The Occupy Wall Street movement has achieved two important goals by compelling us to confront both growing economic inequality and decreasing participatory democracy. The two are linked because as wealth becomes more concentrated in fewer institutions and individuals, the capacity for the middle class (not to mention those of even lesser means) to participate in the political process becomes problematic. This problem was exasperated when the Supreme Court saw fit to classify corporations as individuals when making campaign contributions. Now there is no limit to wealth influencing political decision making. There is also little opportunity for the poor to have their voices heard.
Occupy Wall Street needs to add another category to its “99% vs. 1% slogan. This would be the 13%. Just over 39 million Americans live in poverty in this country. These citizens are struggling so hard to provide food and shelter that participating in our democratic process becomes an afterthought. While the recession has widened the gap between the 99% and the 1%, the 13% are in crisis mode. My fear is that the 99% will forget about the 13% while they protest against the 1%.
Recently I received an e mail solicitation from Michelle Obama asking for a campaign contribution in return for the chance to dine with the Obama’s at the White House. I sent a check. I also gave the name of the Washington City Mission and suggested that if I won the invite, that two residents attend in my place. The mission residents need a good meal and some participatory democracy more than me.
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