I'm an old retired fart. I grew up being told that Democracy was the superior form of government, beating all the rest! About 10 years ago I began to question that. I'm gong to relate a story that I've told before because it is what made me start considering that maybe Democracy isn't so hot!
One day in the fall of 2024, just before the election, I asked a neighbor lady (MAGA) why she was going to vote for Trump. She replied "Oh because he so handsome and rich"!
Elections are supposed to be where people vote for the most qualified candidates to lead our country, you know ... education, experience for the job, etc.
Instead they have become nothing more than popularity contests, games with winners and losers.
If Democracy is so damn good, look at this picture and tell me how we got to here from there ...
Unus Nemo
in reply to Waldorf • •@Waldorf
You are not alone in your skepticism of democracy. In fact Socrates had the same issues you bring up. He was appalled by the idea that people that knew nothing of politics would be given the right to decide who represents us and a societies leaders. He saw it as a very bad Idea. I tend to agree.
Yet, I wonder today whether we have a democracy at all? How long has the Oligarchy been fully empowered? I would say at least as long as we have had 'Citizens United'? Do you think I am naive and that we still have a democracy or would you agree that the Oligarchy is now in control?
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Waldorf
in reply to Unus Nemo • • •@unusnemo I agree 100% and it's not just in the US. I believe that even the Russian "Democracy" is controlled by the wealthy, despite free and fair elections [!]
I think it boils down to human greed, not so much wealth. When a person wakes up each morning he looks past breakfast for the faster car, the bigger boat, the nicer house.
Same with the wealthy. For the most part, there are exceptions, Musk, Bezos, Zuckerface, others ... are all awakened and think about how can the make more or get more control, etc. I must hand it to Bill Gates. He is helping the less advantaged with his wealth.
Simply put, I believe that it's a human trait ... GREED!
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