Billionaire$ Talk, Democracy Walks

Consider this: between democratic and autocratic forms of government, which do you think best serves to maximize the wealth of its billionaire class? And so, if you were an American billionare, which form of government might you prefer most? Here's my perspective on the answer, and a heads up as to where our democratic nation may be headed, and soon.

A democratic government is of the people, by the people, for the people. In a democracy, citizens have a voice in governance and its objectives. They have the power to decide if they want clean air, clean water, safe food, and secure environments for living and working. In a representative government, the people have the power of their vote to lobby lawmakers in taking action on issues of greatest importance to the majority.

In a democracy, corporations and their billionaire owners often clash with the populace. Balancing public access to clean air and water with shareholder profit expectations is a constant struggle. Corporations aim to operate without taxes and restrictions to maximize profits annually, showing little regard for the planet's health or its billions of inhabitants. Democratic nations often hamper and restrict the full growth potential of corporations.

Ten of the most influencial real American billionares and one wannabee billionare.

Over the past twenty years, corporate America, particularly its billionaires, have intensified efforts to influence politicians' votes by generously funding campaigns to get them elected, and keep elected. They hire experts to draft favorable legislation for their purchased politicians to advance in Congress. Lawmakers in both the Senate and the House have shifted from representing their constituents' needs to serving their wealthy benefactors.

Trump with Viktor Urban, autocratic leader of Hunagry.

Trump with Vladimir Putin, autocratic leader of Russia.

In an autocracy, often synonymous with an oligarchy, the government is of the rich, by the rich, for the rich. A small group of billionaires governs alongside a national leader, typically a dictator. Together, they rule with the aim of increasing their wealth. Citizens in such nations have no influence over decisions impacting their lives. In an autocracy, people are powerless, oppressed, and risk severe consequences for opposing the government and its leaders. Such is the case with autocratic, dictator/oligarch ruled countries like Russia and Hungary. Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated an eagerness toward developing a very close relationship, a bromance, with Viktor Urban of Huangary and Vladimir Putin of Russia. He has expressed his admiration for both men and their leadership styles on numerous occasions.

Three American billionares who have recently cozied up to Donald Trump expressing a desire to play a more active role during his new administration.

Which form of government would you choose to live under and raise a family? If your choice is an autocracy, do nothing and wait. If unchallenged by you and 334,000,000 fellow Americans, Donald J. Trump, and a few American oligarchs supporting his dictatorial ambitions, will soon fulfill that wish.

Time to get up off the sofa and go viral for democracy!

However, if you prefer a democratic nation where you and 334,000,000 fellow Americans will continue to have a say in the quality of your air, water, and food, then stop mindlessly scrolling social media owned by American oligarchs designed to distract you. Put your smartphone down, get off the couch, and take a stand against America becoming a dictatorship-run oligarchy before it's too late. Don't be a lazy ass, or worse yet, another dumbass with a smartphone who refuses to believe it could happen here. It is time to wake up and smell the oligarchy, because it is already happening.

One's pursuit of autocracy makes for strange bedfellows.