I came across this quote by author, film critic, and editor Ernest Callenbach some time ago and thought it well stated. It stresses the economic plight we see ourselves in, though it ignores the larger, global issues and fails to mention the fact that the democratic experiment that was started in 1776 is in obvious meltdown. Clearly, there are serious issues out there that are simply being ignored by our elected officials who cannot see beyond the nit-picking of party politics.. And THAT’s the real problem.
We live in the declining years of what is still the biggest economy in the world, where a looter elite has fastened itself upon the decaying carcass of the empire. It is intent on speedily and relentlessly extracting the maximum wealth from that carcass, impoverishing our former working middle class.” ~ E. Callenbach, 2012
hughcurtler 
The Robber Barons of our day. 158 families are funding 50% of the campaigns for president. That is an oligarchy.
Indeed it is.
“Those not studying history…et al” I am fascinated that the Greek and Roman civilizations lasted a thousand years, and we’re self destructing in 350 years. And I know its fashionable to blame the Republicans for the death of democracy, but the blue party holds it share of the responsibility, especially in these last 6 years.