“Can We Keep Our Democracy? (Or, Can We Get it Back?)”
Princeton political scientists recently demonstrated that the U.S. functions as an oligarchy. Unlimited campaign money, the corruption of our political system by the donor class, systematic voter suppression, and voter cynicism conspire to challenge what’s left of our Democracy. Reform efforts are growing, and Get Money Out-MD (GMOM) may be on the verge of passing, in the Maryland legislature, a state resolution to overturn ‘Citizens United’ through a U.S. constitutional amendment, including a guaranteed right to vote. An unprecedented direct action for Democracy, including civil disobedience, is planned in Washington by hundreds of groups this Spring (Democracy Spring/Awakening).
Ms. Susan Ogden, V.P. of GMOM, is an activist, retired teacher, child welfare advocate, and long-time member of the Washington Ethical Society.