The Death of Democracy

by Pete Orthmann

Having had to scratch around for survival all my life, I confess total ignorance about living life as a mega-millionaire. From this distance, it all seems so….. phony, and actually down-right disgusting. Phony because, they apparently judge themselves and everyone else on the basis of stuff as opposed to personal qualities. Disgusting because most are so totally self absorbed they fail to even notice the people around them who are literally clinging to the very edge of life. Disgusting also, because they are oblivious to the devastation caused by their excesses. Sure, there are obvious exceptions like Bono, Oprah, Paul Newman and a handful of others. But for the most part, the super rich seem compelled to proudly demonstrate complete self-indulgence.

Until recently, these people and their obscene indulgences were kind of like bees, where if you don't disturb them they won't bother you. Sadly, that is no longer true. One of the latest, greatest, "gotta have" super expensive goody is a vacation home in the mountains of western North Carolina. These multi-million dollar get-a-ways are definitely out of the way, so part of the attractiveness is the runway being gouged out of a mountain. Then, our pristine mountains will become covered with sprawling private houses, golf courses and exclusive shopping areas.

Seldom, if ever, does anyone even pretend to consider the environment, for the wildlife, or for the existing human population. So while the surface is carved up like a turkey, underground is home to miles of pipes. To the super rich a septic system would not be acceptable for waste disposal. The answer was obvious and simple. Construct a sewage treatment plant capable of processing 300,000 gallons a day, and build it far from the mega-houses. In fact, construct and operate it where the current (not wealthy) residents live and then dump the discharge into a lovely little creek that meanders through people's yards. Quite literally, the super rich will be pooping on the poor.

Instantly, when these disasters pop up both logic and civil due process vanish. With a wink and a nod from all who should be protecting both the existing social and environmental welfare, developers devastate large tracks with the speed and thoroughness once reserved for bombs. The new "golden rule" becomes a law of the day. You know, 'He who has the gold shall make the rules.'

Abandoned by all government agencies at all levels, local citizens frequently band together in an effort to insure some degree of fair and reasonable limits are enforced. In western North Carolina a small group of intrepid spirits organized the Laurel Valley Watch. The first effort was to appeal to the county commissioners. By attending the meetings they learned that approximately half of the business of the county was conducted behind closed doors in secret executive sessions. The nature of these meetings, or the decisions made, were never made public. Recognizing the absence of help there, they moved to the only alternative available, the hiring of an environmental lawyer.

Probably like many before them, they pooled scant funds in an effort to protect their homes and "nature" by waging valid legal battles. The results have been totally disappointing. At one case, the judge nearly fell asleep (some say, he did) during the proceeding, he went to lunch with the defense attorney during the trial and tossed a jury's decision in the trash can. We PAID for our day in court, hired good and competent lawyers, spent two days presenting compelling evidence that the jury recognized as fact. We lost. The reality was that the decision was made before the first juror was chosen. They didn't so much as pretend to go through the motions of an honest proceeding.

At a Board of Appeals hearing the sewage plant was approved following this incredible statement from a board member: "Because the plant will be made by man, it will probably fail sooner or later. At that time they will have to clean up the mess. But that is no reason to not allow this to be built."

Sadly, Democracy does not exist where the mega rich want to play. And that is the worst and most deeply troubling reality from a long list of terrible realities. It is failing us exactly as it did those in Vail, Colorado, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a long list of other, now private, beautiful locations. The scars on the top of our once beautiful mountain will be visible until the very end of time. The unnecessary displacement of natural habitat for animals and flora and fauna is tragic. The quasi forced removal of local residents, either through harassment or unbearable new taxes, is outrageous. But the loss of Democratic process should concern all Americans no-matter where they live or what their income.

Comments

[Shaun]

Interestingly enough, I believe that democracy isn't justified to any extent. After all, democracy is based upon the idea that, statistically at least, "might makes right." To be honest, the people can't be trusted -- they just wave back and forth gobbling up what the media feeds them. Sad but true. ::shrug::

Here's an article that explains the idea: http://www.shaunconnell.com/?p=12

[Shaun]

Interestingly enough, I believe that democracy isn't justified to any extent. After all, democracy is based upon the idea that, statistically at least, "might makes right." To be honest, the people can't be trusted -- they just wave back and forth gobbling up what the media feeds them. Sad but true. ::shrug::

Here's an article that explains the idea: http://www.shaunconnell.com/?p=12

[theresa]

Your story made me think of The Johnstown Flood:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnstown_Flood

[breirrabbit3030]

Having grown up in rural arizona, and having seen this happen to many lovely places, I wish it was possible to create a law that says, as crazy as it sounds, anybody with an income over $60.000, etc, in income, can't buy property in the county. since the rich move in and drive everyone of modest income out of a affordable place to live, wouldn't it be nice, if there was a place were the RICH were priced out of being able to live there. Where having lots of money and influence did not get you any advantages. Never going to happen, though. Soon all the lovely places will be full of sprawl, and ruined.

[Denise]

It is a mindset, a "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" way of thinking. They have convinced themselves, honetly, that they "deserve" the excessive lifestyles that they pursue. Since they are always into networking, to align themselves with others of the same ilk, the thought process is self-sustaining. They do not care what you think...what anyone who is not rich thinks. In their minds, or in their "playing field", or "chess game"...or whatever metaphor you want to use...they have disenfranchised themselves from the majority of the human race. They now exist as an end unto themselves, to prove that they are superior, based on the material gains that they have made. Many of them will not ever acknowledge this sad fact, because it is not prudent to do so. They will say whatever is expedient, based on their audience, to "win" their version of the "game". Period. Unless you have this understanding of their mindset, you cannot hope to defeat them.

[iris B.]

in the truly facist state, the state and the corportate powers have merged into one entity. the rights of people are secondary to the profits of the corporations, and their chiefs who apparantly now rule our country, earning thousands of times what is the norm.. We no longer have a democracy since the lobbyists outnumber members of congress and state houses. As the divisions become more unbearable between the greed inspired, v.s. the need driven, its obvious that those in government have no idea what life is like for the rest of us. The personal abuses and overtaxation, excessive corporate profits, overregulation etc. make me ashamed of my citizenship. but the dummies keep voting for corporate stooges who promise to legislate their religious values. Marx noted the eventual outcome when it becomes intolerable. Jefferson also said that the time will come when government no longer meets the needs of the people, what we must do to change it. OVERTHROW THE BASTARDS!.

[Grady Lee Howard]

I'm with iris B. (Drop me an email at beretco.op@hotmail.com so I can pick up on some of your "reading" iris.) Poor people hiring a lawyer does no good with rigged courts. I had a 5.2 acre plot (family land) near Globe, N.C. (Caldwell County). Expecting to camp out last summer we arrived to find our land cut clear, logged out and beginning to erode down the creek. A neighbor whispered that the big shot (from New Jersey) up the hill had it done because it blocked his view. When I called him he offered to buy it for $3000. The cops said it was a private property matter. Big shot wanted to build a commercial campground on the property so he called environmental officials to cite me for erosion runoff. Not being able to pay the fines (thousands) my family land was attached and sold under court order. At the auction the bailiff accepted a sealed bid from Big Shot's realtor without any counter bids. The camping park is being built (looks like the office is made from our lumber) and we lost everything including the taxes we paid and the lawyer's fee and court costs. The family cemetary (separate deed) was obliterated with mud from the construction. The judge told me in chambers,"Boy, you was an absentee owner and that's what happens to you poor dumb bastards." My attorney nodded and laughed. I own no home and expected to retire there. Now I have nowhere to go. I'm 52 and just got laid off after 15 years in the same job.

[The Eternal Squire]

Grady,

Part of the purpose of the FBI is to investigate corruption in the local court systems. Looks like you have a classic case.

I also believe you can sue the attorney for malpractice, possibly even get him disbarred for conflict of interest.

[Alice]

These posts have me shaking with rage. The description of the rich is absolutely right, and no exaggeration. We must wake up and take action. General Strike!

[Brian]

Well the rich serve a biologic purpose, and you can thank mother nature for that one. They, usually being more competitive, narcissitic, and acquisitive are simply the more aggressive ones on our bell curve. They are the squirrels who use various ruses and gile to accumulate the most nuts because that is the way nature built them. The rest of us aren't as driven that way, or have the package of special manipulative skills, or shamelessness, or required Mansonesque narcissism to knock everyone out of the way and be first in line. I don't know why nature insists we all compete so and puts us all in a line of predatory behavior, but it does. So the rich set the focus and the power structure that shapes the rest of our society, and nature apparently likes winners and losers just as much as humans do. There is no moral why she does this. Humans though, do have the power to choose, to analyze, and self-accuate, but unfortunately this comes only when their very survival is threatened. The nuclear bomb may well have held off more world wars while the globe unified into one fairly compatible economic system. It forced us to re-examine and change our ways, and this current war on terrorism is a throwback to another era the rest of us had moved out of. The rich are really tools of a cruel nature and if you examine it, it greatly increases our productivity, even though most of that goes to back to the rich. I guess that is their reward for doing what they do, which is to bind the rest of us to the machine and keep us turning the spinning wheel.

[Sarah]

The reality of life is that not all are equal. Cruel? Maybe. Harsh? Maybe. True? Yes. Should the choices and lives of others be my responsibility? No. Nor should one be criticized for success. Does not man have an internal drive to succeed? Some more than others. Some don't like the fact that some succeed more than others. Even financially as in the above comments.

Interesting...many logical fallacies spewed throughout your statements (they have more money...they apparently judge themselves and everyone else on the basis of stuff as opposed to personal qualities). Really? How so? Does not seem logical to me.

Give alms and aid to the
poor, tax the rich. How is this just? How is this rewarding Americans for their successes? The frightening reality is that our country is moving towards a system that rewards and gives to the less fortunate by taking from those that are considered financially more secure or even as you put it "rich".
The injustice of democracy is that because 51% of voters can take away the rights of 49%. If 51% of Americans believed women should not be allowed to go to school, should this be so? How is this just? How is this considered freedom? But, it is democracy. The majority can dictate the lives of others. Our constitution was drafted to get away from this kind of government...one where a majority takes away the rights or forces upon the lives of others.

Also, what is so different about hating someone because of the color of their skin and hating someone because of their bank account, or size of home, or material possessions? Nothing. I am baffled by your inability to see the lack of reasoning in your views.

Many of the responses above are pathetic logical fallacies and unjustified conclusions and insults. There is nothing wrong or immoral about being proud on one's success and accomplishments. If I choose to drive a 15 thousand dollar car or a 50 thousand dollar car should be none of your concern. One's possessions do not equate one's person and values. Obviously you misunderstood this point.

I am not rich, or anywhere close to what I consider to be rich. I put myself through school and grad school while working, with children. My husband did also. We earn what we have financially through many, many hours of hard work. Many people earn their wealth through sweat and struggle, as did we. To criticize, take from, or in my eyes, punish those that have earned their wealth as many of you do above, is disgusting. To live a life where one assumes others should pick up or take care of those that choose not to take care of themselves is one I refuse to live. Our government is set up to keep and take from the producers and give to those that don't. Where is the incentive to succeed? If one does, one is insulted and criticized as you do above. What are your values?

[Jack Martin]

Why does Barbara write books?
(Besides to get paid.) Sarah and Brian must not read or understand her writings (What are they doing on her blog?) because they sound about 15 years old.
Rich is not a fixed category containing a certain type of persons. Haven't you ever heard of Rockerfellers who deny their name and give their money to good causes? People don't become wealthy because of a genetic attribute but by the accidents of birth and circumstance. Their would be no categories of rich and poor and middling without the Capitalist system. Don't mistake a social construct for natural inevitability. Can't you see any criteria of worthiness besides money? Money is a made up thing, get it?
The worst injustice in this system is the rigged outcome where truly defective (usually from socialization) personalities are unnjustly rewarded through crimes and
collusion. The failures of justice we are witnessing (that Brian and Sarah accept as normal) are due to a lack of empathy and solidarity among the populace. This may be due to manufactured fear and panic or to miseducation and colonized minds that cause people to identify with and try to emulate their oppressors.
Quit being part of the problem you little hopeless gamblers like Brian and Sarah. Get a little imagination and fortitude like Barbara Ehrenreich. This rigged system is set up to make about 10% winners maximum and 90% losers minimum, but it is just a system we can change. Don't be fooled that what humanity has now is all that can ever be. If you can't imagine any other example think of the Indians before Columbus came (at least 500 possibilities).
This economic system is on the verge of collapse because it is not working. One reason is because the ecological system is way out of balance. We have plenty of fixing to do. We can't stand around betting on the Cowboys and Redskins. This is no game! We are all players, with responsibilities to the planet. Don't Sarah and Brian ever experience the world outside their habitrail office? All human power (food) comes from the Earth and not from Nabisco. Someone works and grows it, DUH?
We are the Earth and the Earth is us: Quit being perverted. We need eachother. That's why Barbara writes the type of books she does: Hope.

[Grady Lee Howard]

Eternal Squire:
The FBI huh? Ain't them the same bastards who turned a blind eye to 9/11 preparations, the same boogers who're takin' pictures of me when I protest the war and SOA/WHINSEC, the ones who hounded down Martin Luther King? Yep, that's them: Obey orders from Frado Gonzolez and John Ashcroft, Mulcasey who loves that waterboarding. Next time you need help call the G-men, they'll be there like Mighty Mouse or Batman. You're a sick optimistic idealist Eternal Squire, telling this to a sick little old man living on the back porch of his friends' rented house, looking at his broke down truck in the yard, living on charity, sick with no job. Come on and get me G-men: You'll never take me without a fight!

[mary]

Hello:

I have read many comments and letters to the editor like those above, more in the past ten years than before then. My question is: Why the hatred? If you have plenty of everything by the sweat of your own brow, how fortunate you are. You should be happy and serene, instead of crabbed, bitter and vituperative, or emotionally numb.

My husband and I have worked and toiled our whole lives, and done without many of the things other people in our station in life would consider essential. We took the long view and kept trudging forward, blessed with the advantages of good health and intelligence. We are now at a point in our lives where we have an astonishing amount of security and possessions. I do not begrudge those on assistance any of the money our taxes give them. We will give and share with those less fortunate, and we do in many ways. A most important way to do this is via transfer payments from us to Medicaid, Welfare, WIC, Foodstamps, HUD and other govt. programs and agencies.

It is not for me to judge, since I cannot possibly know, why others do not strive to the extent that we did. Perhaps it is lack of ability, perhaps it is lack of will or desire, perhaps lack of oportunity. But I simply am my brother's keeper, whether in my eyes he did everything he should have or not.

Yes, sometimes people who need help can be adjudged shiftless, or lazy or crooked, but often they do not have these attributes. What it comes down to, is we are all human beings, and like me, the poor and disadvantaged need a meal and somewhere to sleep at night, sometimes a doctor or dentist, and always a kind word. i just can't hate and begrudge the needy, when I am so happy. Especially when so many of the desperately needy are blessed, precious little children. For shame on you.

I never became diseased with the love of having, hoarding and spending money, and I was never infected with the desire to denigrate others so my success would shine more brightly to myself. And above all, I never lost my my place in the great sea of humanity. We are all going through this world together, and our time here is so, so short. In the United States, where so many like me have so much, we need to help those who for whatever reason, have a lacking. We need to help, realizing full well that those we help may very well ALWAYS remain in a position in life where help will be needed. I would not be classified as rich, either, and I am also not religious. On several occasions i have listened to very conservative christians bitterly declaim their hatred of those on welfare. would jesus do it?

Mary

[Grady Lee Howard]

O contrairey, Mary, Mary. You may be one of the last lucky ones. Others besides you and your husband took the long view. Some started out with less than nothing. Now you pat your po-po in congratulations for funding the shiftless.(And in a country with virtually no safety net)
You may have plenty to be thankful for but this does not mean you can ignore the systemic failure of the system that served you well. I do not ask for your little bit of money. I just want you to realize your neighbors have been liquidating their homes and assets for many years now to try and do good things and be respectable like you. At the same time, inflation, healthcare, education costs, fuel, food and other things are getting more expensive. People can't live on good thoughts and respectability.
You sound sheltered. What did your husband do to make money? Most of our remaining jobs have become exploitive and parasitic. For one to live well several others have to suffer. Do you even know what hubby did on those business trips? I hear that what happens in Atlanta stays in Atlanta, most cities are just like Vegas.

[Jacqueline Homan]

Grady: I agree with you fully that ALL of us need to take a stand to take back our legal system which has transformed from the justice system to the "just us" system: just us - the rich and powerful. We saw this unfold in the infamous US Supreme Court ruling in the case known as Kelo v. New London, CT.
This is NOT acceptable!

It is also unacceptable for those have been more fortunate in life to wrongly assume that most poor people are "shiftless", lack ambition and discipline, and failed to live right.

Many have done that: they played by the rules, and did "all the right things" - only to still end up poor and never get any chances to get anywhere at all, regardless. It's a matter of lack of opportunity and luck.

When you are unlucky enough to become disabled at a young age, try getting a good job when employers can have their pick. You can rest assured they will pass over you, the disabled job applicant!

What if you're one of the unlucky ones hit with catastrophic medical bills while in between jobs, which ruins your credit (which employers then use that against you) notwithstanding the devastation that health problems cause you when you are now no longer employable as a result of those health problems. That has a lot more to do with luck than planning better, having ambition, and "living right."...Too bad more wealthy people don't see it that way, but then they would be forced to admit that they are taking more credit than they truly deserve for their success in life. And since the majority of the "haves" and "have-mores" are selfish, they won't admit the role of luck and opportunity because they don't want to have to share any of that wealth and fortune with those who have not been fortunate.

They do not even want the poor to have any real equal opportunity and fair fighting chance of climbing out of poverty. When you're a "nobody" who struggled to achieve the same things the "haves" did, like getting a college education for example, they change the rules of the game: They slash student aid so you can’t go to grad school to get that PhD, MD, Esq, or whatever. They made sure the have-nots got priced out. Oh, and that Bachelors Degree you struggled to get while coping with poverty? Well that no longer counts. Low-paying jobs that only required a high school diploma 30 years ago now require a Bachelors Degree. You're still deemed "unworthy" of a chance for a good job for one reason or another. You're still kept down and kept poor due to poverty-profiling in hiring practices. It's not what you know - it's who you know, where you live, and what image you can afford.

I believe the privileged classes in this country have no desire to welcome upward bound poor as "newcomers" to join their ranks of America's middle and upper classes because that means that they (and their spoiled progeny) will face more competition for the social prizes and economic rewards in our society. Just my 2 cents...which I can amply back up.

[Griff]

Please stop with the class envy. You should thank your lucky stars there are rich people. They are the ones who invest money and start corporations that give us all jobs. Even when rich people put all their money in the bank, 90 percent of that money gets lent out to the rest of us to build homes and start our own small businesses. You may think Britney Spears is shallow and maybe she is, but she gave a lot of people jobs. Stop with the attitude and you might get a job.

[Tenacious G]

Griff--please decist with the self-righteousness and narrow mindedness. Obviously, you are in no way economically challenged and have no financial worries. Which means that currently, you are a social ANOMALLY.

Cite your sources, while you're at it--how do YOU know of all the specific advantages the oh-so-benevolent wealthy distribute to those who are "less fortunate"? By the way, even if a few rich philanthropists DO toss a few dollars to the rest of us "peasants"--obviously, the trickle-down philosophy is NOT WORKING.

Stop with the attitude, and you might just get a CLUE, compassion--and a soul.