Democracy is everything to me
I was raised in Kenya, during the dictatorial regime of Daniel arap Moi. As a white American, I was shielded from any danger. But I saw what it looked like for people to lie without freedom, due process, and rule of law.
I then studied American history, earning a Ph.D. I gained a scholarly appreciation for our Constitution, system of government, values, and ideals, as well as our failure to live up to them. I believe in what American democracy can be, and I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to fight like hell to preserve the progress we have achieved and to prevent us from sliding into autocracy.
I also spent 19 years as an Africa Analyst at the CIA. I studied autocracy and democracy in other countries and informed US policy to promote democracy, free markets, peace, and stability around the world. I also saw first hand the danger that autocratic countries like Russia and China pose to global democracy and stability. And I saw the Trump administration (part 1) deprioritize longstanding US policy aims and programs. In Part II, it's been far more extreme.
I believe American democracy faces an unprecedented threat, and that its erosion endangers the entire world. So, as a normal citizen now, I want to use my love of art and African fabric to make a small difference.
Please note: Although I was raised in Africa, employ African fabrics and themes, and solicit African and African American suppliers, I am not a Black-owned business.
