This feels like destiny.
Two truths, diametrically in opposition to each other yet stunningly inter-related, define America right now. Their existence heralds a period of increased and lasting societal crisis. We have yet to see the worst. America’s identity crisis continues apace.
- For the first time in the history of our democracy, there exist tools for every citizen of our country to have their own voice, and for that voice to make a difference to society as a whole.
- For NOT the first time in the history of our democracy, entrenched interests, corporations, and empowered minorities maintain an undemocratic and authoritative grip on our politics, our economy, our culture and the nation itself.
These two realities, existing side by side, are generating tremendous friction in the fabric of our nation. They are battling it out to see who wins. But, as in any good steel cage battle royal, only one faction can emerge victorious. I am betting on democracy to win out over kleptocracy though, as of now its a 100 to 1 long shot.
It smacks of destiny that these two truths should emerge at roughly the same time.
The history of our nation suggests a constant struggle between the flowering of true democracy and a slippage into that which our nation defined itself as opposed to, monarchy, or more broadly, a concentration of power. Of course, today the only kings and queens are corporations, their functionaries (lobbyists and politicians) and the tribute we pay them (our salaries, our health, our lives).
The past ten years this narrative has again picked up steam with new innovations, emerging from the democratic garden, laying siege to feudal walls. The new innovations are the real time web (initially government funded and instituted) but then appropriated by individuals for their own machinations. Those innovations are what led to social media, its tools and philosophies. The reason these tools are so powerful is because their utility lies only in how people use them. What good would blogs be if no one posted anything?
But what has also emerged during this time, nearly hand in hand, is an absolute fealty our government has to the corporations and entrenched interests (military, civic bureaucrats, unions). Is there any doubt that today the power of lobbyists and their ability to sway our political class is unparalleled, even compared with past era’s of abuse such as the Gilded Age?
At the same time that our democracy develops both the power and knowledge set necessary to wield that power, a development that carries with it the potential to challenge the flow of power and influence, the parasitic behavior of corporations and undemocratic interests have accelerated their burrowing? Isn’t that the only thing they can do?
Indeed, and those parasites will only further their choke-hold on our government and our society, for it is their only remaining option. This is going to get ugly.
Image Source: robyn318 on Flickr
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