Posted on 04/17/2014 7:20:59 PM PDT by Nachum
Submitted by Mike Krieger of Liberty Blitzkrieg blog,
Despite the seemingly strong empirical support in previous studies for theories of majoritarian democracy, our analyses suggest that majorities of the American public actually have little influence over the policies our government adopts. Americans do enjoy many features central to democratic governance, such as regular elections, freedom of speech and association, and a widespread (if still contested) franchise. But we believe that if policymaking is dominated by powerful business organizations and a small number of affluent Americans, then America’s claims to being a democratic society are seriously threatened.
- From a recent study titled Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens by Martin Gilens of Princeton University and Benjamin I. Page of Northwestern University
In response to the publication of an academic study that essentially proves the United States is nothing more than an oligarchy, many commentators have quipped sentiments that go something like “so tell me something I don’t know.” While I agree that the conclusion is far from surprising to anyone paying attention, the study is significant for two main reasons.
First, there is a certain influential segment of the population which has a disposition which requires empirical evidence and academic studies before they will take any theory seriously. Second, some of the conclusions can actually prove quite helpful to activists who want to have a greater impact in changing things. This shouldn’t be particularly difficult since their impact at the moment is next to zero.
What is most incredible to me is that the data under scrutiny in the study was from 1981-2002. One can only imagine how much worse things have gotten since the 2008 financial crisis. The study found that even when 80% of the population favored a particular public policy
(Excerpt) Read more at zerohedge.com ...
And my study proves that Princeton is an elitist organization that sits around eating too much of its own excrement.
How does one “prove” political theory?
I read this yesterday
The premise, unfortunately, struck me as
All to likely to be true
It explains many otherwise unconnected facts
I saved the PDF for later perusal
Very good.
Just wait until the next time Americans have to stand up the government while under arms.
ONE Oligarchy, two wings.
Business interests, business groups, businesses, et cetera, et cetera.
Two extremely large players always seemed to be left out: Public sector unions and environmental groups.
They run much of the country’s policies.
Took the dumb Effers how long to come to this conclusion?
It sounds true to me. Maybe the solution would be removing Princeton’s accreditation.
It is presently more of a plutocracy, trending towards oligarchy. I miss the opportunity part from my youth.
US Oligarchy bump for later....
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, and WellsFargo
A sufficient thrashing in November may convince its wiser members that a loose rein is the prudent way to go. The Constitution affords us that much slack before the bullets have to start flying - I am repeatedly stunned by how many chances that storied document gives us to save us from our own folly. They aren't limitless, though. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government... Don't think that can't happen. Don't think it won't.
Civil wars are awful and bloody.
Yes, they are. I'm praying for the ballot box before we have to go to the cartridge box because nobody should have to die for other people's lust for pride and power.
....”If it is to survive, this particular oligarchy needs to go back under cover”.....
....or jump across the ocean to play on the World Development Stage, which is why we see so little development or revenue doing more in this nation then just keeping the masses pacified.....all the focus now is overseas in ‘all’ areas.
I think the study skipped a few essentials, like the overpowering political oligarchs. They accept bribes from any source, foreign or domestic, and actively work against the interests of the people who elected them while growing rich and elitist. Harry Reid would be an outstanding example. There are many others, sadly some from the Republican side.
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