CAPITALISM KILLED DEMOCRACY

Capitalism and the Demise of Democracy

The United States of America once heralded as the bastion of democracy, now stands as a somber example of how capitalism can erode democratic values and institutions over time. It took nearly 250 years, but capitalism, with its inherent inequalities, has succeeded in undermining the core principles of democracy. Fascism, the antithesis of democracy, has emerged within a remarkably short span of just over five years, highlighting the rapidity with which authoritarianism can take hold when capitalism is left unchecked.

The Incompatibility of Capitalism and Democracy

Capitalism is a system designed for economic gain, prioritizing profit and competition over collective welfare and equality. There is nothing inherently egalitarian within capitalism. On the contrary, it thrives on disparity, fostering a society where wealth accumulation becomes the ultimate measure of success. This structure inherently disadvantages the majority, consolidating power in the hands of a wealthy few while eroding the foundational democratic value of equality among citizens.

Capitalism not only fails to promote equality but actively subverts it. Wealth becomes concentrated in fewer hands, and those who amass capital wield disproportionate influence over public policy. This phenomenon has played out in the United States as corporate interests infiltrate every facet of governance, from the legislative process to judicial appointments. The result is a government more attuned to the demands of big business than the needs of ordinary citizens.

Authoritarian Challenges and Corporate Domination

Capitalism inherently encourages authoritarian tendencies because power, once consolidated, naturally seeks to sustain itself. Corporate interests, once entrenched, act to suppress dissent and maintain the status quo. This reality manifests in the increasing prevalence of corporate lobbying, political donations, and the revolving door between government and private industry. Corporate capture of public institutions leads to the prioritization of profit over public welfare, eroding social safety nets and perpetuating economic inequality.

As the gap between the rich and the poor widens, social tensions escalate, and the disenfranchised masses become increasingly marginalized. This atmosphere is fertile ground for authoritarian leaders who capitalize on public discontent while perpetuating the very systems that caused the grievances. In this way, capitalism indirectly fosters conditions conducive to fascism.

Capitalism’s Attack on the Public Good

Capitalism does not prioritize the public good. In a profit-driven system, social programs, education, healthcare, and other public welfare initiatives are seen as burdens rather than investments. Under capitalist influence, the United States has seen a decline in public infrastructure, the weakening of unions, and the erosion of workers’ rights. Profit is prioritized even at the cost of societal well-being, and the most vulnerable members of society bear the brunt of neglect.

Democracy Undermined: The Corporate State

A democracy’s health relies on active, informed participation by all citizens and a commitment to the common good. However, capitalism’s corporate dominance skews this balance, creating a de facto oligarchy where money dictates political outcomes. The rise of fascism within such a system becomes almost inevitable as democratic institutions weaken and the public loses faith in governance designed to serve only the elite.

The Urgency for Change

To salvage democracy, the United States must confront the inherent contradictions between capitalism and democratic governance. This means implementing regulations that curb corporate power, ensuring that public policy is determined by the people rather than profit, and revitalizing the concept of equality as a fundamental right. The alternative is to accept the continued erosion of democracy and the rise of an authoritarian state driven not by the will of the people but by the relentless pursuit of wealth.

In essence, democracy cannot survive in a purely capitalistic society. To preserve democratic values, we must fundamentally rethink how economic systems intersect with governance, ensuring that the pursuit of profit does not outweigh the principles of equality and public service.

William James Spriggs