The "demos" of the pre-Common Era Grecian world were considered to be the lower class of citizens. Our current language defines "demos" as the people making democracy the rule by the people.
Aristocracy is the rule by a few aristocrats -- often wealthy by power of inheritance or social status.
Plutocracy is rule by the rich where wealth translates to power. It is similar to oligarchy, except in oligarchy the rule is by a few that came to power by any means, not just wealth. Plutocracy is a form of oligarchy.
More and more, it appears that the USA is becoming more of a plutocracy (rule by the rich) than it is a democracy (rule by the people). When it costs more than a million dollars to run for a seat in the House of Representatives you know that we have strayed far from the representation of the people by the people that our founders envisioned.
I have to say that I am more than a little disillusioned about celebrating our freedom on this Independence Day. I am no longer sure about who is included in the "our" part of our freedom. The inalienable rights of all humans defined in our Declaration of Independence don't seem to apply to everyone anymore. It is now criminal to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. If we really believed in those basic human rights, shouldn't we be helping people that are seeking them rather than hindering or criminalizing them and their families?
I am not pleased with the current politics of the USA, and I fear that the current ruling class will make it very difficult to swing the control back to something more moderate. I am also at a loss as to what an old, retired guy can do to help change things. I am especially displeased with the so-called Christian Nationalists that claim to have God telling them to do some very un-Godly things with their power.
I just don't know how to describe my feelings today.
I do know that I am not alone.
I think I am going to fly my flag today.
I am going to celebrate the years that I have been proud to live in the USA.
I am going to celebrate the hope that I have that I will again be proud of living in the USA.
I am going to celebrate that I have a vote and a voice to change the representation of the demos in government.
I will grill some burgers today,
We'll have some corn on the cob.
We watched fireworks last night and I am sure that we will see some from the deck tonight.
It's a little weird that this year's Fourth of July seems more like a day of reflection and remembrance than a day of celebration.
I just don't know what it means to be a citizen of the USA anymore.
Honestly, I'm kind of bummed out about that.
John
1 comment:
Your post communicated your conflictedness well. Plutocracy? Bingo. No doubt there are many reflective Americans today and that will hopefully help manifest change. So may I encourage you to feel proud today? After all, with every contribution to your community over your lifetime, you helped build your country. It's yours. Hopefully more Americans will choose to take it back from the plutocracy.
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