Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Difference Between the US and Russia- Not All That Great

Both nations are oligarchies. The Russian Federation is a blunt-force oligarchy, where the rich and powerful pretty much do what they want, as long as they don't individually challenge the structure of the state. The United States is an oligarchy with a constitutional veneer. Where the will of the people differs from the will of the rich and powerful in the United States, the government sides with the oligarchs.

It makes sense, doesn't it? It explains why the Clinton Administration was so helpful in removing what remained of the Glass-Steagall financial reforms. It explains why, even given the blatant financial abuses that went on immediately afterwards, there has been little appetite in Washington to reform the financial system. It explains why the Supreme Court has been so eager to eviscerate the Voting Rights Act and the various campaign finance reforms.

It explains why the Congress is a clubhouse for millionaires. It explains why so few members of Congress served in the Armed Forces.

It explains why the Koch brothers bought themselves a governor or two. It explains how Michael Bloomberg bought himself a third term as mayor, despite a city law enacted by two popular referendum term-limiting the mayor's office. Our system of popular elections is a fig-leaf to convince the 99% of voters that they really do have a say in what happens.

The political system in the United States is truly now based on a two word principle:

Money talks.
on or about

2 comments:

  1. Sevesteen4/21/2014 8:22 AM

    The government passes more and more "reforms", appearing to regulate and solve the latest "problem" but always favoring the oligarchs. So we need more of the same? So they can continue to be selectively enforced?

    When I replace a network cable I have to fill out the paperwork correctly and it is subject to a SOX compliance audit. If in a multi-billion dollar company SOX regulation extends to someone as unimportant to the bottom line as I am, there's something very wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nangleator4/21/2014 8:32 AM

    The only thing that gives me any kind of hope at all in our political salvation--the one and only thing--is the amount spent on changing our minds before every election. That's real money that really belongs to rich people.

    That alone tells me our votes still do something.

    ReplyDelete

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