September, 2006

Editorial: What is Democracy?

Facing the upcoming November elections, and given the attack on voting rights seen in the last Presidential election, the parade of corrupt corporate candidates from both parties, and the blatant attack on grassroots candidates who seek to represent the poor, we have to pose the question: do we live under a true democracy? Many will quickly say yes, referring to our "right to vote and free speech." But, what is democracy?

Democracy is more than the right to vote. Political democracy (such as voting and free speech) has to be stabilized by economic democracy. Economic democracy is the guarantee of a decent life for everyone: a quality home, education, and health care, plus more. Under a true democracy, no one would exploit anyone's labor. Prisons would not house the poor. Everyone would contribute collectively to how the society is run. Democracy, in the final analysis is rule by the people.

But, we live under capitalism. Capitalism is based upon certain economic laws: the exploitation of human labor power and the drive for maximum profit. Voting in or out corrupt politicians is a necessary fight. But, we can't vote out an economy. For example, voting can't stop pharmaceutical corporations from profiting from the sale of life-saving drugs at prices that only the rich can afford. Nor can we vote out war. War is not a "policy" of mean-spirited politicians. War is an integral part of the capitalist system. The military-industrial complex is the foundation of the economy. Corporations, financial speculators, and energy conglomerates profit from war. Under capitalism, guaranteeing corporate profits is the role of the elected officials.

In the past, when US capitalism was top dog and expanding throughout the globe, the workers' standard of living was rising, and voting strengthened the system. Today, electronic production is eliminating workers, and the rulers can't allow the poor to assemble or express any semblance of independent demands. With the global market and its cutthroat competition, the corporations need a free hand to rob the country and world blind. They need a more repressive state to silence any opposition. History has shown that if voting or free speech stands in the way of the corporations' property and profits, they will eliminate it altogether.

We have to fight for the political power to create a whole new society, one built on cooperation, not profits. To do so, we must take full advantage of voting, of rallies and public events, of radio and television, coupled with study, to develop the political understanding of the people about what the new conditions make possible. Today, science is creating the possibility of a world of plenty. We can create a new society where the abundance is distributed to all based on need, not money.