4 ms·

While I really appreciate the democratic aspect of showing up at meetings, I would much prefer proper representation. Representation such that someone says: "H

While I really appreciate the democratic aspect of showing up at meetings, I would much prefer proper representation. Representation such that someone says: "Hey what about people who are too busy to show up to these meetings? How do we get their input?" At this point, the lobbyists have very, very, very obviously gotten root. The steps involved with reversing this (without beheadings) are unprecedented afaik.

mulmen 6y ago
That's exactly how it works? You show up, make a bunch of noise about what you want and eventually everyone can vote on it. The value of representative democracy is that you don't need to take the time to go to every meeting.
- 1_person 6y ago
  Yes, I find it very convenient for legislators to represent my interests for me by professing their platform to be whatever is electorally expedient at the moment while gerrymandering districts and rigging elections in a couple key counties then legislating whatever gets them paid the most with no regard for their professed platform or my interests whatsoever. It's great that I don't even have to be aware of how my rights are being gradually eroded and sold off to the highest bidder. It allows me to fully abdicate responsibility for the atrocities and enjoy my carefree lifestyle of mindless consumerism. Fuck me harder, daddy!
- seph-reed 6y ago
  We don't have a "representative democracy," we have an oligarchy. Our representation was lobbied away, like, 2 decades ago. Now they're just mocking us. Go vote anyways.
  - mulmen 6y ago
    What was the turning point? Why vote if the system is an oligarchy?
    - seph-reed 6y ago
      How about when we started a war with a country that hadn't attacked us so that some oil tycoons could line their pockets? Did anyone vote on that? Just sending innocent civilians to die so some rich fuck could get richer? How about "Corporations are people"? Was that for the good of the American public? What about this current administration? Pretty much everyone in power doesn't belong there and does more to serve those who pay them (through lobbying) than the public. Vote anyways because it's good for PR and slows down the spread of corruption.

mulmen 6y ago

That's exactly how it works? You show up, make a bunch of noise about what you want and eventually everyone can vote on it. The value of representative democracy is that you don't need to take the time to go to every meeting.

1_person 6y ago
Yes, I find it very convenient for legislators to represent my interests for me by professing their platform to be whatever is electorally expedient at the moment while gerrymandering districts and rigging elections in a couple key counties then legislating whatever gets them paid the most with no regard for their professed platform or my interests whatsoever. It's great that I don't even have to be aware of how my rights are being gradually eroded and sold off to the highest bidder. It allows me to fully abdicate responsibility for the atrocities and enjoy my carefree lifestyle of mindless consumerism. Fuck me harder, daddy!
seph-reed 6y ago
We don't have a "representative democracy," we have an oligarchy. Our representation was lobbied away, like, 2 decades ago. Now they're just mocking us. Go vote anyways.
- mulmen 6y ago
  What was the turning point? Why vote if the system is an oligarchy?
  - seph-reed 6y ago
    How about when we started a war with a country that hadn't attacked us so that some oil tycoons could line their pockets? Did anyone vote on that? Just sending innocent civilians to die so some rich fuck could get richer? How about "Corporations are people"? Was that for the good of the American public? What about this current administration? Pretty much everyone in power doesn't belong there and does more to serve those who pay them (through lobbying) than the public. Vote anyways because it's good for PR and slows down the spread of corruption.