Once we get the introductory meetings out of the way, I'd like to start with some provocative questions. None are more so than the idea that despite all that we have been told, that the United States is not - and in fact has never been - a democracy. What's more, we were never really intended to be.
You'll note that I use the term "republic" or "democratic republic" to refer to the governing arrangement in the United States. It's closer to the truth because it reminds us that the preferences of the general public - at least those who choose to vote - are filtered through governing institutions. This means they are subject to modification. And since those institutions can be more readily influenced by the wealthy - who can contribute to elections, and hire lobbyists and lawyers - the preferences of the general population can be modified in favor of the preferences of the wealthy.
I've compiled a few blog posts on the subject of oligarchy - and its cousin plutocracy - in the United States. These lay out the argument relatively well and offer some supporting evidence.
- oligarchy.
- plutocracy.
So let's hash this out.
Should we give up the pretense that the United States is a democracy and accept that it is a plutocracy?
