Came here to say this, the problem is the system of government because everyone can be bought. We need direct democracy where there are no representatives that can be bought
A lot harder to buy off the general population than it is to buy single representatives, everyone would have to know about the corruption and anti corruption watchdogs would have plenty of evidence
No, it’s not hard, it happened many times in Greek cities. Polish noble democracy in Commonwealth also became corrupted in exactly this way. You can see it even nowadays in the part of bourgeois democracies that are direct, for example European presidental elections, “vote x no matter what” blocks are found and it result in electing such people like Nawrocki in Poland. I mention him because he’s incredible example, barely anyone ever heard of that guy before elections (except prosecutioner) but the magical hand of PiS chairman marked him as the desired candidate and suddenly he actually won against very well known liberal politician Trzaskowski (and Trzaskowski was least horrible lib in Poland).
Sure, the base will shape the superstructure. Any levers that can be pulled within capitalism will either be destroyed or nerfed if proven too effective at gaining what workers want.
The government is tied to the mode of production, it isn’t above it. When capital owners hold sway over how society functions, it isn’t through bribes alone that this happens. Control of media, control of the state, administration, cultural hegemony, etc all influence it. As such, no direct democracy could really exist in capitalism.
Even an honest and well meaning politician will be blocked at every step. Like corporations and big businesses sabotaging key supply chains, media engaging in character assassination, and if all that fails then either a military coup or a literal assassination (like they did to Salvador Allende in Chile). Unless the politicians try to gain concessions from the ruling class in exchange for complacency, which means we still have our status quo.
That still doesn’t guarantee the military won’t take over, reactionary sentiments spread through propaganda, etc. Without a revolution there will never be true democracy.
Came here to say this, the problem is the system of government because everyone can be bought. We need direct democracy where there are no representatives that can be bought
Then the direct votes will be bought…
A lot harder to buy off the general population than it is to buy single representatives, everyone would have to know about the corruption and anti corruption watchdogs would have plenty of evidence
No, it’s not hard, it happened many times in Greek cities. Polish noble democracy in Commonwealth also became corrupted in exactly this way. You can see it even nowadays in the part of bourgeois democracies that are direct, for example European presidental elections, “vote x no matter what” blocks are found and it result in electing such people like Nawrocki in Poland. I mention him because he’s incredible example, barely anyone ever heard of that guy before elections (except prosecutioner) but the magical hand of PiS chairman marked him as the desired candidate and suddenly he actually won against very well known liberal politician Trzaskowski (and Trzaskowski was least horrible lib in Poland).
If large numbers of the general population sampled at random is corrupt, you’re utterly fucked
The mode of production takes priority, capitalism with direct democracy would still fall to the same problems intrinsic to capitalism.
That’s basically true, but I think capitalism would overthrow direct democracy.
People would vote for higher wages and then there’d be a coup.
Sure, the base will shape the superstructure. Any levers that can be pulled within capitalism will either be destroyed or nerfed if proven too effective at gaining what workers want.
How could corruption run rife when there are no bribable politicians?
The government is tied to the mode of production, it isn’t above it. When capital owners hold sway over how society functions, it isn’t through bribes alone that this happens. Control of media, control of the state, administration, cultural hegemony, etc all influence it. As such, no direct democracy could really exist in capitalism.
Even an honest and well meaning politician will be blocked at every step. Like corporations and big businesses sabotaging key supply chains, media engaging in character assassination, and if all that fails then either a military coup or a literal assassination (like they did to Salvador Allende in Chile). Unless the politicians try to gain concessions from the ruling class in exchange for complacency, which means we still have our status quo.
Direct democracy gets rid of politicians and the general population vote on each bill/law change
That still doesn’t guarantee the military won’t take over, reactionary sentiments spread through propaganda, etc. Without a revolution there will never be true democracy.
… The military could literally take over under any system. That is not an excuse to sit on our hands
My point isn’t that everything is futile, but rather that a better democracy isn’t possible under capitalism.
And compulsory voting?
So everyone who doesn’t care to do their own due diligence can vote how the media they consume pushes them to?
Yup. Works well for Australia.
All the best countries have it…