Sad State of Modern Democracies - Revision history

Mr Fox at 17:25, 2 October 2026

2026-10-02T17:25:47Z

Mr Fox at 17:38, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T17:38:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:38, 1 August 2026
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	** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.		** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.
	* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.		* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.
	* With the recent ~~supreme court~~ rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.		* With the recent Supreme Court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.
	* The wealthy, using their connections to Washington, have been allowed to consolidate their media holdings, limiting the free press and exposure of these tactics and other anti-democratic efforts.		* The wealthy, using their connections to Washington, have been allowed to consolidate their media holdings, limiting the free press and exposure of these tactics and other anti-democratic efforts.
	* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.		* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.
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	=== '''In Name Only''' ===		=== '''In Name Only''' ===
	We have become a nation for the rich and powerful, and a democracy in name only. The elites are shaping this country into the vision that they want, and damn democracy or the constitution or precedence, if that’s what it takes. They truly seem to believe that they, the wealthy and powerful, know best, the ends justify the means, and we citizens are just along for the ride. It’s always been this way, because the Founding Fathers never trusted citizens with a real say, but now it’s worn proudly by those with power.		We have become a nation for the rich and powerful, and a democracy in name only. The elites are shaping this country into the vision that they want, and damn democracy or the constitution or precedence, if that’s what it takes. They truly seem to believe that they, the wealthy and powerful, know best, the ends justify the means, and we citizens are just along for the ride. It’s always been this way, because the ''Founding Fathers'' never trusted citizens with a real say, but now it’s worn proudly by those with power.

	We’re currently living through the worst part of this timeline, where the wealthy and powerful elites have the means and motivation to keep the citizens fighting each other so no one looks up. And that might be the most frustrating part, that instead of becoming enraged about this unfair influence and corruption of our government, the average citizen instead points fingers at the less fortunate who cannot work, those that think differently, or have different accents. We point our fingers at our fellow neighbors as the problem, instead of the ones in power and those that control the powerful; everyone that is actually accountable.		We’re currently living through the worst part of this timeline, where the wealthy and powerful elites have the means and motivation to keep the citizens fighting each other so no one looks up. And that might be the most frustrating part, that instead of becoming enraged about this unfair influence and corruption of our government, the average citizen instead points fingers at the less fortunate who cannot work, those that think differently, or have different accents. We point our fingers at our fellow neighbors as the problem, instead of the ones in power and those that control the powerful; everyone that is actually accountable.

Mr Fox at 17:35, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T17:35:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:35, 1 August 2026
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	=== '''The Fantasy''' ===		=== '''The Fantasy''' ===
	Technically, the average American today can become the ~~president~~, member of ~~congress~~, or ~~supreme court justice~~, and how we love to tell children how amazing this country is, with its democracy and freedom for all, where anyone can make it to the top. Or where we point to the lucky few who rise up from the bottom to actually build an exceptional life, and lie to ourselves that “you too can do that if you only work hard!”		Technically, the average American today can become the President, member of Congress, or Supreme Court Justice, and how we love to tell children how amazing this country is, with its democracy and freedom for all, where anyone can make it to the top. Or where we point to the lucky few who rise up from the bottom to actually build an exceptional life, and lie to ourselves that “you too can do that if you only work hard!”

	Every generation dreams that if they go to school, work hard, and keep their head down, they will someday have a dependable job, a home to call their own, and 2.1 children that will be well provided for and someday go on to live an even better life than they had.		Every generation dreams that if they go to school, work hard, and keep their head down, they will someday have a dependable job, a home to call their own, and 2.1 children that will be well provided for and someday go on to live an even better life than they had.

Mr Fox at 16:57, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:57:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:57, 1 August 2026
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	=== '''Not Giving Up''' ===		=== '''Not Giving Up''' ===
	So the question is no longer how do we fix the United States, but rather how could we do this better if we started over? Knowing what we now know about how people in positions of power will cling to that power and do everything they can to reinforce that power, how do we create a government where those elected to lead the nation are checked by so many other forces that it’s impossible for any one person, small group, or nefarious cabal to take that power away from the people (because there will always be this need to place great power in the hands of a few when quick decisions are needed for a large population ~~with international affairs to manage~~)? How do we ensure that no elected leader can ever abuse their position? How do we ensure that corporations and the rich never get a foothold in the government through donations, influence, and favors? How do we do all this ~~so that we don’t rely~~ on norms or hope to keep our elected leaders in line, but rather have a legal ~~mechanism~~ to enforce this? And how do we keep this government so completely transparent that the media and citizens can provide an additional and effortless final check?		So the question is no longer how do we fix the United States, but rather how could we do this better if we started over? Knowing what we now know about how people in positions of power will cling to that power and do everything they can to reinforce that power, how do we create a government where those elected to lead the nation are checked by so many other forces that it’s impossible for any one person, small group, or nefarious cabal to take that power away from the people (because there will always be this need to place great power in the hands of a few when quick decisions are needed to manage national interests for a large and diverse population)? How do we ensure that no elected leader can ever abuse their position? How do we ensure that corporations and the rich never get a foothold in the government through donations, influence, and favors? How do we do all this without relying on norms and hope to keep our elected leaders in line, but rather have solid legal mechanisms to enforce this? And how do we keep this government so completely transparent that the media and citizens can always provide an additional and effortless final check?

	In essence, how do we remove politicians and politics from ~~the~~ government?		In essence, how do we remove politicians and politics from government?

	=== '''Hinting At Something Else''' ===		=== '''Hinting At Something Else''' ===
	There is a better way, and it’s not too late yet. The first step down a better path requires the realization of a simple fact:<blockquote>''The top 1%, even with all their aggregated wealth, are no equal to the bottom 99%. They might have the money and influence, but they do not have the vast majorities’ potential. But we must stop fighting ourselves, because divided and bickering we are never going to remake this world in a more equitable and sustainable way.''</blockquote>With that said, please understand that we, as the vast majority, do not need to agree on everything. All together, we may agree on little, but that's okay because there is an answer for this. For now all we need to focus on is that this system is working against us instead of for us, and what we are going to do about it collectively.		There is a better way, and it’s not too late yet. The first step down a better path requires the realization of a simple fact:<blockquote>''The top 1%, even with all their aggregated wealth, are no equal to the bottom 99%. They might have the money and influence, but they do not have the vast majorities’ potential. But we must stop fighting ourselves, because divided and bickering we are never going to remake this world in a more equitable and sustainable way.''</blockquote>With that said, please understand that we, as the vast majority, do not need to agree on everything. All together, we may agree on little, but that's okay because there is an answer for this. For now all we need to focus on is that this system is working against us instead of for us, and what we are going to do about it collectively.

	The right path forward promises much, but taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor is not one of them. That might be an invigorating rallying cry, but doesn’t lend itself to the start of an effective social construct. There’s a way for the rich to keep their wealth while everyone else moves up. There is a way to fundamentally change the status quo, without communism, anarchy, violence, or revolution. There’s a path forward, but it will take unity by the people, open communication, and a clear and common purpose towards this better thing.		The right path forward promises much, but taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor is not one of them. That might be an invigorating rallying cry, but doesn’t lend itself to the start of an effective social construct. There’s a way for the rich to keep their wealth while everyone else moves up. There is a way to fundamentally change the status quo, without communism or facism, anarchy, violence, or revolution. There’s a path forward, but it will take unity by the people, open communication, and a clear and common purpose towards this better thing.

	There is real waste in the current system, and it defines our democracies. It’s the cornerstone of democracies that represent large populations, because hundreds of years ago the enlightened thinkers that envisioned this great country still couldn’t imagine a world so big and small at the same time. They convinced themselves that a slow, inefficient democracy in the hands of rich white men was the best idea.		There is real waste in the current system, and it defines our democracies. It’s the cornerstone of democracies that represent large populations, because hundreds of years ago the enlightened thinkers that envisioned this great country still couldn’t imagine a world so big and small at the same time. They convinced themselves that a slow, inefficient democracy in the hands of rich white men was the best idea.

Mr Fox at 16:50, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:50:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 1 August 2026
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	=== '''There Will Be No Change''' ===		=== '''There Will Be No Change''' ===
	In our modern world the average citizen in a democratic republic only has one tool to affect their government, and that is a single vote. Yes, technically there’s representation and participation, but realistically it’s one vote every few years out of a pool of millions, and then we question why so many never cast a vote? And that is without taking into account the current attacks on free and fair elections through voter manipulation, gerrymandering, and ~~these~~ other ~~mentioned~~ tactics that chip away at the power underlying this core democratic tool.		In our modern world the average citizen in a democratic republic only has one tool to affect their government, and that is a single vote. Yes, technically there’s representation and participation, but realistically it’s one vote every few years out of a pool of millions, and then we question why so many never cast a vote? And that is without taking into account the current attacks on free and fair elections through voter manipulation, gerrymandering, and all the other tactics that chip away at the power underlying this core democratic tool.

	This leads to a vicious cycle, where we care less about voting because we see how little our votes count, so elections get easier and easier to manipulate, which makes our government less responsive to the real needs of the citizens, and the cycle continues. The richest buy influence, and then use that influence to mold the world they way they see fit and in their best interests, and, most critically, to keep getting richer and more powerful.		This leads to a vicious cycle, where we care less about voting because we see how little our votes count, so elections get easier and easier to manipulate, which makes our government less responsive to the real needs of the citizens, and the cycle continues. The richest buy influence, and then use that influence to mold the world they way they see fit and in their best interests, and, most critically, to keep getting richer and more powerful.
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	=== '''In Name Only''' ===		=== '''In Name Only''' ===
	We have become a nation for the rich and powerful, and a democracy in name only. The elites are shaping this country into the vision that they want, and damn democracy or the constitution or precedence, if that’s what it takes. They truly seem to believe that the ends justify the means, and we citizens are just along for the ride. It’s always been this way, because the Founding Fathers never trusted citizens with a real say, but now it’s worn proudly by those with power.		We have become a nation for the rich and powerful, and a democracy in name only. The elites are shaping this country into the vision that they want, and damn democracy or the constitution or precedence, if that’s what it takes. They truly seem to believe that they, the wealthy and powerful, know best, the ends justify the means, and we citizens are just along for the ride. It’s always been this way, because the Founding Fathers never trusted citizens with a real say, but now it’s worn proudly by those with power.

	We’re currently living through the worst part of this timeline, where the wealthy and powerful elites have the means and motivation to keep the citizens fighting each other so no one looks up. And that might be the most frustrating part, that instead of becoming enraged about this unfair influence and corruption of our government, the average citizen instead points fingers at the less fortunate who cannot work, those that think differently, or have different accents. We point our fingers at our fellow neighbors as the problem, instead of the ones in power and those that control the powerful; everyone that is actually accountable.		We’re currently living through the worst part of this timeline, where the wealthy and powerful elites have the means and motivation to keep the citizens fighting each other so no one looks up. And that might be the most frustrating part, that instead of becoming enraged about this unfair influence and corruption of our government, the average citizen instead points fingers at the less fortunate who cannot work, those that think differently, or have different accents. We point our fingers at our fellow neighbors as the problem, instead of the ones in power and those that control the powerful; everyone that is actually accountable.

Mr Fox at 16:45, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:45:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:45, 1 August 2026
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	It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and money, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.		It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and money, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.

	~~Ultimately all these outcomes are due to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts, and it’s~~ easy to be critical of these practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. ~~It’s~~ important to understand this is why nothing will ever change through ~~our~~ existing political system, and ~~that’s~~ critical to keep in mind when considering something better.		It’s easy to be critical of these people and practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. Ultimately all these outcomes come down to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts. But it’s important to understand that this is why nothing will ever change through the existing political system, and all of this is critical to keep in mind when considering something better.

	=== '''There Will Be No Change''' ===		=== '''There Will Be No Change''' ===

Mr Fox at 16:41, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:41:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:41, 1 August 2026
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	Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.		Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.

	It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same and mold the country the way they think is best.		It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and money, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.

	Ultimately all these outcomes are due to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts, and it’s easy to be critical of these practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. It’s important to understand this is why nothing will ever change through our existing political system, and that’s critical to keep in mind when considering something better.		Ultimately all these outcomes are due to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts, and it’s easy to be critical of these practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. It’s important to understand this is why nothing will ever change through our existing political system, and that’s critical to keep in mind when considering something better.

Mr Fox at 16:40, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:40:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 1 August 2026
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	* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.		* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.

	Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run ~~their~~ businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms in their ~~preferred direction~~.		Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.

	It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same and mold the country the way they think is best.		It’s always about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same and mold the country the way they think is best.

Mr Fox at 16:38, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:38:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:38, 1 August 2026
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	** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.		** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.
	* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.		* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.
	* With the recent supreme court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s ~~efforts~~ to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.		* With the recent supreme court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.
	* The wealthy, using their connections to Washington, have been allowed to consolidate their media holdings, limiting the free press and exposure of these tactics and other anti-democratic efforts.		* The wealthy, using their connections to Washington, have been allowed to consolidate their media holdings, limiting the free press and exposure of these tactics and other anti-democratic efforts.
	* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.		* Elected leaders have removed independent watch dogs and other checks on their power and now blatantly attack free speech and oppositional media reports as part of their core duties.

Mr Fox at 16:34, 1 August 2026

2026-08-01T16:34:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:34, 1 August 2026
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	* Wealthy donors fund the campaigns of agreeable representatives to ensure those representatives get reelected (big money and establishment players always back the incumbents because it’s not about change, it’s about the status quo).		* Wealthy donors fund the campaigns of agreeable representatives to ensure those representatives get reelected (big money and establishment players always back the incumbents because it’s not about change, it’s about the status quo).
	* In exchange, these representatives now pass or block legislation in the best interest of their ~~wealthy~~ donors. Naturally this approach reinforces the machinery that allows the rich to increase their wealth, pay less taxes, and run their corporations as they wish without interference and with little government oversight.		* In exchange, these representatives now pass or block legislation in the best interest of their big donors. Naturally this approach reinforces the machinery that allows the rich to increase their wealth, pay less taxes, and run their corporations as they wish without interference and with little government oversight. It also explains the perpetual wars (someone's getting richer making those weapons) and our unpopular relationships with foreign countries.
	* Because the incumbents work for the donors and not the people, there are several mechanisms they employ to ensure they get reelected:		* Because the incumbents work for the donors and not the people, there are several mechanisms they employ to ensure they get reelected:
	** Their wealthy donors provide the incumbents with enough money to outspend any opposition.		** Their wealthy donors provide the incumbents with enough money to outspend any opposition.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:25, 2 October 2026
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	=== '''Appearances Matter''' ===		=== '''Appearances Matter''' ===
	Whether consuming social media posts, YouTube videos, interviews, or polls, it appears that most Americans view their government as a black hole where a third ~~or more~~ of their paychecks disappear; ineffective at solving the problems that matter most and even detrimental to what it means to be an American.		Whether consuming social media posts, YouTube videos, interviews, or polls, it appears that most Americans view their government as a black hole where a third of their paychecks disappear; ineffective at solving the problems that matter most and even detrimental to what it means to be an American.

	This opaque view of the state is symptomatic of an ineffective democracy, rather than a negative reflection on the citizens. We have a government offering lip service to the people with unfilled promises and no accountability.		This opaque view of the state is symptomatic of an ineffective democracy rather than a negative reflection on the citizens. We have a government offering lip service to the people with unfilled promises and no accountability.

	=== '''The Fantasy''' ===		=== '''The Fantasy''' ===
	Technically, the average American today can become the President, member of Congress, or Supreme Court Justice, and how we love to tell children how amazing this country is, with its democracy and freedom for all, where anyone can make it to the top. Or where we point to the lucky few who rise up from the bottom to actually build an exceptional life, and lie to ourselves that “you too can do that if you only work hard!”		Technically, the average American today can become the President, member of Congress, or Supreme Court Justice, and how we love to tell children how amazing this country is, with its democracy and freedom for all and where anyone can make it to the top. Or where we point to the lucky few who rise up from the bottom to actually build an exceptional life, and lie to ourselves that “you too can do that if you only work hard!”

	Every generation dreams that if they go to school, work hard, and keep their head down, they will someday have a dependable job, a home to call their own, and 2.1 children that will be well provided for and someday go on to live an even better life than they had.		Every generation dreams that if they go to school, work hard, and keep their head down, they will someday have a dependable job, a home to call their own, and 2.1 children that will be well provided for and someday go on to live an even better life than they had.
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	The baby boomers have molded the government of today into an apparatus that reinforces their wealth and power, and they have done this in a number of ways:		The baby boomers have molded the government of today into an apparatus that reinforces their wealth and power, and they have done this in a number of ways:

	* Wealthy donors fund the campaigns of agreeable representatives to ensure those representatives get ~~reelected~~ (big money and establishment players ~~always~~ back the incumbents because it’s not about change, it’s about the status quo).		* Wealthy donors fund the campaigns of agreeable representatives to ensure those representatives get re-elected (big money and establishment players usually back the incumbents because it’s not about change, it’s about the status quo).
	* In exchange, these representatives now pass or block legislation in the best interest of their big donors. Naturally this approach reinforces the machinery that allows the rich to increase their wealth, pay less taxes, and run their corporations as they wish without interference and with little government oversight. It also explains the perpetual wars (someone's getting richer making those weapons) and our unpopular relationships with foreign countries.		* In exchange, these representatives now pass or block legislation in the best interest of their big donors. Naturally this approach reinforces the machinery that allows the rich to increase their wealth, pay less taxes, and run their corporations as they wish without interference and with little government oversight. It also explains the perpetual wars (someone's getting richer making those weapons) and our unpopular relationships with foreign countries.
	* Because the incumbents work for the donors and not the people, there are several mechanisms they employ to ensure they get ~~reelected~~:		* Because the incumbents work for the donors and not the people, there are several mechanisms they employ to ensure they get re-elected:
	** Their wealthy donors provide the incumbents with enough money to outspend any opposition.		** Their wealthy donors provide the incumbents with enough money to outspend any opposition.
	** These political elites use the government to guarantee their seats are safe through gerrymandering and voter suppression.		** These political elites use the government to guarantee their seats are safe through gerrymandering and voter suppression.
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	*** They campaign on the platform that they are the only ones that can make the change the voters want.		*** They campaign on the platform that they are the only ones that can make the change the voters want.
	*** They focus on fringe social issues and fighting “the other side” to keep the focus away from their lack of performance for the people.		*** They focus on fringe social issues and fighting “the other side” to keep the focus away from their lack of performance for the people.
	** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.		** The two parties move further to the middle and become indistinguishable behind closed doors, so voting for one versus the other has little effect on the system as a whole.
	* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.		* Through secret and/or exclusive events, the wealthy and political elites appear to be colluding with the courts to back these moves.
	* With the recent Supreme Court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.		* With the recent Supreme Court rulings turning back many decades of precedent that protected voter rights, limited excessive and unaccountable donations, checked executive power, and controlled corporate consolidation, among other apparent disingenuous decisions, some justices appear to be in league with Washington and wealthy elites in exchange for backing the court’s wishes to regress social, workplace, and environmental progress made over the last 75 years or more.
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	Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.		Through these cumulative efforts the wealthy, political, and court elites deceive and gaslight the voters, essentially convincing the citizens to vote against their own interests. This has led the nation down a path where today's political elites are no longer beholden to their voters, donors run businesses with little government oversight or protections for the citizens, and courts have free reign to affect societal norms based on their preferences.

	~~It’s always~~ about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and ~~money~~, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.		It has become about money and power, but this isn’t to say that the baby boomers have done something wrong. In fact, it could be argued that most people, given these opportunities, would also do the same. Everyone thinks they know best, and if given the power and wealth, they would also mold the country the way they think is best.

	It’s easy to be critical of these people and practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. Ultimately all these outcomes come down to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts. But it’s important to understand that this is why nothing will ever change through the existing political system, and all of this is critical to keep in mind when considering something better.		It’s easy to be critical of these people and practices and pretend that we would not also take advantage of a system to ensure our wealth and power if we could. Ultimately all these outcomes come down to human nature and a government ill-equipped to oppose these efforts. But it’s important to understand that this is why nothing will ever change through the existing political system, and all of this is critical to keep in mind when considering something better.
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	Promising candidates rise up, and helpful laws are proposed, but there is no possibility of change from within. No representative could ever make the necessary changes we all hope for because our government was intentionally built to mute the fringe voices. The current system can rebuff a handful of opposition candidates while the majority of representatives are bought and paid for. Candidates can win elections on small donations alone with believable promises of real change, but the power has already been consolidated outside their hands.		Promising candidates rise up, and helpful laws are proposed, but there is no possibility of change from within. No representative could ever make the necessary changes we all hope for because our government was intentionally built to mute the fringe voices. The current system can rebuff a handful of opposition candidates while the majority of representatives are bought and paid for. Candidates can win elections on small donations alone with believable promises of real change, but the power has already been consolidated outside their hands.

	Regardless of their superficial claims, the two parties are nearly identical, and the system in place forces the voters to either throw away their vote on someone they really believe in yet is not backed by a major party, or they can vote for the least of the worst mainstream candidates. Regardless of that decision, our votes are nearly meaningless.		Regardless of their superficial claims, the two parties are nearly identical in comparison to the parties of other countries, and the system in place forces the voters to either throw away their vote on someone they really believe in yet is not backed by a major party, or they can vote for the least of the worst mainstream candidates. Regardless of that decision, our votes are nearly meaningless.

	At a minimum we expect the minority party to be checking this corruption and power grab on behalf of the people they represent, but instead they sit back and think of this harm to the nation as an opportunity to take back power for themselves in the future.		At a minimum we expect the minority party to be checking this corruption and power grab on behalf of the people they represent, but instead they sit back and think of this harm to the nation as an opportunity to take back power for themselves in the future.
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	=== '''Not Giving Up''' ===		=== '''Not Giving Up''' ===
	So the question is no longer how do we fix the United States, but rather how could we do this better if we started over? Knowing what we now know about how people in positions of power will cling to that power and do everything they can to reinforce that power, how do we create a government where those elected to lead the nation are checked by so many other forces that it’s impossible for any one person, small group, or nefarious cabal to take that power away from the people (because there will always be this need to place great power in the hands of a few when quick decisions are needed to manage national interests for a large and diverse population)? How do we ensure that no elected leader can ever abuse their position? How do we ensure that corporations and the rich never get a foothold in the government through donations, influence, and favors? How do we do all this without relying on norms and hope to keep our elected leaders in line, but rather have solid legal mechanisms to enforce this? And how do we keep this government so completely transparent that the media and citizens can always provide an additional and effortless final check?		So the question is no longer how do we fix the United States, but rather how could we do this better if we started over. Knowing what we now know about how people in positions of power will cling to that power and do everything they can to reinforce that power, how do we create a government where those elected to lead the nation are checked by so many other forces that it’s impossible for any one person, small group, or nefarious cabal to take that power away from the people (because there will always be this need to place great power in the hands of a few when quick decisions are needed to manage national interests for a large and diverse population)? How do we ensure that no elected leader can ever abuse their position? How do we ensure that corporations and the rich never get a foothold in the government through donations, influence, and favors? How do we do all this without relying on norms and hope to keep our elected leaders in line, but rather have solid legal mechanisms to enforce this? And how do we keep this government so completely transparent that the media and citizens can always provide an additional and effortless final check?

	In essence, how do we remove politicians and politics from government?		In essence, how do we remove politicians and politics from government?

	=== '''Hinting At Something Else''' ===		=== '''Hinting At Something Else''' ===
	There is a better way, and it’s not too late yet. The first step down a better path requires the realization of a simple fact:<blockquote>''The top 1%, even with all their aggregated wealth, are no equal to the bottom 99%. They might have the money and influence, but they do not have the vast majorities’ potential. But we must stop fighting ourselves, because divided and bickering we are never going to remake this world in a more equitable and sustainable way.''</blockquote>With that said, please understand that we, as the vast majority, do not need to agree on everything. All together, we may agree on little, but that's okay because there is an answer for this. For now all we need to focus on is that this system is working against us instead of for us, and what we are going to do about it collectively.		There is a better way, and it’s not too late yet. The first step down a better path requires the realization of a simple fact:<blockquote>''The top 1%, even with all their aggregated wealth, are no equal to the bottom 99%. They might have the money and influence, but they do not have the vast majorities’ potential. But we must stop fighting ourselves, because divided and bickering we are never going to remake this world in a more equitable and sustainable way.''</blockquote>With that said, please understand that we, as the vast majority, do not need to agree on everything. All together we may agree on little, but that's okay because there is an answer for this. For now all we need to focus on is that this system is working against us instead of for us, and what we are going to do about it collectively.

	The right path forward promises much, but taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor is not one of them. That might be an invigorating rallying cry, but doesn’t lend itself to the start of an effective social construct. There’s a way for the rich to keep their wealth while everyone else moves up. There is a way to fundamentally change the status quo, without communism or facism, anarchy, violence, or revolution. There’s a path forward, but it will take unity by the people, open communication, and a clear and common purpose towards this better thing.		The right path forward promises much, but taking money from the rich and giving it to the poor is not one of them. That might be an invigorating rallying cry, but doesn’t lend itself to the start of an effective social construct. There’s a way for the rich to keep their wealth while everyone else moves up. There is a way to fundamentally change the status quo, without communism or facism, anarchy, violence, or revolution. There’s a path forward, but it will take unity by the people, open communication, and a clear and common purpose towards this better thing.

	There is real waste in the current system, and it defines our democracies. It’s the cornerstone of democracies that represent large populations, because hundreds of years ago the enlightened thinkers that envisioned this great country ~~still~~ couldn’t imagine a world so big and small at the same time. They convinced themselves that a slow, inefficient democracy in the hands of ~~rich~~ white men was the best idea.		There is real waste in the current system, and it defines our democracies. It’s the cornerstone of democracies that represent large populations, because hundreds of years ago the enlightened thinkers that envisioned this great country couldn’t imagine a world so big and small at the same time. They convinced themselves that a slow, inefficient democracy in the hands of educated wealthy white men was the best idea.

	That lack of foresight directly led to the worst iterations of democracy today. Instead of lifting up the most effective leader, elections are a popularity contest and enforce servitude to wealthy and powerful donors. Decision by committee is inefficient and leads to expensive and useless compromises rather than effective leadership. The illusion of representation leaves politicians pandering to their donors with the balance of their attention devoted to pet projects back home.		That lack of foresight directly led to the worst iterations of democracy today. Instead of lifting up the most effective leader, elections are a popularity contest and enforce servitude to wealthy and powerful donors. Decision by committee is inefficient and leads to expensive and useless compromises rather than effective leadership. The illusion of representation leaves politicians pandering to their donors with the balance of their attention devoted to pet projects back home.