Great post. A very big reason I come to Free Republic is articles like this, whether for education, or, in this case more of a refreshment and better explanation than I could give on my own.
I read this part to my wife (who is Filipina) “It is hard for Americans to understand what life is like in countries where even “elected” governments exercise arbitrary power and rule by fiat when the laws they are supposed to obey are inconvenient for them. Where participating in politics means to literally put one’s life on the line. Where entrenched elites and oligarchies do whatever suits them to retain their power. Where corruption is a way of life and the majority of the people feel helpless to do anything. Where demagogues are the rule, not the exception.” I asked her if it sounded familiar. She sadly nodded “yes”.
It bothers me tremendously when I hear someone like Colin Powell put down a Sarah Palin essentially because they do not see her as a member of their elite: the ruling class. That is as clear a sign as any that what you describe is already happening.
Thank you, I had wanted more people to read it than have done so far. I don’t think there are people out there who understand how critical these elections are.