THE PRICE WE PAY
Are we giving our democracy away to unscrupulous entrepreneurs?
Image by US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash) [1]
On October 25, 2024, The Washington Post, (WAPO), announced that it would no longer endorse presidential candidates— just 11 days before the Nov 5, 2024, Presidential Election.
Why did WAPO choose this timing? It certainly raises questions about its ulterior motives. They could have announced this decision long ago. Was this done on orders from Jeff Bezos, so close to the election? What would his motivation be?
There is no question that the nation faces a critical choice between a former POTUS who instigated an insurrection to pull off a coupe in 2021, and the Harris-Walz ticket, the only able and credible choice. Does this action by WAPO at this late date send a message that Bezos is in the pocket of the convicted felon former POTUS? I felt this announcement as a punch in my gut.
Which gazillionaires are in control of the nation’s destiny? A tiny sample:
Jeff Bezos holds sway over dozens of companies on which we rely. [2] Consider that if we need light bulbs, medicines, duct tape, books, food, diapers, movies to watch, medical advice and more, we increasingly turn to Bezos company Amazon.com. Is it not under the control of the guy who just sold out to the convicted felon former POTUS through his WAPO action? When we are watching that “must see movie” that we checked out on IMDd and got from Amazon Prime; while we munch on snacks from WholeFoods, and relax in our Zappo slippers, our convenience and comfort may be undermining our democratic form of government and personal freedoms.
Mark Zuckerberg controls Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and more. [3]
Elon Musk, among his many companies, controls the company that makes that Tesla which many covet or that may even sit on their driveways. [4]
Are gazillionaires trustworthy? Are their decisions made in our collective best interest? Should our spending habits support them?
We pay a price for the comfort, convenience and luxuries provided by entrepreneurs. Is the price that we pay for those luxuries worth placing at risk our democracy and individual freedoms?
Is it time to step back and consider if these companies deserve our business?
You can read more about Jeff Bezos’ infamy at this excellent post from Kate Woodstone.
You’re so right. The Supreme Court certainly opened up a huge avenue for our democracy to be sold off to the highest bidder just like some of those judges.
Solid questions and viewpoint as always. With everything going on my only recourse is to trust the system versus all the swirl. I will find out in 3 days if the system remains trustworthy. It is still hard to believe the country is so equally split over the candidates, if you believe the polls. Remember to vote and urge your friends to vote too. It's our right to vote. Don't give away this right for a lame excuse !!!