Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

Fifty years later, I'm still a dreamer

Fifty years later, I'm still a dreamer

The American tragedy of the Trump assassination attempt

Getty Images

Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.

When I was a young man, I thought our country was more divided than it had ever been and couldn’t possibly get worse.

I was a young teen when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and a college student in 1968 when Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy were senselessly assassinated. I witnessed the near-fatal shooting that almost ended the life of President Ronald Reagan just three months into his first term in 1981.

And now the attempt on former President Donald Trump's life in 2024.


Despite these futile and senseless acts of violence, I still have hope in a higher consciousness that will help us rise above it all.

My hope endures despite the conflict profiteers who thrive by sowing disinformation, outrage, and hate on social media, and the politicians who feed into our division with violent rhetoric.

Our divide is amplified because we live in silos, separated from each other based on what side of the political aisle we are on. Most of us watch the news station that fits the narrative we want to believe. We prefer to make accusations, innuendos, or spew misinformation instead of living into a higher standard of discourse and mutual understanding. Instead of being kind, we choose to feel superior in our tribe.

Yet despite it all, I have faith in America and that we can come together.

In troubled times in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s and today I often turn to music for the solace I need. It serves as the strongest form of soothing magic for me.

In 1970, the words for “ Bridge Over Troubled Wate r” by Simon and Garfunkel provided the solace I needed:

I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

In the same year, “ Let it Be ” calmed my soul as John Lennon and Paul McCartney sang:

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be. Yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

More than 50 years have passed, and once again our nation is being tested. We, the citizens, are being called to be better. The next few months leading up to the election will be a trying time for us all and the call to come together rings loudly once again. Together, we cannot fail.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” And today, I hope that “ you will join us.”

So heed the words. Let’s sing out loudly that “ We Are the World ” and must come together as one:

There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
Oh, and it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can't go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me

Read More

RCV Momentum, Young Voters, and Faster Runoffs

RCV Momentum, Young Voters, and Faster Runoffs

RCV Momentum, Young Voters, and Faster Runoffs - This Week’s Expand Democracy 5

Welcome to the latest edition of The Expand Democracy 5. From Rob Ritchie, with Eveline Dowling’s help, we explore five ways democracy is evolving—locally, nationally, and globally. Today's stories include:

🌟 Future of RCV is Bright - Energy & trends favor voter choice

Keep ReadingShow less
Memorial Day 2025

Credit: The White House

Memorial Day Tribute 2025

Memorial Day 2025

This year is significant for several military anniversaries: it marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps; the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II; the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War; and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

On Memorial Day, President Donald Trump is expected to visit Arlington National Cemetery. This location is the final resting place for over 400,000 individuals who served and lost their lives while protecting their country.

Keep ReadingShow less
Third Parties, First Principles: Reshaping Democracy One Reform at a Time

Third Parties, First Principles: Reshaping Democracy One Reform at a Time

Primaries, Preferences, and Participation  — This Week’s Expand Democracy 5

Welcome to the newest edition of The Expand Democracy 5! With Rob Richie’s help (from his journey along the Appalachian Trail!), Eveline Dowling explores: (1) parties and polarization in elections in the UK and Australia; (2) open primaries in the United States; (3) bipartisan views on environmental issues; (4) addressing the voting needs of military families; and (5) this week’s timely links.

In keeping with The Fulcrum’s mission to share ideas that help to repair our democracy and make it live and work in our everyday lives, we intend to publish The Expand Democracy 5 in The Fulcrum each Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranked Choice, Press Freedom & Legislative Power — This Week’s Expand Democracy 5

Ranked Choice, Press Freedom & Legislative Power — This Week’s Expand Democracy 5

Welcome to the latest edition of The Expand Democracy 5 from Rob Richie and Eveline Dowling. This week they delve into: (1) how better elections could empower legislatures; (2) the 2025 World Press Freedom on disturbing trends; (3) better RCV polling in NYC; (4) Bright Line Watch survey on declining democratic health; and (5) the week’s timely links, including to a new free documentary Majority Rules 101.

In keeping with The Fulcrum’s mission to share ideas that help to repair our democracy and make it live and work in our everyday lives, we intend to publish The Expand Democracy 5 in The Fulcrum each Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less