The Dissolution of the American Democracy
The American democracy and republic are undergoing a significant transformation. The Left is actively working towards the elimination of the Constitutionally-created Electoral College, a system originally designed to prevent a single group from gaining total control of the federal government. This shift in power dynamics is leading to the emergence of a "Post-Democracy Electronic State."
Aristotle once warned about the dangers of democracy, particularly how a majority could use its voting power to impose rules and extract social goods and benefits from the minority. This could be seen as a form of "Wealth Tax" or a tax on "Unrealized Income" under the guise of a "Fair Share."
The Transformation to a Post-Democracy Electronic State
The United States is evolving into a new political form, with the Rule of Law significantly weakened and the freedom of speech and press increasingly corrupted. The country's leaders seem to lack a real understanding of the challenges faced and the potential solutions needed to preserve the integrity of America. The nation is grappling with various crises, including economic issues, the effects of Artificial Intelligence, and immigration issues.
The post-democracy political order now consists of fragmented special interests and a central government consolidating its power to monitor, control, and intimidate its citizens. Big Data/Big Tech companies are also playing a significant role in this transformation, amassing an inconceivable amount of data on Americans and wielding incredible influence.
The Soft Repression of Democracy
Alexis de Tocqueville, in his early 19th-century classic Democracy in America, observed that the "soft" repression of democracy was unlike any other political form. He noted that the supreme power of government covers society with a network of small, complicated rules, which stifles original minds and energetic characters. This power doesn't destroy, but it enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people.
The Impact of the Internet and Surveillance State
The technological power of the Internet has swept through society like a "social tsunami," devastating existing institutions and corrupting the traditional order. The Internet has given everyone the unprecedented ability to present their views, establish relationships, and organize networks and action groups. However, it has also led to the emergence of a "surveillance state" where powerful governmental and private actors monitor everything we do in the name of national security, social cohesion, and consumer preference.
The anonymous nature of many Internet communications has contributed to the disintegration of the American community. People hide behind masks, spewing venom and unfounded claims. The mainstream media's sensationalism and individuals' desire for "fifteen minutes of fame" further exacerbate the situation.
The Threat of Government Surveillance
The threat from massive government surveillance is primarily psychological. The fear of what the government "could" be doing and who might be looking at our profiles can be intimidating. The National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Homeland Security, or FBI could potentially be building up something like a High School Permanent Record or a "social credit" record. This fear of exposure of things we would prefer to remain hidden exists even though we can never be certain of what "They" actually "know."
Bottom Line
The American democracy and republic are undergoing a significant transformation, with the emergence of a "Post-Democracy Electronic State." The Internet has played a crucial role in this transformation, giving everyone the unprecedented ability to present their views but also leading to the emergence of a "surveillance state." The threat from massive government surveillance is primarily psychological, creating a fear of what the government "could" be doing and who might be looking at our profiles. What are your thoughts on this transformation? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.
The Dissolution of the American Democracy
The American democracy and republic are undergoing a significant transformation. The Left is actively working towards the elimination of the Constitutionally-created Electoral College, a system originally designed to prevent a single group from gaining total control of the federal government. This shift in power dynamics is leading to the emergence of a "Post-Democracy Electronic State."
Aristotle once warned about the dangers of democracy, particularly how a majority could use its voting power to impose rules and extract social goods and benefits from the minority. This could be seen as a form of "Wealth Tax" or a tax on "Unrealized Income" under the guise of a "Fair Share."
The Transformation to a Post-Democracy Electronic State
The United States is evolving into a new political form, with the Rule of Law significantly weakened and the freedom of speech and press increasingly corrupted. The country's leaders seem to lack a real understanding of the challenges faced and the potential solutions needed to preserve the integrity of America. The nation is grappling with various crises, including economic issues, the effects of Artificial Intelligence, and immigration issues.
The post-democracy political order now consists of fragmented special interests and a central government consolidating its power to monitor, control, and intimidate its citizens. Big Data/Big Tech companies are also playing a significant role in this transformation, amassing an inconceivable amount of data on Americans and wielding incredible influence.
The Soft Repression of Democracy
Alexis de Tocqueville, in his early 19th-century classic Democracy in America, observed that the "soft" repression of democracy was unlike any other political form. He noted that the supreme power of government covers society with a network of small, complicated rules, which stifles original minds and energetic characters. This power doesn't destroy, but it enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people.
The Impact of the Internet and Surveillance State
The technological power of the Internet has swept through society like a "social tsunami," devastating existing institutions and corrupting the traditional order. The Internet has given everyone the unprecedented ability to present their views, establish relationships, and organize networks and action groups. However, it has also led to the emergence of a "surveillance state" where powerful governmental and private actors monitor everything we do in the name of national security, social cohesion, and consumer preference.
The anonymous nature of many Internet communications has contributed to the disintegration of the American community. People hide behind masks, spewing venom and unfounded claims. The mainstream media's sensationalism and individuals' desire for "fifteen minutes of fame" further exacerbate the situation.
The Threat of Government Surveillance
The threat from massive government surveillance is primarily psychological. The fear of what the government "could" be doing and who might be looking at our profiles can be intimidating. The National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Homeland Security, or FBI could potentially be building up something like a High School Permanent Record or a "social credit" record. This fear of exposure of things we would prefer to remain hidden exists even though we can never be certain of what "They" actually "know."
Bottom Line
The American democracy and republic are undergoing a significant transformation, with the emergence of a "Post-Democracy Electronic State." The Internet has played a crucial role in this transformation, giving everyone the unprecedented ability to present their views but also leading to the emergence of a "surveillance state." The threat from massive government surveillance is primarily psychological, creating a fear of what the government "could" be doing and who might be looking at our profiles. What are your thoughts on this transformation? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6 pm.
