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  1. Jun 2025
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    Marcus A. Turner on Instagram: "Chris Hedges presents a compelling argument that American democracy has deteriorated into a system heavily influenced by oligarchic and corporate interests. In his thought-provoking interview on *UpFront*, he boldly states, "American Democracy Doesn't Exist. It's a veneer," suggesting that while the U.S. may project an image of democratic governance, the reality is that true power resides predominantly with a select few, thereby undermining genuine representation. Hedges traces this alarming erosion of democratic principles back to the 1971 Powell Memo, a pivotal document that laid the foundation for the pervasive influence of corporate America over political processes. This shift has systematically weakened grassroots movements, particularly those advocating for labor rights and environmental protections. He points to a series of policies—such as deindustrialization, cuts to social welfare programs, and deregulation—that have been implemented across both Republican and Democratic administrations. These actions have concentrated immense wealth in the hands of a small, affluent class, effectively transforming the United States into a plutocracy where the interests of the many are overshadowed by the desires of the few. In his critique of the American political landscape, Hedges denounces both major parties for their complicity in serving corporate interests. He argues that they often use social issues as a smokescreen, diverting public attention from the deeper economic exploitation taking place. He characterizes this struggle as a "civil war within capitalism," wherein oligarchic elites and corporate heads compete for dominance, all the while leaving the working class marginalized and disenfranchised. This pervasive systemic corruption, he contends, has created a societal framework in which democracy is merely a performative act, devoid of any meaningful representation of the majority's needs and interests. #oligarchy #corporatist #investment #business #entrepreneurship #focus #trust #discipline #growth #belief #success #wealth"
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