Introduction
In the heart of every democratic society lies the promise of electoral participation—a fundamental right that empowers citizens to shape their governance. However, in the context of the United States, this right often resembles more of a ritualistic performance than a genuine exercise of power. The illusion of democracy is meticulously maintained, with the electoral process serving as a grand spectacle to placate the masses while the true reins of power remain firmly in the grip of unelected corporate elites.
The Divided States of America: A Strategy of Control
One of the most glaring aspects of American society is its deep and multifaceted divisions. These divisions are not incidental but rather a deliberate strategy—”divide and conquer.” Race, gender, and political affiliation serve as the battlegrounds for this strategy, fragmenting society into countless factions. This disunity is crucial for maintaining control, as a divided populace is less capable of mounting a collective challenge to the status quo.
“There isn’t a single category within American society that doesn’t have some corresponding Nemesis. It’s just divide and conquer playing out domestically.” – Shahid Bolsen
The political dichotomy between Democrats and Republicans is a prime example of this strategy. Both parties, despite their rhetoric, are entrenched in the same system of corporate control. The partisan battles we witness are mere distractions, diverting attention from the fact that the ultimate decisions are made by economic elites, not by the people or their elected representatives.
Voting as a Performance
The right to vote is often heralded as the cornerstone of democracy. Yet, this right, in practice, serves more as a psychological balm than a tool for genuine change. The reality is stark: corporate interests dominate the political landscape, rendering the electorate’s influence minimal at best. Historical records reveal a consistent pattern of U.S. interference in foreign democracies, with at least 88 documented cases of election manipulation from 1946 to 2000, spanning continents from Latin America to Africa.
“Power doesn’t care who you vote for in November. If you imagine that unelected power of the private sector is going to entrust the public with deciding how things are going to be run, then you’re living in a fantasy.” – Shahid Bolsen
If the U.S. government does not trust other nations to elect leaders independently, why should we believe that it allows such freedom within its borders? The logic defies reason. Elections, both abroad and at home, are manipulated to ensure outcomes favorable to corporate and elite interests.
“America is documented to have interfered with, tampered with, or outright rigged at least 88 elections from Europe to Latin America to Asia to Africa.” – Shahid Bolsen
The Campaign Industrial Complex
Consider the immense financial machinery that powers U.S. elections. Campaigns are not just political events; they are economic enterprises. Billions of dollars flow into a network of consultancies, advertising agencies, media companies, and digital platforms. When citizens donate to campaigns, they are effectively channeling their money into the private sector, fueling an industry that thrives on the perpetuation of this ritual.
This system, which I term the “campaign industrial complex,” transforms elections into a lucrative business, far removed from their intended purpose of representing the people’s will. Instead of empowering voters, this cycle entrenches the power of the very entities that have co-opted the democratic process.
“The election cycle in America is nothing but a mechanism for the campaign industrial complex, whereby billions of dollars are funneled into the private sector.” – Shahid Bolsen
The Lesser of Two Evils: A False Choice
The American electoral process often frames itself as a choice between the lesser of two evils. This narrative lowers voter expectations, conditioning them to accept subpar leadership as long as it is not as disastrous as the alternative. This tactic not only simplifies the rigging of elections but also ensures that meaningful debate and demands for real change are stifled.
Candidates are rarely scrutinized for their policies; instead, the focus shifts to defeating the opponent. This approach creates a pre-programmed victory, where the outcome is engineered to appear plausible while suppressing dissent and critical discourse.
Rigged from the Start
Evidence of election manipulation is not confined to the annals of foreign policy. Domestically, the U.S. electoral system is rife with mechanisms that undermine genuine democratic participation. Gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the disproportionate influence of money in politics are just a few examples of how the system is rigged to maintain the status quo.
Moreover, the revolving door between corporate America and political office further cements the influence of unelected power. Politicians, regardless of party affiliation, often serve the interests of the economic elites who fund their campaigns, rather than the constituents who elect them.
“Power doesn’t care who you vote for in November. If you imagine that unelected power of the private sector is going to entrust the public with deciding how things are going to be run, then you’re living in a fantasy.” – Shahid Bolsen
And The Winner Is…
Donald Trump will win the presidency again due to a combination of factors, including his enduring base of loyal supporters, a divided opposition, and his ability to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the current administration. His strong populist messaging, focus on economic issues, and ability to dominate media narratives help him maintain significant influence. Additionally, the polarization of American politics often leads to elections being decided by narrow margins in key swing states, where his campaign strategy could once again prove effective. If voter turnout among his base is high and the opposition fails to unify, Trump’s path to victory could be secured.
The Real Power Structure
The true power in America resides not in the ballot box but in the boardrooms of multinational corporations and financial institutions. These entities dictate policy, influence legislation, and shape the socioeconomic landscape to their benefit. The role of politicians is reduced to performers in a carefully orchestrated play, designed to give the illusion of democracy while the real decisions are made behind closed doors.
Moving Beyond the Illusion
To effect genuine change, we must look beyond the ritual of voting and address the underlying power structures that control our society. This involves organizing and mobilizing against corporate power, demanding accountability and transparency, and pushing for systemic reforms that democratize the private sector.
Until we confront these realities, the cycle will continue, and the illusion of democracy will persist. Voting, in its current form, serves as a societal self-soothing mechanism, offering the semblance of participation while ensuring that the real power dynamics remain untouched.
As we approach each election cycle, let us critically examine the process and question the narratives presented to us. Only by acknowledging the truth can we begin to reclaim our power and work towards a system that truly represents the will of the people.
Citations:
- Documented U.S. election interference from 1946 to 2000: “Covert Operations as a Tool of Presidential Foreign Policy: From Bay of Pigs to Iran-Contra,” John Prados.
- Analysis of the campaign industrial complex: “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right,” Jane Mayer.
- Voter suppression and gerrymandering: “The Voting Rights War,” Gloria J. Browne-Marshall.
In this piece, I challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the U.S. electoral process. It’s time to peel back the layers of illusion and confront the hard truths about where real power resides. Let’s not just participate in the ritual—let’s demand a democracy that works for us all.
Until Next Time…
I Am,
Ewing Redmond Samuels III
