Corruption has been the scourge of democracy for thousands of years. Economic structures have always benefited the wealthy, but Americans have frequently answered the call of our better angels to even the playing field. Why then, in this time of struggle, do we allow such grave injustices as the Supreme Court's decision to give corporations the right to put a stranglehold on our political process?
If we are going to make progress in the 21st century, let’s focus on an increasingly informed and connected electorate to bring more of our citizens into the fold. Let’s zero-in on and eliminate the negative forces of corporate influence bombarding elections and media. Americans will never be given a better chance to improve how our country is run than right now.
The wealthy beneficiaries of the Citizens United decision are trying to complete the circuit of political domination by undermining the rights of workers across the country. These standoffs have risen from an environment we have created in which it’s not only expected, but also totally acceptable that the super-rich will do everything in their power to further secure their position at the top of the pecking order and maintain the status quo.
An increasingly overwhelming environment of corporate handouts has blurred, if not demolished, the line between healthy, rigorous partisan debate and the cash-infused free-for-all we see today. This has created an environment where our public servants are demonized and where outside forces are leading us further from what made the 20th century the American Century.
It seems as if winning is not enough anymore. In 2010, it wasn’t about common sense solutions or ideological victory, it was about political domination, not only “beating the other guy” but also destroying him. American political discourse has been poisoned by special interests ratcheting up the vitriol and blaming everyone but the culprits of our current economic situation. The stench of big business election buying was unbearable. It ensured a Republican majority that in return advocates tax cuts for the rich, deregulation of corporate oversight, cheap labor practices and no-bid contracts.
There are results and consequences on the horizon and Americans have the opportunity to choose which ones we want. However, the voice coming from fed-up Americans must be loud enough to compete with the billions of dollars that are sure to be spent keeping the power brokers safe from losing their wealth.
There is boundless opportunity in this time of confusion and conflict, but we can’t allow the interests of the privileged few to chart the course of the “tired-poor, and yearning masses.” The many faces of American patriotism can never be detailed in a 30-second political ad or an 8x11mail piece. Only we can paint a better horizon and seize it for future generations.
It is unacceptable to look at 21st century America through an 18th century lens. The only answers we find in our past are the examples of courage, conviction and progressive spirit found at every major turning point and we must be inspired by the bravery of those who fought for progress when called to action.
As each day passes, the likes of the Koch brothers are one-step closer to political domination and a secure corporate welfare state. Become an organizer in your community. Educate yourself and others about the imminent threats presented by organizations like the Koch brothers, American Crossroads, and Citizens United. It should be well understood that their machines are well greased and fully funded and we can’t delay in our action.