ABOUT DEMOCRACY TODAY IN AMERICA

Discussion in 'Political Opinions & Beliefs' started by LafayetteBis, Sep 11, 2018.

  1. LafayetteBis

    LafayetteBis Well-Known Member Past Donor

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    What does Jack&Jill America know about democracy?

    Damn little it seems, other than what the boob-tube tells them. Politics, it seems, is just another Consumer Product - like buying your daily bread or a car. Whyzat? Because we've confused consumer-values for political notions/ideas.

    Here are three short lessons on American democracy worth considering:
    *From the Atlantic - "America is not a democracy" - excerpt:
    *From WashPo - "Many Americans know nothing about their government" - excerpt:
    *From Pew Research: How "Americans see their country and their democracy" - excerpt (Titles only, see article for fuller explanations):
    If I had to make a conclusion, I'd say this: Most Americans do not feel that they have any real influence in the political construct of America. And so, most simply do not care anymore.

    Which is tantamount to "I have no power whatsoever in determining the political mechanism in place". Which is why the US has the lowest voter-turnout of any developed nation. And why also both parties spend oodles of money* trying to influence opinion with boob-tube commercials to get "selected" politicians elected into office under their respective banners.

    Iow, politicians are "commercially marketed" on the TV, like cars or noodles.

    So most of what Americans learn about how local, state and national politics "work" comes over that medium, television. Those who have not had a proper Civics education cannot even remotely imagine how political governance works.

    Which is a crying shame ...

    *And given from where that money comes, it is obvious that BigBusiness does most to influence the political-system of America to its own ends. Which is why - as payback - Donald Dork lowered yet again upper-income taxation.
     
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2018

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