Elections Are Like A Toy Steering Wheel For Babies: Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix

submitted by [deleted] from caitlinjohnstone.substack.com

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[–][deleted] 6 insightful - 2 fun6 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 2 fun -  (3 children)

Fuck this fake democracy that is actually an oligarchy in disguise. She is decrying the lack of democraticness in our democracy sir, not the concept of democracy, I think you misinterpreted her stance. Caitlin is an outspoken proponent of direct democracy. I don't expect you to agree with her, shes a bit radical, but lets try to be fair in our criticisms

[–]bootylicious 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (2 children)

the lack of democraticness in our democracy

Yes - it sucks. We can agree it sucks. We can march in the streets and complain about it. Happy to do so.

What I think most readers are seeing here is an anti-democracy message, in general.

Here's the rub: since the start of democracies in ancient Greece there have been ways of criticizing approaches to all of them. They all have had problems. Not everyone is fairly represented in most democracies, historically.

Her article fits a series of anti-democracy complaints, especially from those who want voters to avoid voting or to throw their votes away on RFK Jr. or similar.

Her article would be much more appreciated if it noted something useful, something she recommends for the voter, something that will work in the US for most voters. I have a few ideas, but you've likely read them.

We would want solutions to the problems in the very limited democracy in the US government: "a federal republic and a representative democracy with three separate branches of government. It has a bicameral national legislature composed of the House of Representatives, a lower house; and the Senate, an upper house based on equal representation for each state."

I think we have to work with what we have.

[–][deleted] 3 insightful - 2 fun3 insightful - 1 fun4 insightful - 2 fun -  (1 child)

How could I be so silly, if the DNC says I have to vote for Joe Biden, I guess we are getting Joe Biden and we should just accept that this is the best we can do and continue voting for them to rig primaries and do blatant corruption.

I think we have to work with what we have.

You are arguing what she argues, that we are essentially powerless to substantially change anything in this arrangement. I think that is the root of the problem, but I guess you are OK with the taste of boots, or are a coward who would just accept tyranny out of fear and some sort of establishment Munchausen syndrome. "We should be thankful our Massuh only beats us on days ending in Y and not make waves, or he'll sell us to the meaner Massuh who beats us twice a day!"

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

[–]bootylicious 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Why focus on Biden? Have you ever played chess? Even a pawn can be very important in the game. There are numerous candidates to consider, many of whom need donations and other forms of support, and some of whom are arguably worthy for the job as politician. Step 1: elect new people and get the old ones out. Biden will be the only option if Trump or DeSantis are nominated - its that simple. You can predict now that the DNC will nominate Biden. So, move on, look at other candidates. Work with what's available. Help with the strataegy for your favorite candidates. Because you're in a blue state, your options are of course limited, but I'd argue that you have good Dems to choose from. Replace Pelosi, already, ffs. Discuss this stuff. the 'Democracy bad' argument id dumbing down the discourse. No, we are not powerless. No, voting for a good candidate is not boot licking. Focusing on who will be president is stupid. Focus on congress. They've been the dangerous ones. They corrupted the Supreme Court. They gave themselves and their friends massive handouts while cutting services. They're the ones threatening to cut school lunches for poor kids. They want to use YOUR Social Security money for their tax breaks. They want to kill healthcare, women's rights, education, democracy, minimum wage, worker's rights, unions, the environment, etc, etc. Don't support those assholes. Elect new, more competent assholes. NO, elections are not like a toy steering wheel for babies. Seriously