Progress or Paradox: Are We Wiser Than Our Founding Fathers?

“Experience is a dear teacher, but she teaches effectively.” – Benjamin Franklin

Introduction

In an era of technological marvels, global connectivity, and scientific breakthroughs, it’s tempting to believe we’ve outgrown the wisdom of previous generations.

Modern society prides itself on progress – whether in medicine, human rights, or education. But is this progress a true reflection of wisdom, or have we mistaken knowledge for wisdom?

Are we truly wiser than our Founding Fathers, or have we simply exchanged their challenges for new ones?

Despite the lack of tools today, the decisions of those who shaped American democracy still resonate.

Our Founding Fathers had no computers, no internet, no modern medicine – yet their debates and values continue to influence us.

While communication has evolved from quill to keyboard, has our understanding of human nature advanced equally?

Do our modern achievements bring us closer to our Founding Fathers’ vision, or have we strayed further?

Here’s the real question: Have we evolved into a wiser society, or are we caught in new paradoxes?

As we debate issues like the economy, healthcare, social justice, and personal freedoms, we must ask: Are we genuinely progressing, or have we lost sight of the ideals that once guided the nation?

In today’s world of political tension, social movements, and rapid technological change, a few critical questions arise:

Have we built a society that honors liberty, equality, and justice, or have we drifted from those founding ideals?
As our political landscape grows more complex, are we advancing the democratic vision our founders set forth, or facing challenges they couldn’t foresee?
In a world of constant change, how do we balance modern challenges with the enduring wisdom of the past?
Can the principles that guided our Founding Fathers still serve as a reliable compass in today’s political climate, or do we need to redefine our understanding of governance for the 21st century?
Is contemporary society truly progressing, or have we paradoxically drifted away from the wisdom of our Founding Fathers?

This article explores whether our modern advancements align with our Founding Fathers’ vision of a just, free society, or if we now live in a paradox, where progress comes at the cost of their core ideals.

The Measure of Wisdom

“The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.” – Cicero

What does it mean to be truly wise?

Is wisdom simply the accumulation of facts, or is it something deeper – an understanding of human nature, justice, and the future?

As we race forward in a world driven by rapid change, have we lost sight of the timeless truths uncovered by those who came before us?

Our Founding Fathers grappled with profound questions of their time – freedom, governance, equality. These very issues remain at the heart of our most intense political and social debates today.

They built the foundation of democracy in a world fraught with stark inequalities – slavery, and the exclusion of women and minorities.

Yet, with our technology and modern perspectives, we often consider ourselves more enlightened. But is that assumption truly justified?

Wisdom isn’t about knowing more; it’s about knowing better. It’s the ability to apply knowledge with empathy, compassion, and ethical clarity.

Technology may expand our minds, but can it ever replace the human touch – our capacity to connect, to care, and to choose what is right over what is easy?

Have we really moved beyond the moral blind spots of the past, or are we still grappling with the same fundamental issues, albeit in new forms?

In our quest for innovation, have we sacrificed the wisdom of the past for the allure of modern convenience?

Are we braver than those who fought in the Revolutionary War, wiser than those who penned the Declaration of Independence with only quills and ideals?

As we shape the future of our country, we must confront a pressing question: Have we truly become a wiser society, or are we living in a paradox – advancing in some ways, yet straying from the core principles that once defined us?

With the stakes higher than ever, this question is more than academic – it’s urgent.

Historical Context: What Our Founding Fathers’ Knew Anyway?

“The best government is that which governs least.” – Thomas Jefferson

Our Founding Fathers built this nation on principles like liberty, democracy, and checks and balances. But where did they gain the wisdom to shape a new nation?

Can we truly understand America’s founding without examining the deep influence of their religious roots?

Were the values of freedom and equality born out of revolution, or nurtured by the early religious teachings of the Pilgrims and Puritans?

The Pilgrims, who fled England in 1620 seeking religious freedom, aimed to create a society where Christian values guided law and governance.

The Mayflower Compact was one of the first attempts at self-government, rooted in their moral and religious beliefs. So, can we really separate their vision of liberty from the religious principles they grew up with?

How much did this spiritual upbringing influence the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence? Could their approach to governance have been different without the early impact of communities like the Puritans?

Our Founding Fathers were also shaped by the Great Awakening Movement, a religious revival in the 1730s and 1740s that emphasized personal conviction and moral responsibility.

How did this movement shape their views on liberty and governance? And do we still share those values today, or have we moved beyond them?

As we face today’s political and social complexities, we must ask: Have modern advances in knowledge and ethics made us wiser stewards of democracy, or are we still grappling with the same fundamental challenges?

Our Founding Fathers debated issues of freedom and justice in their time. Would their solutions to 18th-century problems hold up in today’s world?

Framing the Constitution was an experiment in balancing power and rights. Have we surpassed their understanding of justice, or are we still wrestling with the same paradoxes?

Our Founding Fathers gave us a strong foundation – democracy, individual rights, and a vision of reasoned debate.

But they weren’t perfect. They lived in a time when women and people of color had no seat at the table. So, are we wiser now simply because we’ve expanded civil rights and embraced a more inclusive society?

On one hand, yes – our progress in expanding equality and civil rights suggests we’ve become wiser. But there’s a paradox.

In the Information Age, knowledge is at our fingertips, yet misinformation and polarization are rampant. Free speech is more protected than ever, but social media often amplifies the loudest, most extreme voices. So, while we have all the tools, are we using them wisely?

Modern society has made remarkable strides – technology, accessible education, and evolving social norms all suggest we’ve grown wiser.

Yet we also face challenges our Founding Fathers could never have imagined: political polarization is at an all-time high, public trust in government is eroding, and inequality persists.

Are these symptoms of progress or signs that we’ve strayed from the Founders’ core ideals? Do these advancements come at the cost of unity and the democratic principles they cherished?

Modern Perspective: Progress or Just Information Overload?

“The only way to produce a superior product is to create superior people.” – Henry Ford

With all our technological advancements, from artificial intelligence (AI) to global connectivity, we live in a world our Founding Fathers could never have imagined.

But does having all this knowledge at our fingertips make us any wiser, or just more distracted?

Education is more accessible than ever, opening doors to critical thinking and innovation. But have we truly built a society grounded in wisdom, or are we still grappling with the same ethical dilemmas of centuries past?

Has our access to knowledge made us more enlightened – or just more opinionated?

We’ve championed social progress, expanding rights, and pushing for equality.

But is this true wisdom, or merely a redefinition of progress that overlooks deeper moral questions?

Have we truly learned from the past, or are we rewriting the rules to fit modern desires?

Technological Advancements: A Double-Edged Sword

“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.”- Albert Einstein

Technology has transformed our world – making life faster, easier, and more connected. But these advancements come with an invisible cost.

Social media connects us globally, but it’s also linked to rising rates of anxiety and depression, especially among young people.
Could it be that in the age of endless information, we’ve lost something more valuable – our sense of well-being?
Children can now communicate across the globe, but does this newfound connectivity expose them to risks our Founding Fathers couldn’t have foreseen?
The spread of fake news and the rise of government surveillance challenges our most basic freedoms. Have we built tools for liberty – or weapons against it?

Challenges and Shortcomings

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.”- Christian Lous Lange

For all our innovations, political polarization is at an all-time high, and trust in government is at an all-time low.

Have we drifted away from the ideals of unity and civic responsibility envisioned by our Founding Fathers?

We’ve moved far beyond their vision of balanced governance. Today, economic inequality grows, social unrest simmers, and institutions are questioned like never before.

Have we failed to uphold their vision of a just and free society, or are we simply facing new challenges they couldn’t have predicted?

In this age of information overload, are we truly wiser, or has the flood of data made us more divided and confused? We have instant communication, but can we communicate without furthering polarization and misinformation?

Technological Progress vs. Moral Stagnation

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”- Socrates

As we climb higher with technology, have we left something crucial behind? Have our ethical and moral principles kept pace with our technological advancements – or have we become more capable of harm but less capable of empathy?

For all our progress, are we morally stuck? Have we built smarter machines but lost the wisdom to use them wisely?

Despite our gadgets and global connections, are we still wrestling with the same age-old questions of justice, equality, and the true meaning of progress?

Democracy: Tested by Time

“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” – Winston Churchill

How has democracy evolved in a world reshaped by technology, shifting social dynamics, and global influence?

Once grounded in face-to-face debates and limited suffrage, today’s democracy faces challenges like digital activism, hyper-connectedness, and unprecedented access to information.

Has this evolution made democracy more inclusive and responsive, or has it opened the door to new threats – polarization, misinformation, and diminishing civic engagement?

As we adapt our political systems to modern realities, are the core principles of democracy – representation, accountability, and equality – still holding strong? Or do they need to be reimagined in light of today’s complexities?

Checks and Balances: Are They Still Working?

“I cannot too often warn you against the evils of party spirit.” – George Washington

Our Founding Fathers designed a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from gaining too much power. But in an era of executive orders, judicial activism, and legislative gridlock, is this system still functioning as intended?

Has modern partisanship weakened these safeguards, or do they remain crucial to preserving democracy? Should we adjust the checks and balances to meet contemporary challenges, or does the system’s resilience prove its enduring strength?

Given today’s political climate, it’s fair to ask: Are these systems still working, or does democracy need a “Software update” to address gridlock and deep divisions?

Capitalism: Still Aligned with Democratic Ideals?

“Those who want to reap the benefits of this great nation must bear the fatigue of supporting it.”- Thomas Paine

How have our economic structures evolved since the time of our Founding Fathers?

Early American capitalism thrived on small-scale entrepreneurship and agrarian economies.

Now, we live in a world of globalized markets, corporate power, and widening income inequality. Has modern capitalism fueled innovation and prosperity, or has it deepened the divide between the haves and the have-nots?

Is today’s capitalism still aligned with democratic ideals, or does it prioritize profits over people? Do we need to adapt it to address modern challenges like wealth concentration, labor rights, and sustainability, or does it remain a crucial engine of progress?

Freedom of Speech: A Digital Double-Edged Sword?

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.”- Patrick Henry

How has the concept of free speech transformed in the digital age? With social media amplifying voices globally, has technology strengthened democratic discourse or created a breeding ground for misinformation and polarization?

Does the unrestricted nature of online speech protect the right to free expression, or does it threaten the quality of public debate, spreading hate and disinformation?

How do we balance the right to free speech with the responsibility to prevent harm? Are traditional legal frameworks enough, or do we need new guidelines for speech in the digital era?

A Living Experiment: Democracy Today

“It is the duty of every man to render to the country the services he is capable of performing.”- Thomas Jefferson

The democratic framework set by our Founding Fathers has endured centuries of change, conflict, and reform. From its inception, democracy has been a living experiment, shaped by evolving social values, technological advances, and political shifts.

But as we face rising polarization, global uncertainties, and shifting power dynamics, we must ask: Has our modern understanding of democracy made it stronger, or are we still grappling with the same vulnerabilities the Founding Fathers sought to address?

Is today’s democracy a testament to progress – or a paradox of ideals?

Comparative Analysis: Progress vs. Paradox

“It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: The music is nothing if the audience is deaf.” – Walter Lippmann

Does having more information make us wiser, or does it simply overwhelm us?

In an era of 24-hour news cycles, social media, and constant access to information, we are flooded with knowledge—but are we any better at making sound, long-term decisions?

Our Founding Fathers had the luxury of time, carefully deliberating over the framework of a nation.

Today, decisions are made at the speed of a tweet, often reactive rather than reflective. Have we lost the wisdom that comes from thoughtful deliberation in this age of immediacy?

Our Founding Fathers envisioned a nation built on liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. While we’ve made significant progress in many areas, modern society still faces challenges that echo those of early America.

Are we truly advancing, or have we traded timeless values for short-term gains?

Points of Progress

Civil Rights: One of the most significant advancements since the founding era is the expansion of civil rights. The abolition of slavery, the civil rights movement, and efforts to reduce racial inequality have reshaped society.
Globalization: The world has become dramatically interconnected. Globalization has facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and technological innovation, improving living standards worldwide.
Scientific Progress: Advances in science and technology have transformed life in ways unimaginable to the Founding Fathers. Medical breakthroughs have extended life expectancy and technological innovations have revolutionized communication and transportation.

Points of Paradox

Threats to Democracy: Despite democratic progress, threats persist. Political polarization, misinformation, and foreign interference in elections challenge the stability of democratic institutions.
Erosion of Civil Liberties: While we continue to value the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, concerns over privacy, surveillance, and free speech have emerged as national security and technology evolve.
Political Division: The Founding Fathers stressed the importance of unity and compromise, yet today’s political gridlock has eroded public trust in government and hindered progress on critical issues.

These paradoxes raise important questions: Has modern society, in its pursuit of progress, overlooked the democratic principles that our Founding Fathers held dear? Are we losing sight of what made democracy resilient?

Shifting Societal Values and Norms

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”— Socrates

Today’s values and norms differ greatly from those during the Founding Fathers’ era. But do these shifts represent genuine progress, or have we strayed from foundational principles that once united the nation?

This question becomes especially relevant when examining evolving attitudes toward gender roles, racial equality, and personal identity.

Our Founding Fathers envisioned a nation rooted in liberty and individual rights. But would they recognize today’s world, where debates about gender, race, and identity dominate the national conversation?

Have we expanded the meaning of “equality,” or have we lost sight of the collective good in our pursuit of personal freedoms?

Progress or Societal Divide?

Gender Roles and Same-Sex Marriage: Once rigid, traditional gender roles have transformed. Same-sex marriage, now widely accepted, would have been unimaginable to early American leaders. Does this evolution reflect progress toward a more inclusive society, or does it signify a broader shift away from deeply rooted traditions?
Abortion: The ongoing debate over abortion rights touches on life and personal liberty. How would our Founding Fathers, who grappled with complex moral dilemmas, view this contentious issue? Has our modern focus on individual autonomy clouded our ability to foster a shared moral compass?
Woke Culture and Critical Race Theory: Movements like “woke culture” and the teaching of Critical Race Theory have sparked national debates about how we understand history and justice.

Are these movements pushing society toward greater awareness of injustice, or are they fostering division?

The Founding Fathers confronted the contradiction of slavery, but would they support today’s emphasis on collective guilt, or would they advocate for unity and reconciliation?

Transgender Issues in Schools: The question of gender identity, particularly among transgender children in schools, challenges our understanding of individual rights and societal responsibility. How do we balance the protection of personal freedoms with the need for stable educational environments?

A Nation in Flux

“The people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.”- James Madison

At the core of these debates lies a critical question: Have shifts in societal values brought us closer to the ideals of liberty and equality, or have they introduced new divisions that our Founding Fathers could not have foreseen?

Progress can be a double-edged sword. While new freedoms are gained, long-standing institutions and shared values may weaken.

As we move forward, we must ask: Are we building on the principles of freedom and justice laid down by our Founding Fathers, or are we creating an entirely new societal framework where traditional values no longer hold sway?

These questions aren’t meant to pass judgment, but to provoke critical thinking about where we stand as a society. Are we truly wiser today, or do we face a paradox where more freedom and information have left us more divided and uncertain about who we are as a nation?

The Decline of Civic Engagement

One area where we may have regressed is civic engagement. Fewer people participate in political processes today than in earlier times. While social media offers new ways to connect, it can also create a false sense of engagement.

This decline in active participation weakens the very fabric of democracy that our Founding Fathers worked so hard to establish.

Alexis de Tocqueville warned in the 1830s of the dangers of declining civic virtue, noting, “The decline of civic virtue is one of the greatest threats to democracy.” His words still resonate today.

A recent Pew Research survey found that trust in government is at an all-time low, with only 20% of Americans expressing confidence in the federal government to do what is right. This erosion of trust—coupled with political polarization—raises concerns about the future of our democratic institutions.

The Information Age and the Illusion of Knowledge

In today’s Information Age, the sheer abundance of data can create a false sense of knowledge and understanding. Just because information is accessible doesn’t mean it’s critically analyzed. In many ways, the modern world resembles a buffet, offering endless choices but little discernment of what is truly valuable.

While there’s much to gain from the abundance of information, it’s also easy to become overwhelmed and less informed in meaningful ways. In a world where speed is prioritized over substance, are we becoming wiser, or simply noisier?

Relevance to the General Election

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”- Abraham Lincoln

As voters prepare for the upcoming election, the ideals of our Founding Fathers remain strikingly relevant. Today’s political platforms frequently invoke the Founders’ vision of freedom, equality, and governance – but the question remains: Are modern movements aligned with the spirit of the nation’s founders, or have we ventured into uncharted territory?

In this election cycle, debates about government power, civil rights, and economic policy mirror the challenges faced by our Founding Fathers. Are we building upon their vision to ensure true progress, or are we repeating the same political and social conflicts they sought to resolve?

Critical Issues Facing Voters Today:

Economic Inequality: Income disparity has grown significantly in recent decades. How do today’s candidates plan to address this issue? Are they ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all, or are the gaps widening between different segments of society?
Inflation and the Cost of Living: Rising inflation is a pressing concern for many voters, with the increased cost of necessities like groceries straining household budgets. Are the candidates proposing solutions that will ease this burden, or are other economic priorities taking precedence? How can we restore stability to the economy and make essential goods more affordable?
- Impact on Groceries: The price of staples like eggs, bread, and fresh produce has soared, hitting low- and middle-income households the hardest. What are the candidates’ plans to combat inflation and ensure that families can afford basic necessities?
- Long-Term Economic Planning: Beyond immediate relief, are candidates proposing long-term strategies to address the root causes of inflation? How do we balance economic growth with the rising costs impacting everyday life?
Healthcare: Access to affordable healthcare remains a critical concern. How would the Founding Fathers view the role of government in ensuring public health? Should healthcare be seen as a fundamental right, or is it an individual responsibility?
Environmental Issues: Environmental concerns, particularly around clean water and sustainability, are some of the most pressing issues of our time. Are we making decisions that prioritize long-term environmental health, or are short-term interests driving policy? How do candidates plan to balance economic growth with environmental protection?
National Security and Privacy: In the digital age, the balance between national security and individual privacy is a growing concern. How can we safeguard the nation from external threats without sacrificing civil liberties? Have we adapted the principles of liberty and security to meet the challenges of the modern world?
Political Polarization: George Washington warned against the dangers of political parties deepening divisions. Today’s political landscape is more polarized than ever. How can we ensure that elected leaders focus on uniting the country rather than deepening divisions? Are we fostering the compromise and collaboration needed for democracy to thrive?

Inflation in Focus:

The rising cost of basic necessities is one of the most visible effects of inflation. Once an affordable staple, the price of eggs has fluctuated dramatically, reflecting deeper instability in supply chains and market dynamics. This inflation doesn’t just impact luxury items—it affects the essentials that people rely on every day.

As voters, we must ask: Are the candidates offering concrete solutions to curb inflation and protect household budgets? Will their economic policies restore the purchasing power of the average citizen, or are they disconnected from the immediate needs of families facing high grocery bills and rising utility costs?

Key Questions for Voters to Consider:

How are the candidates addressing the most critical issues our country faces today?
Are the solutions being proposed rooted in the Founding ideals of freedom, equality, and governance?
Do these policies promote unity, or do they deepen division?
Are we voting for policies that prioritize long-term sustainability for our nation’s economy, environment, and social well-being?

Critical Questions for Readers

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”- George Washington

What values do you prioritize in leadership—visionary progress or a steadfast commitment to foundational principles? As you prepare to cast your vote, consider how each candidate embodies the wisdom of our Founding Fathers while addressing the urgent needs of today’s society.

Your vote is more than just a ballot – it’s a statement about the direction you want for the future generations of our country. Will the policies and values of the candidates you support help build a future rooted in justice, liberty, and equality? Or could they lead to unintended consequences that compromise the principles we hold dear?

How do you define wise governance in an increasingly complex world? As you engage with this election, ask yourself: Are the leaders we choose building upon the ideals of the Founding Fathers, or are they forging a new path that better addresses modern realities?

Think critically about what “Progress” means. Does it involve adapting to new challenges while staying true to the nation’s founding ideals? Can we achieve both without sacrificing key principles?

Your vote in this election holds the power to shape the future of democracy. Will you support candidates who aim to preserve the original vision of liberty and justice or those who seek to adapt these values to meet today’s evolving challenges?

Political Wisdom: Progress or Complexity?

Have we truly made democracy better, or are we complicating it? While modern politics has expanded democratic participation far beyond the white, land-owning men the Founding Fathers envisioned—through women’s suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, and broader voter inclusivity—today’s political landscape faces significant challenges. Polarization, gerrymandering, and the influence of money in elections raise questions about whether we have improved or complicated democracy.

While we have broadened access, have we improved its functionality? The Founding Fathers emphasized balance through the separation of powers, yet today’s political gridlock prompts us to ask whether our system still fosters effective governance. Is our progress in inclusivity undermined by stagnation in legislative action?

Social and Cultural Progress: Inclusive or Divisive?

Are we more united or more divided? The nation has evolved dramatically since our Founding Fathers’ limited vision of equality. Today, we strive for diversity and inclusion, championing a society where equality extends to all races, genders, and identities. However, cultural tensions remain, with ongoing debates over immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.

As we embrace inclusivity, do we risk creating new points of division? This raises a crucial question: Does a more inclusive society bring unity, or does it introduce more conflict?

Technological Advancements: Wiser or More Vulnerable?

In an age of rapid technological advancement, are we wiser or just more vulnerable? Our Founding Fathers could not have predicted the world we live in today. From the internet to artificial intelligence, technology has revolutionized how we work, communicate, and govern. While access to information has empowered citizens, it also presents new challenges such as misinformation and cyber threats.

Are we wiser in navigating these advancements, or are we at the mercy of risks unimaginable in the 18th century?

Legal Interpretations: Adaptation or Stagnation?

Is the Constitution still a living document, or are we trapped by the past? The Constitution has proven adaptable through amendments that have expanded rights and addressed inequalities. However, modern legal challenges, such as digital privacy and executive power, force us to question whether we are keeping pace with today’s realities.

Are we wiser in applying these laws, or are we constrained by a framework set centuries ago?

Religious Freedom: Liberty or Conflict?

How has the role of religion in public life evolved since our Founding Fathers’ commitment to religious freedom? While religious freedom remains a cornerstone of our nation’s values, the balance between respecting religious beliefs and ensuring secular governance continues to be debated.

Should religious beliefs influence policy decisions, or should public life remain secular? How do we balance respecting religious expression with ensuring laws reflect the diverse values of all citizens?

Conclusion: Progress and Paradox

“The only constant in life is change.” – Heraclitus

Are we wiser than our Founding Fathers?

The answer isn’t simple. While we’ve made significant strides – expanding democracy, recognizing new rights, and advancing technology – we also face paradoxes.

Political gridlock, cultural divisions, technological vulnerabilities, and legal challenges test the limits of the Founders’ original vision.

True wisdom may not lie in surpassing our Founding Fathers, but in embracing the complexities of our world. Their ideals continue to guide us as we confront modern challenges, reminding us that progress often brings its own set of contradictions.

Ultimately, wisdom is a continuous pursuit, evolving with each generation.

As we prepare to vote in this critical Presidential Election, reflect on how our choices align with the principles of liberty, equality, and justice.

Are we honoring the legacy of our Founding Fathers while advocating for the necessary changes in our today’s communities and society?

Our vote is our voice – an opportunity to shape the future!

Let’s continue this dialogue, recognizing that each generation carries the torch of progress and must navigate its own paradoxes.

How will you ensure that our voice is heard?

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article, “Progress or Paradox: Are We Wiser Than Our Founding Fathers?”, are for educational and informational purposes only. They reflect the author’s analysis and personal opinions and are not intended as legal, political, or professional advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the content and engage in independent research.

The author assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on the ideas presented in this piece.

All references to historical figures and events are subject to interpretation and should be viewed within their appropriate historical context.

Opinions are solely those of the author and do not represent any institution, organization, or third party. Readers should consult qualified professionals for any legal, political, or civic matters.