Concord has a role to play in achieving concord.

by Diane Proctor

The word concord means a state of agreement or harmony. The name Concord stands, across this nation, for 1775 and a brave determination to challenge corrupt authority in order to win commonly held principles. Initially, these definitions can seem contradictory: to establish harmony, discord may occur. Let us pray that after the year we have all suffered no further anguish will disrupt us. 

However, while the concerns of early Concordians were different than ours, today many citizens are concerned that our collective values may be challenged in November. The Boston Globe recently published the following broadside:

“We have followed recent developments in the United States with increasing alarm as we see sign after sign that our own democracy is at risk. We must not lull ourselves into the happy fiction that American democracy is invincible. It is not. It is eroding before our eyes, and we must act now to prevent it from collapsing.” 

Boston Globe, Oct. 21, 2020

What are our collective values around a fair vote? What are the principles central to the rule of law? At the very least: 

1.  All votes must be counted, without interference or intimidation. This is important before, during, and after the election.
2. Incidents of fraud, voter suppression, or other election irregularities must be investigated impartially and remedied as appropriate.
3. The true election results must be respected, regardless of who wins. 

If, as David Brooks has warned, we must take to the streets to preserve democracy, then we must be prepared to do so peacefully, safely, and effectively. None of us wants to find ourselves in a crowd—even masked—given Covid. We are collectively exhausted from too much turmoil over the last four years, yet we cannot let weariness or anxiety lead to acquiescence.  

Organizations across the country are working to create a united, positive front under the aegis of Protect The Results.

We will, in all probability, not know the results of the election on November 3. Indeed, it may be many days before the results are clear. Barring a landslide, accusations of voter fraud, challenges in the courts, and threats from extremists may occur. During this potentially turbulent time, we can express our concerns by joining others on November 4—in a national cry to protect the vote—by heading to the Old North Bridge at 1:00 to celebrate our commitment to democracy, decency, and peace (register to receive updates).

Preserving democracy is more important than any individual candidate. This fundamental principle is the same regardless of party allegiance. We must call on our collective reserves and remember, individually, why we each cherish fairness and democracy. There will be many ways to express our commitment to these principles. As strategies emerge, the good will and optimism at the heart of every decently held conviction must prevail.

We must rally our better angels. Concordians can collectively establish concord, and make this world safe for democracy once again.