Our dying American democracy

Is the United States still a democracy?  Tom Engelhardt pointed out how the USA is evolving into something different.

1.  1% Elections.  Presidential election campaigns no longer begin with the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primaries.   They begin with presidential candidates being screened by wealthy donors who determine which of them will have the wherewithal to run.

2.  The Privatization of the State (or the U.S. as a Prospective Third World Country).   “Crony capitalism” was a word that we Americans coined to describe the system in poor countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.  But now our own country public services are being handed over to well-connected individuals to be operated for private profit.

3.  The De-Legitimization of Congress and the Presidency.  The democratic branches of government are held in low esteem, and with reason.   Recent Presidents and congressional leaders have abdicated their Constitutional responsibilities.

4.  The Rise of the National Security State as the Fourth Branch of Government.  Secret branches of government decide national policy and expand their own powers without authorization of law.  People who reveal what they’re doing are subject to prosecution.

5.  The Demobilization of the American People.   Most Americans recognize that their government doesn’t really represent them.  But unlike in earlier eras, this discontent has not produced any mass movement to do something about it—at least not yet.

LINK

The New American Order: the 1% Elections, the Privatization of the State, a Fourth Branch of Government and the Demobilization of “We the People” by Tom Engelhardt for TomDispatch (via the Unz Review).   A powerful and accurate indictment.   My summary doesn’t do it justice.  I recommend you read the whole thing.