The Republic Has Fallen

"Oligarchy is a form of power structure in which power effectively rests with a small number of people. These people might be distinguished by royalty, wealth, family ties, education, corporate, religious or military control. Such states are often controlled by a few prominent families who typically pass their influence from one generation to the next, but inheritance is not a necessary condition for the application of this term.

Throughout history, oligarchies have often been tyrannical, relying on public obedience or oppression to exist. Aristotle pioneered the use of the term as a synonym for rule by the rich, for which another term commonly used today is plutocracy.

Especially during the fourth century BC, after the restoration of democracy from oligarchical coups, the Athenians used the drawing of lots [an election of sorts] for selecting government officers in order to counteract what the Athenians saw as a tendency toward oligarchy in government if a professional governing class were allowed to use their skills for their own benefit. They drew lots from large groups of adult volunteers that pick selection technique for civil servants performing judicial, executive, and administrative functions. They even used lots for posts, such as judges and jurors in the political courts, which had the power to overrule the Assembly."

[link to en.wikipedia.org (secure)]

Without question, the United States is now an oligarchy. It is no longer a Democratic Republic with a capitalist economy.

Liberals believe the solution is to target corporations with more regulations and taxes, while simultaneously increasing the size of government.

Conservatives believe the solution is to reduce the size and power of government, while simultaneously reducing the regulation and taxation of corporations.

Neither addresses the root of the problem. And that is -- the interconnected association between government and big business. Eliminate the power of the ruling class by eliminating the influence business has in our government and vice versa, and the Republic will be restored.

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