How to have hope for American democracy | Sharon McMahon | TEDxBillings

In a world that might seem like it's falling to pieces around us, is there still hope for democracy? Sharon McMahon contends that there is, and that there is a path forward through division and hate. Listen to see how history brings us hope. After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon has amassed an audience of more than a million people, who rely on her for non-partisan, fact-based information. In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic.

[salutationsearthling]

Wow, it is very empowering to view hope as an action versus a feeling. Thank you for this perspective. My mind feels lighter, better, and calmer.

[gingerstyrsky]

This came out at the perfect time. Thanks for the history lesson and the encouragement.

[storytimewithauntiekatie]

Hope filled and hopeful. Thank you Sharon for inspiring change by choosing to see the good in others, instead of othering others. Thank you for elevating the power of choosing hope, and how it is a power we can all claim. Thank you!

[sandrinemolinard]

I'd like to say how great a story teller she is... she had me just like I was a small child listening to stories.

[donnavalentine]

I did not know these things. It was fascinating to hear about Guevenor Morris. I have your audiobook The Small and the Mighty. It’s THE most inspiring book I’ve read in a long time! I felt impassioned and inspired to believe I can make a difference! Fave story was about Daniel Inouye (whom the Honolulu airport is named after).

iBooks got the sound right. Ted needs a de-esser and lower 12hz and boost some lows. It’s very mid-heavy.

[cgoodson]

Thank you for this. It's what I needed to hear!

[garybarr]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was in need of a lift of optimism for America after the November 5th debacle of anti-democracy voting, and you provided it. I have a slight smile on my face and a little mental comfort now. Again, thank

[lindasteger]

We still do not know if this is going to work out Nov 5 2024 12:10 pm cst Hope is a choice. To actualize it requires mutual respect, actual facts, and pure of heart.

[cculler]

All of our feelings are a choice that flow from our thoughts. Hope is a feeling and a choice.

[lilygdsn]

Awesome talk (and also shoutout Billings!!)

[vcello]

I could use some hope, as long as it's realistic.

[stayhappylittlemermaid]

You only get one life. It's actually your duty to live it as fully as possible

[ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

And working with your enemies might result in you learning something from them. As you said in the Armchair Expert interview, nobody has a monopoly on truth 😄

[sarahdavis]

Wow, who is this woman's audience?

At 5:28 she compares the Consitutional Convention to a stinky room full of people who are doing... a volunteer group project. The very idea of voluntarily working on a document with other people stuns her, and is unimaginable to her audience.

As someone who loves writing, this is foreign to me.

[andrewe]

Sounds like a church sermon and mildly triggering for an ex evangelical. The whispering, the vocal loudness changes, the metaphors. Was half expecting a slow piano segue into an altar call to be saved at the end.

[bradcogley]

“How to have hope for American democracy” change it🤔

[mr.obsidian]

"no State shall be at liberty to form any other than a Republican Government"- james madison

Article IV, Section 4:

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

[Phlucious]

Sharon, you’re amazing. I love this message. You do great work.

But please… stop whispering when you do public speaking. It’s why I can’t do your podcast. When your voice gets normal like at 5:36 you are great. You sound normal. I even love your sarcastic voice like at 6:57. But the first five minutes you’re like wispy and whispering and you’re going to lose a lot of people with that voice texture.

Maybe I’m just not your audience, idk. But you are a voice for healing for all of America, and you are a powerful, influential woman. Please show America’s men that her women are powerful.

[ragnar]

We The People
America is a Immigrant Nation,
America is a Nation of Immigrants.
America, Gods of All Nations.

[timetowakeup]

“If voting made any difference they wouldn’t let you do it.”