"Inequality undermining our democracy"

[applegrove]

Inequality undermining our democracy

Robert Wauzzinski at the Star Press

http://www.thestarpress.com/story/opinion/contributors/2014/10/14/inequality-undermining-democracy/17250001/

"SNIP.......................


Social inequality is the few having more than they can use while the many lack basic needs. To say it differently, inequality is the theft of power and money from the poor and middle class by the "one percenters."

This theft occurs chiefly, but not exclusively, when family-sustaining wages are unjustly withheld while big banks are bailed out, oil companies are given money by "free market" advocates, and the Supreme Court says money talks (more about this in a moment).

This inequality results in the shredding of the fabric of our nation's democracy. This shredding occurs when Congress is bought and thus money mutes poorer voices, families collapse because 40-50 hours of weekly work can't pay all the bills, and impotent unions are blamed for jobs being shipped overseas.

Less money and power means greater inequality.

Grievous injustices spawn inequality and thereby undermine democracy. When the Supreme Court said that money was speech and thus to be protected by law, power shifted to those whose voices were raised because of the megaphone of money. When poor voters find it hard to vote because they do not have proper identification for places where voter fraud is not a concern, then freedom and justice are cheapened.




.........................SNIP"