THE BEACONS CREED (A Promise for Civic Integrity)

I believe democracy is not sustained by institutions alone,

but by the character of the people who participate in it.

I believe the right to vote is sacred,

not because it is granted by law,

but because it is earned by responsibility.

I believe my voice matters,

and so does the voice of every other citizen,

especially those with whom I disagree.

I will seek truth before opinion.

I will verify before I share.

I will think before I react.

I understand that freedom without responsibility

leads to chaos,

and responsibility without freedom

leads to oppression.

Democracy requires both.

I will listen before I judge.

I will listen to understand, not to defeat.

I will respect differences without surrendering principles.

I recognize that elections are not battles to be won,

but moments of collective decision

that shape the future of our nation.

I will honor the privacy of the ballot,

because secrecy protects courage

and preserves independence of thought.

I acknowledge that money, media, and influence

must never outweigh honesty,

and I will remain vigilant against distortion and manipulation.

I will treat voting not as a transaction,

but as an act of public service.

I will resist cynicism,

for cynicism weakens democracy more than disagreement ever could.

I will protect the dignity of citizenship,

in myself and in others.

I accept that democracy is imperfect,

not because it fails,

but because humans are imperfect.

Its strength lies in our willingness to improve it.

I choose to be a Beacon.

A Beacon of clarity in confusion.

A Beacon of honesty in noise.

A Beacon of responsibility in freedom.

A Beacon of listening in division.

A Beacon of courage in silence.

I will stand for truth without cruelty,

for justice without arrogance,

for participation without fear.

My vote is my voice.

My conduct is my legacy.

My integrity is my contribution.

This is my Creed.

This is my responsibility.

This is my light.

By David W. Wygant 

NOTE:  This "CREED" captures the content and spirit of the Voting Alert Beacons I started this blog in 2012, and it has spanned four Presidential elections and three midterm elections. Please give it and its contents serious time and reflection.

 LISTEN-To Increase The Volume Of Our Votes

Beacons of Common Sense

We consider free speech to be our most fundamental right, and it should remain so. It is first on the list of Amendments for a reason.  However, there is also a required connection.  We have a responsibility to listen.  While the listening responsibility isn’t explicitly mentioned in the US Constitution, it is nonetheless a critical 50% of the equation.

Why? Listening means we are willing to change.  We must be willing to let the other person, argument, or viewpoint change us.  To think otherwise is not to listen.  If we all come with a commitment to listen, we will indeed meet in “the middle of the road,” and we will build a powerful COMMON SENSE FOR AMERICA.  Then, when we vote, we’ll all have confidence that the best decisions are made.

So, it’s time for us, “WE THE PEOPLE,”  to quiet our voices and become calm. It’s time for “WE THE PEOPLE” to increase the volume of our VOTES.  Whether we are liberal or conservative, left or right, man or woman, young or old, no matter our color, no matter our custom, no matter where we’ve come from, no matter our language, no matter our religion, no matter our sexual orientation, and no matter what divides us or makes us different from each other, it’s time for all of us to put aside these labels and create a label-free zone for all humans.  

It’s time to return to our founding principles as Americans in the United States of America, and in this great return, take a greater step forward.  It’s time for each of us to awaken our sense of CIVIC responsibility and become “WE THE PEOPLE” again.

. . .  remember that America’s best days aren’t behind her.   America’s best days are ahead of her.  They have always been and will always be.

David

Copyright © [2025] by David William Wygant. All rights reserved.  

ETHICAL, HONEST, AND KIND BEST PRACTICES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

 AS A PERSON

Integrity & Honesty
Share information that is accurate, verified, and from credible sources (Personally check it).
Avoid clickbait, misleading headlines, or exaggerated claims.
Correct mistakes openly and quickly if you post inaccurate information.

Respect & Kindness
Treat others as you would in a face-to-face conversation.
Respond to disagreement with civility, not insults.
Refrain from harassment, bullying, or piling on in group attacks.

Empathy & Compassion
Remember, there’s a real human on the other side of the screen.
Consider how your words might affect someone emotionally or mentally.
Support people who are being unfairly attacked or marginalized.

Positive Contribution
Share content that informs, inspires, or helps others, not just content that outrages.
Give credit to creators and sources—don’t plagiarize.
Promote inclusivity, diversity, and voices that aren’t often heard.

Privacy & Boundaries
Respect personal and private information—don’t share without consent.
Avoid doxxing, shaming, or exposing private details about others.
Be mindful of oversharing your own information as well.

Constructive Engagement
Ask questions instead of assuming bad intent.
Acknowledge good points from others, even if you disagree.
Focus on ideas, not personalities.

AS A CITIZEN

Digital Citizenship
Model the behavior you want to see online (Lead with thoughtful and kind understanding).
Report harmful or illegal activity when you see it.
Use your platform responsibly—consider the impact of amplification (likes, shares, retweets).
Participate and act like a fair-minded and mature human being.
NEVER MISS AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE.

Mindful Use
If you can’t positively contribute in some way, don’t post anything.
Reflect before posting: “Is this true? Is this kind? Is this necessary?”
Don’t feed trolls; disengage from bad-faith arguments.

Civic Responsibility
Engage respectfully in political or social issues without demonizing others (focus on the issue or policy, never on the person).
Support constructive dialogue over polarization (if you disagree, constructively offer alternatives).

AS A LEADER

Gratitude & Encouragement
Thank people for their contributions and insights.
Encourage others who are trying to share positively.
Celebrate achievements, creativity, and community successes.