Recommitting to the American Experiment: A Plymouth Perspective

As an elected member of the Plymouth City Council, I proudly join fellow leaders across the country in supporting the Oklahoma City Declaration—a powerful reaffirmation of our shared commitment to democracy, civility, and the rejection of political violence.

The American experiment has endured for nearly 250 years because it invites pluralism, demands compromise, and relies on persuasion—not force—to shape our future. These principles aren’t abstract ideals; they’re the daily tools of local governance. In Plymouth, we navigate complex issues with diverse perspectives, and we do so through respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

The Declaration reminds us that political violence is not just a threat to public safety—it’s a rejection of the very system that allows us to improve, evolve, and serve. It calls on us to lead with empathy, to resist dehumanizing rhetoric, and to model the civility we wish to see in our communities.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

I’m especially moved by the location of this recommitment: the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, a site that bears witness to the tragic consequences of domestic political violence. From this sacred ground, we renew our promise to uphold the values that make our democracy resilient.

In Plymouth and beyond, let us continue to lead with integrity, listen with humility, and govern with purpose. The American experiment is fragile—but together, we can strengthen it.