The United States was never intended to be, nor has it ever been a social democracy. The Nazi's were democratic socialists. The United States was created as a democratic Republic, that's what set us apart from any other country the world had ever seen. This structure put the power in the hands of the people while at the same time putting in place checks and balances that would prevent an emotional frenzy which inevitably happens in all democratic societies. Now, the people of this country do still ultimately hold the power to change things in their government, however due to progressive ideologies pushing us towards a social democracy, and our citizens failing to educate themselves on American civics most people are unaware of this and believe there is no hope for change. Yet there is.
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Chomsky and others contend to work within the system. However much has changed radically as elected officials no longer account or represent the masses. In addition, the dumbing down effect so eloquently presented by Gatto, Iserbyte and Illich as well as others has had an incremental effect over the political consciousness of US citizenry. As a result you have what Paul Craig Roberts consistently refers to in his articles as American insouciance. The monopolization of mass media and re-orientation towards financialization of the economy has an exacerbating effect as well. In addition, the divide, especial racial has had a great effect on disunity. Coupled with the ever increasing wealth disparity and you have the essential elements of complicity and mass conformity we find today. If a population can be so easily divided, distracted and disrupted....the power elite can effectively maintain control.
I definitely agree. It's unfortunate that we can be so easily divided now, though as individuals I stillmaintain that we can choose to not be controlled questioning everything. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear."
hmm, nice quote.