Every (child and adult!) in America needs a lesson with the following learning objectives:
Look up the etymology and meaning of the word "democracy";
Read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Consider how his phrase "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" exemplifies the meaning of the word "democracy";
Look at data showing money spent during campaigns by winners vs. losers. Calculate average dollars spent per voter. Compare to similar stats from other nations;
Look up the meaning and etymology of the word "plutocracy";
Ask yourself whether Lincoln, were he alive today, would instead talk about "government of the dollar, by the dollar, and for the dollar." Discuss.
Of course, if any teacher actually tried to teach this in their Government or Civics class, they'd be branded as a "fucking communist", tarred and feathered, and run out of town on a rail....
This country is fucked. You poor bastards. May God have mercy on us all.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-13 12:07 am (UTC)- Look up the etymology and meaning of the word "democracy";
- Read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Consider how his phrase "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" exemplifies the meaning of the word "democracy";
- Look at data showing money spent during campaigns by winners vs. losers. Calculate average dollars spent per voter. Compare to similar stats from other nations;
- Look up the meaning and etymology of the word "plutocracy";
- Ask yourself whether Lincoln, were he alive today, would instead talk about "government of the dollar, by the dollar, and for the dollar." Discuss.
Of course, if any teacher actually tried to teach this in their Government or Civics class, they'd be branded as a "fucking communist", tarred and feathered, and run out of town on a rail....This country is fucked. You poor bastards. May God have mercy on us all.
no subject
Date: 2009-09-13 12:08 am (UTC)