John Voelker’s Hornstein’s Boy sets forth this epigram: “In a democracy those most gifted to govern are all too frequently those least gifted in the dark arts of ever getting to govern.”

It’s clear, Judge Voelker aka Robert Traver would be amazed and delighted to join in the 2026 250th celebration honoring those brave Americans who signed the Declaration of Independence. He would second every one of the 26 complaints against the King, establishing a new Nation whose bedrock is freedom and liberty for all. That freedom depends on assuring free, secure State-run elections in 2026 and the future! If we put these words into action, we can rightly claim, We are all Americans now!

That was the central message at the Feb. 4 Michigan Civility Coalition’s forum with former Michigan governors Jim Blanchard, John Engler, Jennifer Granholm and Rick Snyder. Each of them expressed their commitment to free, secure state-run elections. Without free elections, all Americans’ freedom is not guaranteed. In fact, it is up to all of us to protect and actively participate. Promises made, Promises kept.

The governors spoke about a crisis in America, emphasizing that citizens must listen, get involved in campaigns and work every day to achieve positive results together. Earning trust and confidence helps restore civility and decency for all Americans!

Gov. Granholm quoted President John Fitzgerald Kennedy “We all breathe the same air. We all inhabit the same planet.” She said, “We love our Nation. We love our Great Lakes. By forging solutions together, we will fulfill our duty to each other and future generations.”

Gov. Snyder said, “The greatest threat to America is not foreign nations but us. We must stop fighting and regain normalcy. Think about relentless positive action – no blame- but relentless positive solutions that take the place of a fractured nation.”

Gov. Blanchard said “These are abnormal times! I hope it’s an aberration. It is wrong to seize election records. It is wrong to claim that elections are rigged when in fact they were free, fair and secure.”

Gov. Engler said “the attributes of civility start with federalism where all 50 states have a key role to play, particularly in elections. Elections should be run by the states who are granted sovereignty under the United States Constitution.”

Governors Blanchard and Engler serve together on MCC’s panel which is encouraging the rule of law and are actively working to guarantee State-run, free, secure and fair elections in 2026 and well into the future. Promises Made, Promises Kept.

Recent Marquette Mining Journal Letters from former Probate Judge Michael Anderegg and former U.S. District Judge Alan Edgar underscore the need to uphold the Rule of Law. Judge Anderegg called upon Representative Bergman to stand up against the tyranny of ICE and uphold his constitutional oath. Judge Edgar quoted and explained why we must live for and work to foster the promise of freedoms and responsibilities articulated in 1776 by our Declaration of Independence as well as our constitutional rights. He concluded “The United States of America has enough trouble already — but if this does not stop, we will be an even more trouble.” Promises made, promises kept!

The four Governors and two experienced Judges set forth a Call to Action, which we should answer. Citizens in Marquette County and Michigan’s 82 other counties are invited to amplify honest civility and work toward positive solutions. How? – do you ask? By convening hard, open-minded conversations and demonstrating civility through our public libraries, public radio & TV, United Way, our Community Foundations, our churches, businesses, and nonprofits who practice civility every day.

John Voelker valued honest, engaged citizenry, calling upon Oliver Wendell Holmes: “As life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the action and passion of his time, at the peril of being judged not to have lived!”

This starts by assuring and enjoying honest debates that lead to free and fair elections. It’s up to all of us to participate, to listen and empower our Community. Civility will refresh our courage and our respect for each other – We are all Americans now.

Promises made, promises kept!