Are we still a democracy if nothing we say or do matters one bit

[Professor_Moriarty]

about how we are governed and our Congress becomes a rubber stamp for a few powerful people?

[IrateCitizen]

1. What we say or do ALWAYS matters...

We just fall under the illusion that what we say or do will have IMMEDIATE impacts. Social movements of all stripes are just as important for what they STOP from happening as they are for what they actually accomplish.

While the millions worldwide who marched against the Iraq invasion and occupation may not have stopped it, it could be argued that we might have prevented the US from using a "shock and awe" strategy that would have created even more civilian casualties than have already been suffered. I view that as a positive, even surrounded by the overwhelming negative of the current situation.

People felt their voices didn't matter during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. But that didn't stop them from making their voices heard, and gaining important reforms over time. FDR's New Deal didn't happen out of thin air -- its roots can be traced back to the Populist and Socialist campaigns of the early 20th century.

Don't ever give up hope in the power of the people organized against the powerful. It has ultimately prevailed time and time again throughout history. The powerful want you to feel isolated and powerless. Don't allow them to have that control over you.

[wurzel]

2. First thing we have to understand is this is not a democracy.

The US is an oligarchy with a democratic patina getting more transparent all the time.

[soothsayer]

3. run by the military industrial complex, including our spy agencies n/t