Who Rules the World? How Concentration of Wealth and Political Power Undermines Global Democracy

http://www.alternet.org/economy/who-rules-world-how-concentration-wealth-and-political-power-undermines-global-democracy


With a $4 billion price tag, the recent US midterm election was the most expensive in the country’s history. For the first time in eight years, the republications gained complete control of Congress, as well as won victories in key Senate and gubernatorial races across the country.

With elections in the US, we are granted the illusion that voters generally have power over our elected leaders, the direction of the economy, and how to tackle climate change and other major issues. But where does the real power lie?

Wealth and political power are so dramatically concentrated in this country that elections have become a bitter farce. The recent midterm vote provides a great opportunity to reflect on the structural ways in which the system is rigged against the people.

The 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court case essentially enabled corporations and billionaires to be able buy US elections and politicians without government oversight. According to David Bossie, the plaintiff in the case and the president of the conservative Citizens United organization, the court ruling helped the Republicans win this year’s midterms.