As America turns 250, Waltham can renew democracy at home

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, many folks are speaking anxiously about where we are as a nation and as a city. People say the American Dream feels out of reach, and some say that of Waltham specifically. I wonder if that is true or is it that we have gradually lost touch with the everyday habits that keep democracy working? A recent NBC News poll highlights this anxiety: The vast majority of Americans believe we aren’t taught enough about how our democracy functions.

To find our footing, we must look to our foundational principles. While our national identity values individual freedom, our greatest achievements have always relied on a deep commitment to the common good. We see this legacy in Waltham. As the birthplace of the American industrial revolution, our city is a vital hub because generations of neighbors invested in shared infrastructure — our roads, public schools, safety systems and parks.

Building a community requires active civic participation. When I taught U.S. history and government, I always reminded my students that the rules of our democratic republic provide the guardrails, while the voice of the people drives us forward. Today, as national partisan rifts grow, it is crucial that we don’t let them cause a disconnect in our communities. 

We can start right here by focusing on a few practical approaches in our local civic life:

• Choose compromise over comfort: Recognize that political solutions aren’t set in stone. We build them through experimentation to find what’s best for Waltham.
• See our rules as tools: Our city charter and ordinances aren’t rigid obstacles, but adaptable frameworks for solving challenges.
• View neighbors as partners: Remember that our neighbors are co-creators in building Waltham, and genuine compromise is how we combine competing ideas to solve problems.

How do we put these ideals into practice on our 250th anniversary?

• Invite a neighbor with a different viewpoint to have coffee with you and find out what goals you share.
• Attend a city council hearing or watch a meeting on WCAC-TV.
• Review the Waltham City Charter online to learn about our city’s government structure.
• Write a constructive comment or letter to the editor to the Waltham Times.

Our governing tone isn’t set by elected officials. It is shaped at our own kitchen tables. When we show up, listen and act locally, we reinforce our civic foundation together. Active participation is how we reclaim the everyday habits of democracy and keep our community vibrant.