In this thread I want to talk about a couple things, but the primary issue being corruption in America. I'll explain later why this connects to the title. The debate topic is: Is America still a democracy? Some of you may think this is crazy, but hear me out. I will elaborate on this. My key point is that in America, politicians are legally allowed to take bribes, referred to as "donations". Billionaires and corporations are allowed to give millions upon millions of dollars to politicians so that politicians can run advertising campaigns. Doesn't sound bad? Think again. Statistically, the vast majority of elections are won by politicians who have received a lot more "donations" than their counterparts. What ends up happening in a system like this is that corporations will support politicians who advocate lower corporate taxes, and politicians will then begin to change their stances more to fit what corporations want. We can see this lots with many Republicans who support lower taxes to the wealthy and low corporate taxes as well. There's some Republican candidates who want to abolish minimum wages. All this comes back to politics and America. What's happening is that politicians are serving their donators, not the people. The people lose power because politicians will support whoever gives them more money. There's other evidence of America being corrupt as well. Since 2008, 95% of America's wealth was generated by the 1%. Think about that. Right now the 1% has 38% of the country's wealth. The bottom 60% has under 3% of the wealth. Taxes for the rich are the lowest right now in America than they have ever been. Yet, parties like the TEA (taxes enough already) party exist, fuelled by propaganda from the campaigns. The reason I consider this to be evidence is because it follows a general trend - income inequality and the rich getting richer. I think that it's getting to a point where a candidate will never be able to gain power unless they are being supported by Wall Street. I find this to be America's fundamental flaw and the reason why it is lagging behind other countries. That one donation law undermines the right of millions... And there may be nothing that we can do about it. I'd love to see other people's commentaries, but please take the time to research this and make a formulated response in your posts. Thoughtless opinions aren't appreciated. TL;DR - Politicans are allowed to take bribes (Donations) from corporations which is likely one of the big reasons why America is in decline.
I posted this because I think it's a real problem and I find it frustrating that people don't see it. The media never discusses it and neither do politicians, because both benefit from this type of system.
Absolutely right on about political campaign contributions. You seem to only take aim at the right on who they get contributions from and how it changes their stance, but let's look at the left as well. The entire system of political favors and laws being written to favor ANY form of monetary donor is absurd. The left currently takes massive donations from unions. These very same unions that then turn around and benefit from those they put in power. Only unions can also be state and federal unions which means the tax payer is actually paying the unions. Or to put it more bluntly the system is currently writing laws, enacting taxes, and voting on them to benefit themselves. If you were in charge of how much you made would you ever give yourself a decrease? How about fire yourself? Most Union bosses end up going into politics supported by the very Unions that they used to run. This system is pushed down people's throats with typical make you feel like a bad person marketing campaigns if you start to point it out. You can't talk about absurd college costs without someone accusing you of not wanting to pay teachers. If you mention outrageous inefficiency or outright fraud in any government agency you are a labeled an extremist. The citizens of the right and left need to agree on this, no more political favors and circular donations that directly benefit the givers. You are right our campaign reform laws need radical drastic changes before any real improvements will be made for the people.
Capitalism at its finest... If u can afford a team of lawyers ur ahead of the crowd n can settle out of court. If u cannot u get 3 squares a day for free. Don't drop the soap bar. If ur a scammer n make millions u hire a team of lawyers n face charges of fraud or embezzling. If u outright steal a car its a felony. Moral to the story if u cannot afford the lawyers u cannot afford to do the crime n the time. ---------------------------------------------------------- As for US politics its simply the nature of being polarized leaves the voters hands tied. Staunch Republicans n Democrats alike sling mud at the other at every opportunity. The fact a govt in power gets a mandate of 4 yrs without being accountable til the next time an election is upcoming is problematic.
Good points Khaymens. Bad robot... I applaud you. I will also add this paraphrased quote from Bernie Sanders in a speech he made this January. "Income inequality has not been this bad since 1917. Currently, the top 0.1% are as wealthy as the bottom 90%"
I do not support Republicans or Liberals. Libertarian4Life And OP, socialism doesn't work, just saying. Capitalism allows you be able to work hard and be part of the 1% yourself. I'm under the impression you expect it handed to you though
I'm in the middle upper class and I pay about 23% towards taxes. Ridiculous. I feel poor because of this.
I never voted for either of those parties. Seriously though the complexities of humankind is a vast topic n one that is still evolving. Its here now n always will be.
This is the problem with American politics. Americans don't seem to realize that there is NO LEFT WING PARTY in America. You think Obama is left wing? Not by a long shot. In any other country but America he would be considered right wing. Americans would soil their underwear if they understood how left countries like Japan, NZ, or Sweden are. As we see it, the democrats are right wing with occasional center leanings, while the republicans are fanatical Christian fascists. (Japan's 1% only own 8.2% of the assets, which is the lowest ratio of all industrialized nations).
NCAA a great example of whats wrong with American political ideology n lack of leftist common sense. Lacking anything other than right wing thinking exploitation takes root n becomes acceptable as common place. Billions of dollars r generated off of student athletes. Large Universities r in business to make money moreso than education. When a college Football coach can make more than a Pro coach it says volumes. Even to the point of scandals n coverups. Hello Joe Paterno et al. Other countries would call that slave labour. The absence of left of centre options creates a void which cannot be overcome. Polarized politics between 2 right wing parties that move to centre as they deem fit to coddle the voters is nothing more than a ruse. With no counter balance available to counter balance governing when its needed leaves only right wingers delving against their grain. They then sell a bill of goods for public consumption. All guised only to win the seat of power. Then back they move to the right as they see fit.
The biggest problem now is that your government is so deep in corruption, any attempt to fix it will get destroyed when it is voted on.