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Democracy in Action: February Retrospective

Opinion

Democracy in Action: February Retrospective

Calendar page February of the year 2025 white color in meeting room in office.

Getty Images//Midnight Studio

Welcome to Democracy In Action, insights and discussion about some of the most talked-about topics of the previous month with Fulcrum collaborators.

Consistent with the Fulcrum's mission, this program strives to share many perspectives to widen our readers' viewpoints.


There is, as always, so much to talk about…including President Trump and V-P JD Vance are accused of ambushing Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, Elon Musk leading an assault on USAID, and Linda McMahon being confirmed as secretary of education.

Joining us to discuss these topics and more are:

Doris Maldonado Mendez, a member of the Connecticut Mirror’s Community Editorial Board.

Dr. Ulcca Joshi Hansen, a futurist and the author of the award-winning book The Future of Smart. Her research and writing focus on bridging cultural and ideological divides during periods of rapid social change.

Seth David Radwell, author of “American Schism: How the Two Enlightenments Hold the Secret to Healing our Nation” and he serves on the Advisory Councils at Business for America, RepresentUs, and The Grand Bargain Project.

I am the executive editor of the Fulcrum and a board member of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, the parent organization of The Fulcrum. He is the publisher of the Latino News Network and a trainer with the Solutions Journalism Network.

We began the conversation with President Trump’s threat to shut down the Department of Education.

- YouTubeyoutu.be

Check out:

Project 2025: Department of Education

DEI programs are essential to tackle systemic barriers

Americans may have voted to dismantle government, but they must not leave their children behind


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The Tone of Our Country Has Changed — And Americans Can See and Feel It Everywhere

A close-up view of an American flag centerpiece on a patio table, symbolizing patriotism and community spirit.

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The Tone of Our Country Has Changed — And Americans Can See and Feel It Everywhere

Saturday, after a movie theater visit with my grandsons, we stopped in for a simple meal at a sandwich shop. We were the only customers. The young man at the register looked irritated the moment I approached. When I asked about a turkey sub, he smirked and pointed at the menu board without saying a word. When I asked whether the sandwich could be made without bacon, he stared at me with a look I won’t forget—dismissive, superior, unbothered. What concerned me even more was watching him move a few feet from the register and hover over the two young women preparing sandwiches—no gloves, no apron, no hair net, no handwashing. The sanitary issues, combined with the smirk and stare, made me uncomfortable.

I spent years in human relations and professional development, conducting sessions, training school teams, and supporting administrators as they observed classrooms and provided feedback to teachers. One of the most important concepts I taught was feeling tone—the emotional climate you sense the moment you walk into a classroom or a school building. Was it warm, safe, and welcoming? Was it conducive to learning, motivation, and the retention and transfer of knowledge? Or did it feel tense, cold, or indifferent?

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woman with US American flag on her shoulders
Photo by Josh Johnson on Unsplash

A Love Letter to All Americans

My fellow American,

You may feel weary right now about the condition of our country.

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