By James Jimenez
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the New Year and you are now almost a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Amazing, when you think of it in those terms.
1925 was a massive year, in terms of cultural, scientific, and political events around the globe – it saw the birth of television technology in London, the emergence of a new kind of physics in a German periodical, and the opening speech of a dictatorship in Italy. 2025, in that it is an election year for us, will be no less momentous.
But it isn’t here yet, and in order to better prepare for it – and the National and Local Elections happening in May – let’s add a few more items to our list of democratic new year’s resolutions for 2025.
Where it started
Last Monday, I shared five resolutions: we resolved to encourage civil education, and fight more fiercely against misinformation; and we also committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in representation, strengthening voters’ rights, and participating more in local governance.
But we can do more than that.
Resolution No. 6: Support Press Freedom
Admittedly, we have some of the free-est media in Asia, but this does not mean that they are completely free of pressure points which can be used to stifle a free and independent press. Libel laws are routinely used to try to squelch reporting deemed to be inconvenient or uncomfortable for some people; money continues to be a lever that can be pulled; and fear – backed up by just enough deaths to make the threat credible – persists.
As consumers of the news, there is little we can do. But those who have it in their power should resolve to ramp up the protection of journalists, the promotion of ethical journalism, and the preservation of public access to credible information sources.
As for the “little we can do?” We can patronize news outlets that remain teology rue to their journalistic mission, and reject those that have transformed themselves into mouthpieces for this politician or that; for one ideology or another; for propaganda, rather than news.
Resolution No. 7: Foster Conversation Across Divides
After the 2016 elections, lots of friendships were ended. Many more were called quits at the after 2022. All because people could not abide political disagreements. We have not gotten stronger because we have mistakenly labeled “enemies” people who simply believed differently from us. Now, as we come up to 2025, it looks like we are making the same mistake.
Early in 2024, when the ruling coalition started to show cracks, its adherents haughtily declared it a squabble among victors, and counseled the defeated to stay out of it. Now that the coalition has fallen apart, there is a mad rush to form new alliances, even with former opponents, sometimes with funny rationalizations for what would amount to a virtual turnabout.
Nevertheless, now is not the time to stubbornly cling to old divides; rather it is the time to talk across these divides. Let us resolve to try to find points to agree on, so that the interests of the nation may be better served.
Resolution No. 8: Hold Leaders Accountable
We are in the season of accountability, and it is critical to our democracy’s integrity, that we do not lose steam half-way through it. Watch public hearings when you can, and resolve to take away from that, enough knowledge and understanding of the issues that you cannot be misled by those who would benefit from your lack of comprehension. Educate others, and share your insights. With the elections coming up, voters need to form their opinions about the candidates – beyond the manufactured images being spoon-fed to you.
Resolution No. 9: Evangelize for Climate Action
Climate emergency is real. Freak storms and floods are no longer outliers, but crushingly casual occurrences. We need to resolve to vote climate action into office – choose candidates who have a clear plan for addressing the climate crisis; support leaders who are committed to environmental stewardship; and to do our part in protecting our environment, even if that part is as simple as hanging on to a piece of trash rather than carelessly tossing it aside.
Resolution No. 10: Volunteer
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said a thousand times; and I will say a hundred thousand times more.
Time and effort are powerful tools for democratic progress – when you invest either or both in the democratic process, you are strengthening the fabric of democracy, and deepening its roots in our society. And this, more than anything else, we need right now.
Opportunity
The New Year offers an opportunity to reflect on democracy’s challenges and aspirations; the fact that we stand on the cusp of a major elections only drives the point home harder.
By embracing our Democratic New Year’s Resolutions, we not only honor the principles of democracy but actively participate in shaping its future. In doing so, we can ensure that democracy remains a dynamic and resilient force for collective progress in the years to come. Happy New Year!
