NYC mayor talks on democracy -- Eastport Art Center

Community spirit was apparent at an event to benefit the Eastport Arts Center (EAC) on January 13 when a capacity crowd filled EAC's theater to hear an informal talk by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Following his talk, "The State of Democracy in America," de Blasio engaged with the audience in a question-and-answer session.
Vibrant community is one of two social indicators de Blasio pointed to as a sign that democracy is working despite other indicators - corporations' growing power, consolidation of the media, the wealthy 1% - that suggest the state of democracy in America "could be in peril." There is a "deep interconnection between community and democracy. Democracy is stronger when people have a sense of community," de Blasio said. He believes community is not a thing of the past and that people always have had the "impulse to community."
During his visits to Eastport, de Blasio has observed strong community and suggests "what is happening in Eastport is part of the solution to what is happening in our country." He held up the EAC as an example of "community being built" and congratulated their leadership for creating "something powerful artistically and culturally."
Earlier in the day, the mayor related, he experienced community in action on Eastport's streets when his friend's car got stuck in the mud. "Immediately people came to help. This is community. People are there for you, and you are there for them," de Blasio said.
In New York City, de Blasio has witnessed the power of communities and notices people being highly engaged. He comes away from 50 town hall meetings optimistic. He is impressed by people's passion, understanding of problems and well‑thought-out solutions. "This much energy means democracy is working," de Blasio said.
The second indicator that convinces de Blasio democracy is working is nationwide grassroots activism. The Women's March and similar events demonstrate a level of activism and rapid mobilization not evident when democracy is in peril. He congratulated Eastporters for their 2017 march and stressed it is essential for people to have a mission and a chance to engage. "Protecting democracy begins with appreciating your ability to make an impact," he said. "We have to appreciate our power."
Grassroots movements, by "moving issues forward and making them relevant," capture the government's attention, de Blasio explained. He credits a poster at his son's university for raising his awareness about divestiture, ultimately leading to New York City's decision to divest of $5 billion from 190 fossil fuel corporations and sue five major oil companies for knowingly damaging the environment.
The mayor is confident about the United States' future and believes change can happen relatively quickly. He urged people who do not agree with policies currently being implemented not to get depressed, discouraged and tired. Rather, they should draw inspiration from the marriage equality act - considered "impossible" a decade ago and now the "law of the land" - and the election of a Democratic senator from Alabama. At the personal level, de Blasio is encouraged by his children and their generation's "energy, passion and direction."
The disempowering "culture of fear" being fostered in the country does concern de Blasio. "When people become too fearful, that is when democracy is dying," he explained. He also cautioned against the "politics of personality," reasserting his call to activism. "The people are eternal. Even the best president only gets eight years. No matter who is president, we all have to be activists."
As for his own ambitions for 2020, de Blasio said his current focus is his responsibility as newly reelected mayor. His sense of future mission is to foster the progressive movement and forward a populous progressive agenda.
It is de Blasio's impression that the United States is a progressive nation waiting to happen. "The country is poised to enter a progressive era," de Blasio claimed. He faults the existing Democratic leadership for failing to stand for progressive change. "If you can't tell the difference between a Republican and a Democrat, it is the Democrats' fault," de Blasio quipped.
The country's path forward de Blasio likened to his aunt Jean's journey to settle in Eastport. She stopped at towns all along the coast - finding each of them charming - but she knew, without ever having been there, something better was up ahead. "Although we are going somewhere we have not yet experienced, we know it will be better," the mayor promised.