To the Journal editor:

Government of “We the People” listens, not suppresses citizen feedback. At each election we pass the keys of government to designated drivers chartered to safely navigate America into the future, to guard and obey all constitutional laws/norms. I personally cannot begin to interpret the complexities of the world, let alone understand how I can improve the lives of 340 million citizens, thus it’s vital for government leaders to utilize all of our Country’s talents and listen to citizens’ feedback to reach the Promised Land.

When our leaders boast they have all the answers, they overestimated their knowledge (Dunning-Kruger effect), and when government silences feedback, they destabilize Democracy. Feedback loops: “Negative feedback loops are used to counter runaway conditions in order to stabilize systems, where as positive feedbacks are only beneficial depending on the goal and effect on system stability.”

Successful CEOs understand their knowledge limitations and wisely utilize their workforce expertise/advice and listen to customer feedback. Failing to value and listen creates a hostile work environment, they become uncompetitive, and eventually will file for bankruptcy. Wise governing values and utilizes the vast expertise/advice from each branch, department, and public servant; and seeks expertise/advice from the private sector. But the willingness to listening to citizens’ feedback is vital for leadership to stabilize a Nation and adjust America’s course.

Before “We the People”, the Kings from England, France, and Spain sailed to the New World to implement a hostile takeover of the Americas and establish satellite colonies, for the sole purpose of funneling wealth back to the crown. Our ancestors were silenced pawns for centuries, and their New World livelihoods suffered until our Founders unveiled a new self-governance experiment. Giving the People a voice and responsibility to speak-up they previously lacked, “when a long train of abuses and usurpations … design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.”

1776 marked an historical World turning-point, as Thirteen Colonies leaped from King George III’s back of the bus onto We the People’s highway. For the better part of 250 years America attracted a world-wide spectrum of immigrants, thirsting to become contributing members of our unique start-up. Many times our deeds didn’t live up to our words but America became one of the freest, most diverse, prosperous, and stable Nations, all because citizens were allowed to peacefully petition government.

Today our leaders have lost their way in a political blizzard of their own creation, and has the Country stuck axle-deep in the proverbial U.P. snowbank without a shovel. Ignoring constitutional laws/norms and trying to silence citizens’ peaceful feedback from every corner of the Republic. Citizens must believe their vote, calls, emails, and peaceful protests can make a difference.

The collective thoughts and suggestion regarding the norms you expect from government can help counter and stabilize any runaway condition. Your voice may provide the needed helping hand to finally nudge America back onto We the People’s highway.

I truly believe the majority of “We the People” have the following words etched on our souls, “Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it and even sacrifice for it… May we never forget to always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so we may enjoy the gift of freedom.” – words from Alex Pretti