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onelessx.bsky.social
@onelessx.bsky.social
42 followers 58 following 60 posts
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onelessx.bsky.social
It’s official. Good Job Orange Man!
April 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
So I asked DeepSeek…
How can democracy fail under an Oligarchy?
Part 8 of 8
8. Erosion of Civic Engagement • Disenfranchisement: When citizens perceive that their votes and voices do not matter due to the overwhelming influence of oligarchs, they may become disengaged from the political process, leading to lower voter turnout and reduced civic participation. • Loss of Trust: As democratic institutions are increasingly seen as tools of the wealthy, public trust in government and democracy itself can erode, further weakening the democratic system. Conclusion The failure of democracy under an oligarchy is often a gradual process, where the concentration of economic and political power in the hands of a few leads to the erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and practices. Over time, this can result in a system that is democratic in name only, with real power residing in the hands of a wealthy elite. Preventing this outcome requires robust mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and equal representation, as well as active civic engagement to resist the encroachment of oligarchic power.
February 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
So I asked DeepSeek…
How can democracy fail under an Oligarchy?
Part 5,6,7 of 8
6. Corruption and Patronage • Bribery and Patronage: Oligarchs can use corruption to buy political influence, ensuring that government officials act in their favor. This can include direct bribes, as well as more subtle forms of patronage, such as offering lucrative positions or business opportunities. • Crony Capitalism: Oligarchs can engage in crony capitalism, where business success depends on close relationships with government officials, rather than on market competition. This undermines economic fairness and democratic governance. 5. Political Polarization and Social Fragmentation • Divide and Rule: Oligarchs can exacerbate social and political divisions to weaken opposition and maintain control. By fostering polarization, they can prevent the formation of broad-based coalitions that might challenge their power. • Populism: Oligarchs may support populist leaders who, while initially appearing to challenge the status quo, ultimately serve to consolidate power and undermine democratic norms. 7. Voter Suppression and Electoral Manipulation • Gerrymandering: Oligarchs can support efforts to redraw electoral districts in ways that favor their preferred candidates, reducing the impact of opposition votes. • Voter Suppression: By supporting laws and practices that make it harder for certain groups to vote (e.g., strict ID laws, reducing polling places), oligarchs can reduce the political power of those who might oppose them.
February 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
So I asked DeepSeek…
How can democracy fail under an Oligarchy?
Part 2,3 & 4 of 8
February 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
So I asked DeepSeek…
How can democracy fail under an Oligarchy?
Part 1 of 8
A democracy can fail under the influence of an oligarchy through several mechanisms, often involving the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, which undermines democratic principles and institutions. Here are some key ways this can happen: 1. Erosion of Political Equality • Wealth Disparities: Oligarchs, who control significant economic resources, can use their wealth to influence political outcomes. This can lead to policies that favor the wealthy, exacerbating inequality and reducing the political power of ordinary citizens. • Campaign Financing: Large donations to political campaigns can give oligarchs disproportionate influence over elected officials, leading to a situation where politicians are more accountable to their wealthy donors than to the general electorate.
February 2, 2025 at 5:33 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
First time in my life where I have a Labcorp bill for my yearly medical, actually first time in my life paying for any lab work.
December 13, 2024 at 9:04 PM
onelessx.bsky.social
Reagan and Bush started “borrowing” from SS surplus revenue to pay for tax cuts, of course only for the mega rich.
December 6, 2024 at 10:56 AM