It’s an omen, a sign, and a warning. History is repeating itself because we’re failing to remember lessons about democracy. Benjamin Franklin wisely noted that the new nation was “a republic, if you can keep it.” From what he knew of history and could see for himself, the challenge that lay ahead was both daunting and aspirational. From what we know about history and from what we can see for ourselves across the world on television, the internet, and social media, the challenges that lie ahead of us cannot be taken lightly, and we cannot remain complacent.

The siege against Israel, Jews, and Zionism are all the proverbial canaries in the coal mine. Every historian and keen observer understands that rising antisemitism is never the end of the story. When cities burn in France, Spain, and Italy, there are problems that only begin with antisemitism and almost always end with reshaping political boundaries and relationships.

What lessons do we want to learn from the last century and what lessons do we want to model for generations in the future? Unlike years ago, when monarchies and fascists ruled Europe, the choice is actually in our hands in every democratic nation and free republic. Unfortunately, the polarized landscape between the far left and far right have left most voters confused. The possibility that there are only two sides to choose from means that one is right and the other is wrong, or one is for us and the other is for them. Both options are unacceptable. Nuance is not weakness and gray areas are not blurry.

In her book, Dare to Lead (Random House, 2018), Brené Brown explains that “leadership is the ability to thrive in the ambiguity of paradoxes and opposites.” Weak thinkers back themselves up against a wall of their own opinions and conclusions. Strong thinkers seek spaces where all ideas can be addressed with intellect and creativity. Leaders emerge from there to share results that reflect new ideas and ways forward for the majority without neglecting the minority. We all thrive. The people triumph, together, and nations move on from weakness to strength.

The model fits nearly every political and national crisis we can observe around the world, beginning at home. There’s nothing less intellectual or creative than the polarized left and right in America. In their own spaces they revel and in their opponent’s spaces they gag. It’s childish and dangerous. Only the best of them could possibly reach into the middle and identify what this country means to generations past and present, and what our legacy to the future should be. The most unselfish question they should be asking is, “What is in the best interest of America?” But the first rule of engagement with each other would have to be that nobody should be denied their “unalienable rights” as Americans, and everyone who wants to participate in the American dream should have a legal and humane way to enter.

The rest of the rules of engagement should build from there until reasonable people model for each other and then for the nation what America can still become. It’s difficult work and it should be. Maintaining the principles of our nation and its mission was never supposed to be easy, and because of the high price we place on our liberty and freedom, it should also not be given away for free or sold to the highest bidder.

As early voting begins, I can tell you that the line was long, but after 45 minutes, I submitted my ballot and wore my “I voted” sticker with a renewed American spirit. It is, after all, a great nation and a remarkable republic, if we can keep it.

L’Shalom,