Money and wealth dictate policy

Money and wealth dictate to democracy. We believe we have a voice in what goes on but the only choice we have is on the ballot and those names that appear on the ballot succumbed to the power of money long before election day.

Did we, the ordinary people, have a say in the economic bailouts of 2008 or the TARP plan of 2009? No, our elected and politically appointed representatives did. Oh, they mulled around wringing their hands and feigning concern for their constituents. but in the end wealth and big money ruled the day. I will not get into a narrative on the wars; it is sufficient just to make mention of them.

Do the ordinary people have a say in what trade agreements are made that send jobs to foreign countries? No, our elected and politically appointed representatives make those decisions for us. What are their incentives?

Money and wealth even dictate when and where you will stop your vehicle on a city street. If a big corporate retailer wants a stoplight, they will get it. The examples are endless.

Elected representatives and appointed officials do the bidding of wealth and big money; it does not matter if they are conservative or liberal, they are all politicians. Democracy, or a republic for those who are picky, is an illusion.

We do enjoy personal freedoms that other nations do not. Maybe this is as good as it gets.

VAN RIEHL, Jackson