In 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine stood alone on the Senate floor and delivered what would become one of the most courageous speeches in American political history. At a time when fear and smear were the tools of the day, she called out the reckless accusations and bullying tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy. The Senate, she said, had become “a forum of hate and character assassination.” Smith wasn’t interested in political convenience—she was defending core American values: the right to speak freely, to think independently, and to stand for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. She warned her colleagues not to win elections by riding “the Four Horsemen of Calumny—Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.”

Now those specters threaten American democracy again.

At this writing, Senator Cory Booker’s marathon speech on the Senate floor stands as an act of conscience—protesting not only the administration’s actions that threaten the integrity of Social Security, but dozens and dozens and dozens of other actions that imperil both American lives and democracy itself. Booker’s unwavering resolve to speak “as long as [he is] physically able” echoes the unwavering moral fortitude demonstrated by Sen. Smith.

Both senators, though separated by decades, exemplify the courage to confront policies and practices they know as unjust, prioritizing the nation’s well-being over partisan politics.

Senator Smith’s stand against McCarthyism was a defining moment in American political history, highlighting the importance of conscience in governance. Similarly, Senator Booker’s dedication to safeguarding Social Security underscores the enduring need for leaders who are willing to challenge actions that may compromise the welfare of citizens. Their examples serve as a reminder that the essence of American democracy lies in the courage to uphold principles of justice and integrity, even in the face of adversity.

It is not enough to simply hold office. Public service demands something deeper: a willingness to speak truth when it is inconvenient, to defend the vulnerable when it is unpopular, and to stand alone when necessary. Booker is not just speaking for his constituents—he’s speaking for the country’s conscience. Like Margaret Chase Smith before him, he’s reminding us that the measure of leadership is not power, but principle.

And the time to lead—morally, ethically, and boldly—is now.

Please share this commentary widely. At this moment, we are all called to stand up against what is clearly tyranny. Silence is not an option. Democracy depends on our collective courage.