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Why we lose power instead of gaining it | the democracy letters
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democracy letter

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.

Gabriel Fehrenbach's avatar
Gabriel Fehrenbach
Jan 29, 2025
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Why we lose power instead of gaining it | the democracy letters
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"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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