Our dying democracy is still run by Washington lobbyists

[Cyrano]

In Frank Rich’s NY Times column today, he does not say that democracy is dying. But he does tell us that Washington and all the issues that matter to us are still run by lobbyists. This time around, it’s mostly Democratic lobbyists. But does it really matter whether you’re getting screwed by a Republican or a Democrat?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/opinion/04rich.html?ref=opinion

“The (Obama) administration’s legislative deals with the pharmaceutical companies were made in back rooms. Business Week reported in early August that the UnitedHealth Group and its fellow insurance giants had already quietly rounded up moderate Democrats in the House to block any public health care option that would compete with them for business. UnitedHealth’s hired Beltway gunslingers include both Elmendorf Strategies and (Tom) Daschle, a public supporter of the public option who nonetheless does some of his “wink, wink” counseling for UnitedHealth. The company’s in-house lobbyist is a former chief of staff to Steny Hoyer, the House majority leader. (Dick) Gephardt consults there too.”

Reading Frank Rich’s column today is depressing. We all know that the denizens who inhabit Washington will never have clean hands. But when we learn that we’re getting screwed by people like Tom Daschle, Dick Gephardt and other Dems, it’s time to start wondering if democracy is an outdated, corrupt system beyond redemption.

So what’s next? Do we throw ourselves a revolution and become … what? We know that communism doesn’t work. We know that fascism is just as bad or worse. And we know that even benevolent dictatorships too often become tyrannies.

There’s always the form of socialism practiced in much of Western Europe. But given our track record of corruption, how long would it be before the lobbyists were back playing the same game with a different name?

So what do you think? Has American democracy had it? Is there a reasonable alternative?

[Wilms]

1. I don't know "if democracy is an outdated, corrupt system beyond redemption."

But I fear that the Democratic party "is an outdated, corrupt system beyond redemption."

[Don Caballero]

2. I disagree

Our party is the only institution of true power that can turn this country around. The Republican Party is dying a slow death while we are realizing a majority in the hearts and minds of the American people. Though the Democrats have minor flaws, they are far superior intellectually and morally to the GOP. We must not question the small problems with our party and instead help them accomplish the goals we all hold dear.