“Towards a more perfect union in the post pandemic world; moving with purpose and pace”

Claudine Schneider is a five-term Congresswoman from Rhode Island, a seasoned businesswoman, educator, Emmy recipient and citizen activist for climate solutions and the enhancement of our democracy.

Her distinguished and productive time is highlighted by the revenue-neutral Global Warming Prevention Act of 1989 - a roadmap for prevention, for which she secured 140 bi-partisan co-sponsors. Fighting for justice and equality, she introduced the Civil Rights Restoration Act when a fellow republican colleague attempted to dismantle Title IX to the Education Act.

After leaving Congress, Claudine taught leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School and spent two years speaking around the world on climate mitigation strategies.

Keynote Listeners:

Sam Weaver: Mayor, Boulder, Colorado.

Mark Kennedy: University of Colorado, President

Lori Bergen: University of Colorado, Dean of College of Communications, Media and Information

Maeve Conran: KGNU News Director

John Thayer: President and CEO of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce

Toward a more perfect union in the post-pandemic world By Republican Former Member of Congress Claudine Schneider of Republicans for Integrity

 As a Republican former Member of Congress, a founding member of Republicans for Integrity and a Boulderite, people often ask me about politics.

In various columns in this and other newspapers around Colorado, I have publicized my strong views about the corruption of my lifelong political party and why I believe all Americans need to “vote for the person, NOT the party” in this year’s election. It is urgent!

Today I set these views aside to focus on how we as a society can move toward a “more perfect union” in the post-pandemic world.

Our nation has never been more divided in our lifetime. Suffering, death, fear, insecurity, political turmoil, frustration, injustice, and economic hardship are ravaging these “United” States. These exhausting challenges dominate news cycles every day.

However, dig a little deeper and you will find acts of kindness, generosity, civic courage and perseverance for justice, equality, truth and inclusiveness in every corner of our great nation.

As examples, I would point to the numerous instances of neighbors helping neighbors get groceries and other essentials during the pandemic. I would point to doctors and nurses who rushed across the country in the pandemic's early days, often without proper personal protective equipment, to treat patients in hardest-hit areas. I would point to Americans of both parties who expressed support for police reform after this summer’s tragic displays of violence. And I would point to essential service workers, first responders, law enforcement officers and many others who are working tirelessly throughout this pandemic despite the very real risks to their own health.

Now, as we remember these selfless acts of humanity by our fellow citizens, we turn our attention to this year’s general election.

It is not an exaggeration to say this is the most important election in modern history, and we must remember that as more Americans vote, the more responsive our elected leaders become.

With this election, we must begin to repair our democracy in a way that  honors our forefathers who gave their lives for this “more perfect union,” one nation under God. And, we must rebuild our institutions in a way that considers future generations of this “melting pot” we call home.

One of the best ways of repairing and rebuilding our democracy is to know the facts before voting. Ignore social media, TV ads, the memes, the tweets. Do your homework and “think!”

Vote Smart (on whose board I sit), is a nonpartisan resource that provides unbiased, “just the facts,” information on elected officials.

With the click of a mouse, Americans can learn about:

•          Every statement the candidate has made,

•          Every key vote the candidate has cast (if the candidate is an incumbent),

•          How special interest groups have evaluated each candidate, 

•          Each candidate’s major financial backers, and more.

Numerous other organizations advocate for fair, equitable elections, for constitutional checks and balances, and for freedom of speech. Two of the groups I rely on the most are:

•          CREW (Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington): this citizen “watchdog group” uses high-impact legal actions to target government officials who sacrifice the common good to special interests.

•          Issue One: the leading bipartisan reform group of 200 former Members of Congress. We are dedicated to repairing our broken system.

One key recommendation for solidifying our democracy  -  support freedom of the press. Subscribe to your local newspaper!

Secondly, vote early, and be sure your family, friends and neighbors have done the same!

We must leave this nation, and our world, better than we found it. Voting is one critical act that will make a difference!

Thank you in advance for being an engaged citizen, and “part of the solution!”

Claudine Schneider is a Republican former United States Congresswoman, a founding member of Republicans for Integrity, Republican former Members of Congress who place people before partisan politics. She works with various national, non-partisan, watchdog organizations and was one of the founding members of www.VoteSmart.org.