Many centuries and decades ago, a small group of British colonists set out to make a nation which set its focus on providing people with freedom and control over their government. Today, we call these colonists the Founding Fathers, and their message still resonates with us. The Founding Fathers knew that even though a free society could exist, maintaining it would be difficult; they knew that, as in history, there would be those who would seek to dismantle the restrictions of government, and use every corrupt means possible to attain power.
Welcome to political machines.
Today, there is a threat which seeks to destroy the democratic process, and take power away from lower class citizens, this is the sole objective of political machines.
As the American demographic changes through immigration, there are those who wish to take advantage of the ignorance of newcomers to this country, those who lack an understanding of the American system, who are easily bought and fooled by political predators. These predators are the leaders of the machines, they are commanders of a growing problem which seeks to take control of voters in poor city slums, and fix elections through the processes of bribery and corruption.
So how do these tyrants justify their actions? Well, they make claims that money given out by political parties helps cities afford luxuries like parks and other joyful things.
But is this charity? No, this is an investment; an investment which seeks to increase political power through voter manipulation.
From democracy to tyranny and autocracy is the direction in which we are pushed, and on that path we shall remain until action is taken to resolve the issues which are previously stated.
So how can we, as a free and democratic society, push out these predators and criminals?
There is not one answer, but rather several. The first and most obvious is to increase public awareness about mass fraud; education of newcomers would increase their weariness and prevent them from being taken advantage of.
Another thing that can be done is the passing and enforcement of laws which enable these processes to happen; a lot of voter fraud occurs in the form of payments and illegal practices such as voting multiple times. This option is feasible if there was a large enough movement to get politicians to do so, however politicians and presidents have an interest in making sure that the machine which their party controls remains in power.
A final solution could be to refuse charity and other things which come from political machines; to deny a political machine its ability to invest would be denying the ability to put people in a moral debt and obligation to the party.
All of these solutions are practical and doable, but the first step is raising the public awareness of the erosion of our democracy and freedoms. Remain vigilant of those who take advantage of us and of those who seek to belittle and undermine our right to elect officials. People you encounter everyday may not realize this danger which looms above us! Alert your friends and family to this purpose! Don’t allow fellows americans, both native and not, to be deceived by these practices!
Works Cited
Steffens, Lincoln. "The Shame of Cities." 1904: n. pag. Print.
<i>Emigrants Arriving Ellis Island</i>. 1900. New York.
Welcome to political machines.
Today, there is a threat which seeks to destroy the democratic process, and take power away from lower class citizens, this is the sole objective of political machines.
As the American demographic changes through immigration, there are those who wish to take advantage of the ignorance of newcomers to this country, those who lack an understanding of the American system, who are easily bought and fooled by political predators. These predators are the leaders of the machines, they are commanders of a growing problem which seeks to take control of voters in poor city slums, and fix elections through the processes of bribery and corruption.
So how do these tyrants justify their actions? Well, they make claims that money given out by political parties helps cities afford luxuries like parks and other joyful things.
But is this charity? No, this is an investment; an investment which seeks to increase political power through voter manipulation.
From democracy to tyranny and autocracy is the direction in which we are pushed, and on that path we shall remain until action is taken to resolve the issues which are previously stated.
So how can we, as a free and democratic society, push out these predators and criminals?
There is not one answer, but rather several. The first and most obvious is to increase public awareness about mass fraud; education of newcomers would increase their weariness and prevent them from being taken advantage of.
Another thing that can be done is the passing and enforcement of laws which enable these processes to happen; a lot of voter fraud occurs in the form of payments and illegal practices such as voting multiple times. This option is feasible if there was a large enough movement to get politicians to do so, however politicians and presidents have an interest in making sure that the machine which their party controls remains in power.
A final solution could be to refuse charity and other things which come from political machines; to deny a political machine its ability to invest would be denying the ability to put people in a moral debt and obligation to the party.
All of these solutions are practical and doable, but the first step is raising the public awareness of the erosion of our democracy and freedoms. Remain vigilant of those who take advantage of us and of those who seek to belittle and undermine our right to elect officials. People you encounter everyday may not realize this danger which looms above us! Alert your friends and family to this purpose! Don’t allow fellows americans, both native and not, to be deceived by these practices!
Works Cited
Steffens, Lincoln. "The Shame of Cities." 1904: n. pag. Print.
<i>Emigrants Arriving Ellis Island</i>. 1900. New York.