind, here are three things to think about this week: |
