Often in the process of electing public officials, the voices and ideas of the
candidates other than those offered by the two major political parties fall upon deaf
ears. This creates a streamlining of the views held by political hopefuls, forcing them
to conform to the standard beliefs and ethical systems that are already in practice.
Unfortunately, this also brings into being a situation that leaves the average American
citizen with a fortuitously basic choice - conservative or liberal.
Notable critics of this process include Alexis de Tocqueville, who stated that
"democracy breeds mediocrity." This is not to say that democracy itself is undesirable,
rather the possibility that democracy coupled with capitalism authors an environment
that is intrinsically anti-ethical. It takes government from the hands of the people and
delivers it into the vaults of those whose sole interest is the profit of themselves and
those they are most closely affiliated with (i.e. the American Medical Association
fighting legislation that would provide universal healthcare; big oil, lumber, chemical,
pharmaceutical co's, and commercial restaurant chains fighting environmental legislation
that would impose on the profitability of their business interests; the American Lawyers
Association lobbying against tort reform, which would make the laws understandable to
the average American and the inclusion of lawsuit reduction acts).
These forces in mind, the American public is pitted against its national enemies, its
political defectors, the media, big business, the Federal government, and itself.
Opportunely, in a democracy people do have a voice (if they choose to use it). A voice
not used is a voice stolen.
"Mercy victim of your own egos creed of your own postulation maintain your pure design
your pride too many punches pulled iscariotic lips betrayal of your own words and
actions unmoving unchanging staggering inaction destroy their fables half-truths lies
said masked by good intentions their knives all hanging limp behind a brick façade stand
in line for possession branded for watching feeling touching tearing dignity is for the
weak mercy."