Of Goofus and Gallant, and Joann Buie

January 6 marks the anniversary of the assault upon our nation’s Capital, and on democracy. What should our response be in these troubled times? I often turn to the wisdom of Goofus and Gallant. As a kid, I loved opening my Highlights magazine to learn from my hero, Gallant. “Goofus takes the last apple. Gallant shares his orange.” “Goofus throws stones at birds. Gallant scatters birdseed.” These simple illustrated comics made the right choice seem so clear—yet Goofus never got the hint.

As I watch the video of people smashing the Capital’s windows last year, I wonder, did those people never read Highlights? 

Against this backdrop of the rioters who claimed to be protecting our democracy, I reflect upon the contrast of their "Goofus" behaviors, alongside the "Gallant" example of the life of Joann Buie, our beloved Lifetime League member who died on December 20. Joann was a 50+ year member of the League of Women Voters Edina, served as an election judge for 30 years, was a dedicated volunteer serving on many boards, and made an impact on providing equal opportunity for girls in sports. She lived a life devoted to building up our democratic institutions, not destroying them—in true "Gallant" fashion.

So want to truly protect our democracy? Then do as Gallant would—and Joann Buie did—and seek change through living a life of civic engagement and community building—like our League members do. And leave the behaviors of Goofus to the comic strips. 

Michelle Witte, Executive Director
League of Women Voters of Minnesota