By Andy Brack, editor and publisher | A friend died last week and I’ll miss his wise counsel and long, engaging conversations.

Leo Fishman, a Massachusetts-born Washington lawyer who retired to the Lowcountry, believed in something many Americans seem to have forgotten – the vital need to protect and promote the common good to keep our democracy strong.

Leo knew the country gets in trouble when private, often selfish agendas impede that which is best for all. Investing in the common good got America out of the Great Depression and won World War II because Americans worked together to meet common goals. Investing in interstate highways, education for veterans through the G.I. Bill and even the space program moved our democracy forward.