Fight for democracy

Our fights about taxes, militarism, climate, health care, abortion, guns, etc., are largely manufactured and sustained distractions. Corporate interests manipulate perceptions, complicate common-sense thinking and stoke our fears. Their money feeds disinformation campaigns, rewrites laws and controls our officials. They hope we ignore their ongoing power grab.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision institutionalized power for corporations whose goals are rarely in our country’s interest. Look at our pathetic world rankings in infrastructure, education and government services.

Members of Congress spend 40 percent of their time fundraising; little time to read bills or listen to constituents. Way too much money is at stake. In 2012, D.C. lobbyists alone spent $3.3 billion, or $5 million per congressperson. How can “We, the people” be heard?

Our country is devolving to unrestrained capitalism in the name of freedom. We’ve been deceived and distracted. Corporatists and politicians will do and say anything to win. Money rules. We must focus now on rescinding Citizens United, limiting lobbyists and reforming the election processes. Other fights can wait.

“There’s class warfare all right, but it’s my class, the rich class, that’s making war, and we’re winning.” – Warren Buffett

This is the fight of our times. Will you fight for democracy?

Michael Quick

Newport, Wash.