While the United States Constitution contemplates that the civil and religious rights of minorities are to be protected from the tyranny of the majority, in the general course of governance the idea was that majority consensus would be controlling, both in terms of election decisions and in terms on Congressional action. This latter concept is what the Republican Party/Tea Party is seeking to destroy. The cover of Time Magazine, above, sums it up well. Daily Kos elaborates further:
Yes, this image perfectly encapsulates the current government shutdown, in which a fringe band of GOP representatives in the House have effectively held the federal government hostage (with the help of the GOP's spineless leadership).
However, this image also perfectly encapsulates, unintentionally, the extent to which our elected officials truly represent America's citizenry today. For as mainstream pundits yap about which monuments might close, the wealth gap between those who have, and those who have not, is larger than it's ever been.
New Yorkers with two jobs are increasingly becoming homeless. Metropolises are becoming income distribution wastelands. Things are getting worse for so many.
And today, a small collection of lawmakers is focused on shutting down the government, rather than ensure it functions for those who need it most. The majority is not ruling. In so many ways.
Very well said. And very disturbing.
No comments:
Post a Comment