The Democracy of the founding fathers was Greek Democracy, predicated upon a slave society, and restricted to only the elite. This is the society we live in today, even with our reforms towards direct representation. The system is inherently biased towards the election of elites and against the representation of the masses. Hamilton called it “faction” when the working class got together and demanded better conditions, and mechanisms were built in (which still exist to this day) that serve to ensure the continued dominance of the elite over the masses. The suffering of the many is intentional. The opulence of the wealthy is also. This is the intended outcome.

  • colin@lemmy.uninsane.orgEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    that seems kinda revisionist. if i think i have a better way in which to provide healthcare, am i allowed to pursue that alongside others who consent? if “no”, then something has monopolized healthcare — be it a private entity, public, or some combination.

    the libertarian refrain is “government is the monopoly on violence”, and that seems broadly true, even if the police force is publicly directed… no?

    • rockSlayer@lemmy.world
      3·
      1 year ago

      I see that mental trap of yours. Without getting into the weeds, I’m a type of anarchist. I don’t believe the state should exist in the first place, healthcare belongs to the commons. You’re trying to suggest that private healthcare is your “better way”, so no, it shouldn’t be allowed. As long as the state exists, that argument will be used. Therefore we should eliminate the hierarchy that justifies ownership over the means of production.

    • BartsBigBugBag@lemmy.tfOPEnglish
      3·
      1 year ago

      That’s not a libertarian refrain, just one that they stole from the left. Like the name Libertarian itself, which actually means communist essentially.

      • colin@lemmy.uninsane.orgEnglish
        3·
        1 year ago

        bleh. arguing over words and definitions is a stupid waste of time. i shouldn’t care what “monopoly” or “libertarian” or any other word means to someone else, i should only care if they embrace the ideas that help us work together.

        sure, i’m against private monopolies – whatever word you want to use to describe it. i think it’s accurate that government is that player which is granted the “exclusive use of force considered to be legitimate”, even if that’s a mouthful.

        anyway, i yield the floor for as long as the topic is definitional instead of substantial 👋