To the editor:
Democracy is a topic of much discussion in our daily conversations, one result of our political turmoil. Withmanyamong us sharing thoughts on the importance of and elements of democracy, it’s fitting for the Smithsonian (April/May 2024) to reveal the connection of and importance of the library to colonial education and ultimately to the support and understanding of democracy.
Access to books enabled the opportunity for knowledge among the colonial population. As more people became more educated, conversations around Democratic principles involved a greater diversity of the population. Our founding fathers understood the relationship of education to the understanding of and support of democracy.
As an educated society, we, as Americans, have the background and tools to think for ourselves and block untruths from affecting our Democracy and our rights to a Democratic standard of life. Being educated in the elements of Democracy should lead to less disruption of its principles in governance, less animosity within the population, and more positive discussions with Truth-based information.
Pamela Strawbridge Mashke Northport
