The three post–Civil War constitutional amendments offered the United States a second, more democratic founding. Preserving this framework is essential.
To build the democracy we never had, activating people power—animated by an inclusive vision for our economy, especially through labor unions—is essential.
History reminds us that progress has never come from moderation or retreat. It has come from people who refused to wait their turn, who organized, resisted, and reshaped the nation.
For too long, the wealthy and powerful have used the cycle of economic and political power to enrich themselves and entrench their control. In this piece, Dēmos president Taifa Smith Butler envisions a more virtuous cycle of power.
In May, Dēmos held a national convening of financial justice leaders to reimagine our financial systems and build community wealth through public banks. These are our top takeaways.
This anniversary provides an opportunity for us to reacquaint ourselves with their history and to recommit ourselves to the work of ensuring their enforcement.
Instead of spending trillions to widen disparities, Congress could have made childcare more affordable, improved the nation’s crumbling housing stock, and created a much-overdue program for paid family and medical leave.
"These cuts to lifesaving safety net programs and critical infrastructure, are not meant to improve the lives of everyday Americans, but instead to subsidize tax giveaways for the wealthiest elite."
