We now are beginning to understand and accept the range of
Russian efforts to undermine American democracy. What we have to recognize
though is that we are doing a good job of undermining American democracy
ourselves.
We vote in distressingly low numbers and with little
knowledge of the candidates. We allow money and negative, misleading campaign
ads to influence our elections. We have a Congress that is extremely partisan
and ineffective in solving long-standing problems. Lobbyists have the ears of
legislators, who can then ignore their constituents. Congress takes care of its
needs while ignoring the needs of ordinary citizens. Corruption and personal
gain are placed above the common good.
Citizens demand their rights but ignore their
responsibilities. Party ideology trumps compromise and common sense solutions.
Russia is a villain for sure, but if we don’t acknowledge
and address our own failings, democracy is at great risk.
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