Why we lose power instead of gaining it | the democracy letters
Our democracies are built to rob us of our power and agency. This stems from the principles of representation and election.
"Representative government as we know it leaves open a 'gap' between governors and governed, so that despite being represented, the people remain outside." 1
Politics is all about competition. Competition between people and parties; a contest for votes, headlines, and airtime. It is a common misconception that politics is about the best ideas or the solutions to pressing issues. These things are marginal and only a means to gaining power and influence.
This misconception is by design.
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