American democracy has deviated from the essence of democracy. The American-style democracy is a game of money played by the rich. Ninety-one percent of U.S. Congressional elections are won by better-financed candidates. “One person one vote” in name, “rule of the minority elite” in fact. Ordinary voters are wooed when their votes are wanted but pushed aside once the election is over. The checks and balances have resulted in a “vetocracy”, putting partisan interests before the need of national development. The U.S. electoral system is visibly flawed. The practice of gerrymandering, which draws the boundaries of electoral districts by manipulation, undermines fairness and justice. American democracy is fraught with deep-seated problems. Problems like money politics, identity politics, partisan wrangling, political polarization, social division, racial tension and wealth gap have become more acute. The Capitol riot shocked the world. The death of George Floyd triggered waves of protests. The mishandling of COVID-19 resulted in a human tragedy. The problem of “the rich get richer, and the poor poorer” is worsening. The dysfunction and failure of American-style democracy have become an unmistakable fact.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 