In 1853 a Frenchman named Alexis De Tocqueville published a book entitled “Democracy in America.” Following the French Revolution he traveled to the US and all across the US as it existed then to discover the evolution of democracy. Something our French Allies were in particular very interested in, as of course they were embarking on their own burgeoning democracy, which was a far cry from the centuries of Monarchy they’d lived through before.
I was a Political Science major in college. I studied it because I love politics and government and law. So of course I have read Alexis De Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America” several times. And there is much to be learned in the admiration of our early citizenry but the one portion of the book that has always stood out to me, and has honestly shaped my life is the portion about civil society, and guilds.
De Tocqueville was deeply fascinated by the number of civic groups in early America. Our laborers met in groups, our politicians, and faith leaders. Communities, all across the Nation. He viewed these civic groups as essential to the success of democracy. A true sort of fantasy of the Ancient Greek acropolis…people, gathered having discussions who would go on to maybe lead, but certainly would wield influence on the nation.
This portion of his book has always stood out to me. When I was in politics in the boring years and when I have thought about politics and a functioning healthy democracy I have always come back to communities. I’ve seen divergent peoples come together around a salient issue and change policy. I’ve seen people band together and enrich their lives and feel relieved that they are not alone. I’ve seen people stand up and use their voices because they had a community behind them that was there for them in thick or thin. I am inspired by the power of a community.
There is a lot more to be said about de Tocqueville and the obvious inequalities of Early America so scholars and naysayer don’t come at me about this right now. I think it’s more productive to appreciate the message than to pick apart the cultural norms and failings of people who lived centuries ago. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.
Why? Why Margo why are we diving into “Democracy in America” today? Because a very serious Election Cycle is upon us and every single one of us knows it. We won’t know the exact results for some time but, the most likely immediate result will be that 1/2 of us will be vacillating between joy and sorrow until the official counts are in. And after the official count comes in, it will take some time for half of us to be okay with the results.
I believe very strongly that our various communities will help guide us through these stressful times.
I have never promoted my barn and our boarders as “Family” I have always promoted our barn and the guiding philosophy of my barn as a “community.” Because I expect and respect diversity of opinions not just politically, but in the ways horse people are divided into camps. Western vs. English. Competitive vs. Recreational. Warmbloods vs. Rescues. Adult amateurs vs. Youth Riders. Champagne Budgets vs. Beer Budgets. It has always been my hope, my dream that our barn can make a community of all. That at our barn people would come to find common ground in the love of the horse, the love of the sports and learn to respect one another.
I have in fact emblazoned our indoor arena wall with the Golden Rule “Treat other riders as you would like to be treated.” I mean it. And its amazing because our people are not without dramas and clashes of personality but for the most part we are a community. A community that can respect differences in training styles, age, political affiliation and all the other things that separate us.
Lincoln Equestrian Center is a place where people come together to follow their passions. To challenge themselves to be better. To keep their dreams alive. Our community supports goals, hope and growth. We are here for each other through hard times and we celebrate the good things. Our barn is the best of our country, every day.
And I hope it stays this way on November 6th all the way into 2025 and beyond. In hard times and stressful times we need to nestle ourselves into our groups and have places where we can feel safe and okay. I implore all of you to vote and be active participants in our Democracy. And I implore you all to be active participants in your respective communities, be you a part of ours or not. Because those groups are influential and community is important. Far more important to your day to day life and happiness than a person who works in a misshapen office.
Yes, this election is important and there is a lot on the line. Your people will be there for you, and those people do not have to legally tell you that they approve of this message. Hopefully even if they voted for the other person they can still cheer you on when you’ve had a great ride. Can still compliment you on your ROOTD. Still say excuse me and ask if you are finished with the crossties and exemplify the civility, friendships and support of one another that truly is the greatness of this nation.