The United Nations did. An event was held at UN headquarters in New York City yesterday to mark the 18th annual International Day of Democracy, highlighting how democratic participation can be transformed “From Voice to Action.” [un.org]

The UN website described the program as follows:

“In a time of shrinking civic space and rising disinformation, building trust, dialogue, and shared decision-making is more urgent than ever. Rooted in the principle of ‘We the Peoples,’ this event aims to show democracy as a living force for agency, hope, and cooperation.” [Id.]

Noble words in an increasingly ignoble world. But did anyone outside of the UN hear them? Where were the celebrations, the hoopla, the recognition that we give to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Eat-an-Extra-Dessert-Day? (That last one was on September 4th — sorry you missed it.)

Most people probably haven’t heard of the International Day of Democracy; I confess that I hadn’t, until I happened to look at my online list of holidays yesterday (calendarr.com). And that is a sad commentary on the state of our world, at a time when democracy itself is at peril of being consigned to the trash heap of history.

It scares me, it angers me, and it makes me indescribably sad. How can we have allowed things to reach this stage?

And what can we do to stop its progression?

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
9/16/25