It is easy for politicians and organizations to forget that the power of this nation comes from its people. Patriotism is rooted in pride for one’s country, but it’s hard to feel that pride when basic needs go unmet. How can anyone feel proud of a country that fails to provide for them? Politicians and organizations are not entitled to people’s votes or participation—they must earn it by addressing the needs of their constituents.
One example of this failure is the Christian church, once a societal norm in America. While many churches still report strong attendance, it’s no secret that numbers have declined significantly. I recently watched a pastor discuss why this might be. He argued that the church has failed to uphold its core principle: meeting the needs of its members. Instead, it emphasizes tradition—go to church because it’s the right thing to do, because your parents did, because God wants you to, or to avoid hell.
This mirrors the behavior of many political organizations. Like the church, they fall into the trap of expecting loyalty without service. If we’re not meeting the needs of those who show up, why would they stay? And if we’re not actively working to meet those needs, why would they come? I dislike the word “catering” because it sounds condescending. Instead, we should be building trust with the people we hope to engage.
Consider the Republican Party’s success compared to the national Democratic Party. The GOP focuses intently on its base, aligning with their concerns and fighting to advance their priorities—even using underhanded tactics when necessary. This has built deep loyalty, with supporters voting Republican even when the policies the GOP enacts don’t align with their values.
Now look at the national Democratic Party. I focus on the national level because that’s where most attention lies, though I wish more people engaged locally, where our Bonneville party makes an effort to focus on issues important to Idahoans. Unlike Republicans, national Democrats often act without consulting their base. They rely on personal conscience rather than constituent input, which can lead to decisions that don’t reflect the values of the people they represent.
Expecting people to vote Democrat simply because it’s “the right thing to do” or because they oppose Republicans leads to disengagement—just like the church example. The GOP doesn’t win because it has more adherents nationally. The right-wing staunch Trump supporters account for less than one-third of the eligible voting populace. They win because they turn out voters by focusing on issues that matter to a consistent voter base, even if it’s a small sliver of the overall population.
To me, representatives voting based on personal conscience instead of listening to their constituents is anti-democratic. The focus must return to the people. If we prioritize their needs, we can rebuild trust, inspire participation, and redefine patriotism in a way that truly reflects the values of our nation.
Chance Marshall is a political organizer and president of the Bonneville County Young Democrats, where he chartered the chapter to amplify youth voices in Idaho politics. A former conservative turned progressive after a transformative personal journey, he was raised across the Rural South and Urban West.