What Democracy?

Read About It!

It seems to me America has changed from a Democracy to an Oligarchy or “rule by the few”, where policies are designed to protect the interests of an elite, wealthy group rather than the majority. They now run our country without oversight. The cabinet officials in the current administration number fifteen. Of those twelve are reported billionaires with the remaining three being multi-millionaires. And of course, the leader of this “pack” says he’s a multi-billionaire, which rounds it out nicely.

Part of the “pack’s” plan is to make, and keep, the rest of us ignorant, poor, and sick. They are steadily working to restructure our society so as to perpetuate our suffering. Couple that with the fact that the leader seems to live in his own world, obsessing over ballrooms, parades and revenge campaigns even as most Americans just want government to help us afford the basics, like food, housing and healthcare, and it’s easy to see why we’re in this pickle.

But there are many more of us, and we can stop them. We know who they are and what the plan is, so now let’s concentrate on America’s BIG problems: education, healthcare, jobs, economy, and voter rights. Let’s get in the faces of congressmen to insist they fix them now.

Resist being ignorant. Insist our Representatives and Senators fight for our rights: free and fair elections; do their jobs of executive oversight and follow the Constitution at all times; support and fund education on all levels; put books back on library shelves; emphatically stop the administration’s attempt to control media.

Resist being poor. Insist they support jobs, fair wages and job security; labor unions; equitable tax laws where wealthy pay their fair share. Reinstate jobs that were illegally terminated.

Resist being sick. Insist Congress initiate affordable and available healthcare for all; cap rent costs and incentivize for more affordable housing units. Be proactive in staying healthy during stressful/changing times. Find local healthcare resources: nutrition options, social services, housing options, and local providers of care.

Don’t trust what you hear. Read from several reliable sources to verify information. Often things are prematurely presented or are out of context, or simply opinions. Knowing the facts may stem anxiety and help one feel prepared.

If we do not stand up together, the rich and powerful “pack” will simply get richer and more powerful at our expense. Their unchecked control could last a generation or more. But if we are inquisitive, vocal, visible and persistent we can take back America’s Democracy.

Janet Jeffery, Gold Beach