I hate to be the bearer of bad news but..

[brindis_desala]

America no longer functions as a democratic republic. People ask: how can the corporate media continue to support a Republican party with an approval rating in the low 30%'s. Simple: both are owned and controlled by international financial syndicates whose only fealty is to profit. Money decides who wins our "elections". Here's an example: New York City, home to the country's most diverse ethnic population and bastion of "blue state liberalism" has a billionaire Republican mayor who bought his way to power and as a result feels free to govern by fiat. (the corporatists' clever framing describes this as "not being beholden to special interests" those interests being the unions, the environmentalists, the teachers, the nurses, you know...'we, the people'.)
That may be the best way to create an inviting climate for investors but it no way resembles a democracy. Until we decide that money does not equate with free expression the rich, whether they reside in West Palm Beach or Saudi Arabia will dictate the terms of our enslavement. All they need is a wolf expensively dressed in sheeps' clothing.

[benddem]

1. so true

this is the definition of fascism. Look at the governator!!!

[linazelle]

2. Which is why they want/need a police state and TIA

They know they don't represent the masses, that people don't want them in power so they have to keep us under control.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. But he funds the Charlie Rose Show!

>>>>Here's an example: New York City, home to the country's most diverse ethnic population and bastion of "blue state liberalism" has a billionaire Republican mayor who bought his way to power and as a result feels free to govern by fiat. (the corporatists' clever framing describes this as "not being beholden to special interests" those interests being the unions, the environmentalists, the teachers, the nurses, you know...'we, the people'.)>>>>>>


You know, that bastion, of even-handed, dispassionate treatment of complex issues... where ALL sides of important issues.... not just the corporate and governmental side are given equal exposure and equal weight. That's why Rose has so many prominent critics of American foreign policy as regular guests on his show. If it were not for this Bloomberg-financed forum, the United States might have heeded WMD scaremongers and become enmeshed in an Iraqi quagmire.

Thank god, and Bloomberg's $$$$. I say let's elect him god!

[acmejack]

4. Not exactly a news flash...

But definitely a statement of fact, nonetheless. Until we have publicly financed campaigns this sad bs will continue.

[timtom]

5. I'm pretty certain you meant to say "Palm Beach"

West Palm Beach is merely the handmaiden.

[brindis_desala]

12. You're correct but the point is the public has been wooed into

believing they could "join" the investor class and so for a 6% return on their precipitously falling wages surrender their vote along with our autonomy with barely a whimper.

[annabanana]

6. Zappa knew. . . a lo-o--o-ong time ago.

"The illusion of freedom will continue as long as it's profitable to continue the illusion. At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain, they will just take down the scenery, they will pull back the curtains, they will move the tables and chairs out of the way, and you will see the brick wall at the back of the theatre."

~ Frank Zappa, 1977

[lady lib]

9. Perfectly said.

I'm going to put the Zappa quote in my sig line if it's okay with you.

:hi:

[WiseButAngrySara]

10. Annabana, I just read your sig line for the first time, maybe because I

paying attention to the Zappa quote.

"I pledge alllegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America, and to the Republic which it defines."

This is awesome! Is it your personal quote? If not, who said it?

[annabanana]

11. Well. . .

I thought it was mine, but then I saw it again someplace. I might have inspired it, or not.

It is a pledge that I would be happy to propose as a replacement for a pledge to some cotton/polyester blend made in china piece of cloth.

[WiseButAngrySara]

14. LOL! Cotton/polyester made in China! I'm with you. ....n/t

[brindis_desala]

13. yes, but even fascism has an expiration date.

[omega minimo]

16. Which is why "globalization" matters

"At the point where the illusion becomes too expensive to maintain......"

The folks fixating on illegal immigration and skyrocketing gas prices and justifying driving their tanks to the grocery store still don't get how precarious the corporatized economy and globalized job market are......... or they do and need the distraction.

No one can really explain how short-sighted and clueless the "entitled" suburban nouveau riche American is.

[alfredo]

7. You need to read "American Theocracy"

by Kevin Phillips. He spells it all out for you.

[opihimoimoi]

8. The Aristocrats have arrived, dropped anchor, and spawned...

They are now in full control over us and we are almost like the French were in 1750....pitiful.

[Media_Lies_Daily]

15. It hasn't functioned as a democratic republic since December 2000.