This weekend an extraordinary event occurred. It is estimated that over 7 million people participated in an expression 
of democracy marching in the streets all across the country. People are saying that it was one of, if not the largest event of its kind in the history or our country. If that is correct, it is likely that the events of the day will be documented in textbooks or wherever history is preserved in the future.
Coachable Moment
We know that “great moments are born from great opportunity”; so this opportunity was clearly what I call a “coachable moment’. Like a basketball practice, we pause for a moment to reflect on what happened; then help our players (our children) understand what to do when that moment arises again. We look past the personalities of the moment. The issues at hand this week were not as important as the process itself. As Americans we can (and will) disagree about issues as long as this country is viable. The most important thing is that we are able to express our own opinions so long as we do not trample on the rights of others. We are allowed to stand up for what we believe. The foundation of our society is being informed and participating in the process. Those concepts will allow us to survive as a democracy.
Promise for the Future
If that is the promise for our future, shouldn’t we be talking to our children about how freedom of expression should work? Shouldn’t this historical event be a topic of conversation this week around the dinner table, when walking the dog, or on the car ride to soccer practice? Isn’t the idea that we can gather to express our opinions a lesson for the backpacks? Regardless of our opinions? Shouldn’t we being telling our children how to honor the process?
This weekend there were people all over the country of all ages, genders, races, religions and cultural backgrounds who took to the streets to exercise their right to express their opinions. The personal circumstances that brought them out may have been diverse, but the thing they had in common was their belief that they could speak out peacefully without repercussions. As best as I could see, among the 7-8 million folks who participated, all but a very few did just that. And for all those millions who marched, sang and chanted peacefully; there were no repercussions from the local governments for those actions. To me, it was a picture of how democracy should work. A picture we should be describing to our children. That’s how we should hope they will carry forth the legacy of this country.
All That Once Was Good
Most who read this know I like baseball, and I am a long time Cubs fan. On the preceding Saturday, I went to Milwaukee to attend the fifth and deciding game of the playoffs between the Brewers and the Cubs. (the crowd looked strikingly similar to the one gathered in the streets a week later) Proudly wearing my Cubs hat and with seats in the very last row, I had the opportunity to pass by many fans who were rooting for the home team. To my delight (and relief) no one confronted me or made negative comments throughout the game. Some good natured “back and forth” occurred as home runs were hit by both teams; but I heard no profanity directed at me or others in the stands who wore the red and blue colors from Chicago’s north side. To their credit, devoted Brewers fans recognized our right to come and cheer for our team, too.
At the end of the game, as I followed the crowd out of the stadium, a teenager extended his hand and said “nice game”. I responded, “I hope to see you next year.” We exchanged smiles and nods of respect. Just a game of baseball. No real importance in the broader scheme of things. But a reminder that we all are neighbors. We can root for the team of our choice. Like voting in elections, we participate, then respect the outcome until we vote again. In the meantime, we don’t stay home; we wear our hats and come to the stadium to make our voices heard. “Baseball reminds us of all that once was good and it could be again.” Field of Dreams.
What Do We Do?
Maybe our kids have learned about democracy in school. Maybe they have had discussions about the freedom of speech and the freedom to assemble. Maybe they have been told about the responsibility to participate. But memories fade. Maybe, like baseball, we need a little “spring training” to revisit the fundamentals. Maybe hearing from fathers the passion for our country and for our democracy will be impactful and lasting. In Be There Dad, we talked about the necessity of defining reality for our children. Participating in democracy, speaking freely is a part of our reality. Understanding how democracy works is the first step. That lesson needs to be in everyone’s backpack. So, when the bases are loaded in the bottom of the ninth and the pressure is on; in that moment, they don’t ask, “what do we do?”
Journey for a Lifetime
Reminding our children of the basics is a responsibility that will guide them into the future. I saw two quotes 
recently that brought that responsibility into focus. The first: “Someone asked me why I still do so much for my grown children. My answer was simple: because being their parent is not a phase – it is a lifetime promise, one I will keep until my very last breath.” And the other, “To my children: never make fun of having to help me with computer stuff. I taught you how to use a spoon.”
My hope is if we teach our children the fundamentals that bind us together, they will some day help us resolve the complex issues that threaten to pull us apart.
