General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: If you don't think we're already living in a police state, consider this. [View all]guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)The United States was never intended by the Founders to be a true democracy. Athens was not a true democracy. The US Revolution was one group of rich educated people replacing another group of rich educated people. But that changed because of common citizens in action.
That said, there have always been social justice movements in this country. In the 19th Century the Abolitionist movement completely reframed the debate on chattel slavery. The resultant civil war ended slavery de jure if not in practice. The fight against slavery is still going, but the progress is undeniable.
In the 1870's onward, the Knights of Labor, International Workers of the World, CIO and AFL changed the debate on the rights of workers. Not an easy process, the fight is still going on, capitalists still make war upon workers, but minds were changed.
In the early 20th Century Suffragists changed the debate on female suffrage. Are women still discriminated against? Of course, but progress has been made.
Yes the Koch brothers and assorted fascist billionaires are attempting to reverse every bit of social progress that has been made, but they are aided by an apathetic citizenry that will not participate in the electoral process. And please do not tell me that both parties are the same. With rare exceptions politicians do not lead, they are pushed by a motivated citizenry. 34% participation in the 2014 election is the real reason there is a Republican majority in the Senate.