The American Dream is a work in progress. The deliberations of our legislatures, our courts and our executives are built on a foundation laid by those who came before. We forever add to renovate and reshape the architecture that expresses our national beliefs, hopes and even fears. This was not the intent of those who laid our foundations.
Democracy is meant to be more like an old-fashioned barn raising with all hands taking part.
We must use the vote to keep this structure from collapse. We are, right now, in a season of barn raising. The debates of Democratic and Republican candidates for president are our chance to view competing blueprints for America. So pay close attention and demand that these would-be architects share their vision as closely with all of us as they have in early primary states like New Hampshire and South Carolina. Copyright 2000, CBS Worldwide Inc., All Rights Reserved.