Why are we allowing our elections and thus, our democracy to be handled by private corporations?
952885
Well if the Republicans can't twist. lie or cheat their way to being elected they know their business partners will guarantee their being elected.  Sad isn't it?\n\nGod Bless You, Yours and the Southern People.
488322
All governments created by mortal men are imperfect. the problem with many of them is greed. our own democracy is suffering now. whether we care to admit it or not.when you consider the fact that we now live under the golden rule he who has the gold makes the rules this is very clear with lobbiest provideing campaign money that ultimately gets there man in office. Democracy may be the best form of government there is but greed and corruption can kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
417204
Our democracy (as it is in the UK and the US) is seriously flawed.  There is a two party state and a lot of unelected officials wielding power but, ultimately, we can hold governments accountable and throw them out if we don't like them.
535925
No. That's called a conflict of interests. If the\ngovernment invested into the private sector then they\nwould pass laws that would favor some companies over\nothers. That would stifle free enterprise.
800031
They are not going to vote to limit their own terms so we just have to limit them ourselves with our votes.  Most people at the national level are professional politicians so the only other job open to them is lobbying.
278558
They're just plain connected.\n*ssholes\nIf we could find effective ways of separating personal gain from government, we wouldn't find ourselves managed by the corporate world.\npeace
415379
Here is the problem... "HOW".\n\nDo you honestly think that big corporate interests would allow the possibility that our government would be changed?  \n\nOur current system of government exists for the benefit of big business.  Corporate welfare runs this country.  Any attempt to change this government runs the risk that:\n\n1.  the new government could be potentially unstable.  Not good for investment.  Our economy would have severe problems.\n\n2.  how would we decide on a new form of government?  We would never be able to agree on anything as a population\n\n3.  So "who" would decide if we can't?  Big Business!  They would step in and we would create a government even more corrupt than before!\n\n4.  Reality:  The average American prefers safety and security.  I doubt that they would be interested in eliminating the current government.  I imagine that most would actively fight to keep the old one.  Look at the rampant scandals currently going on... and a significant portion of the population still supports their actions!\n\n5.  The media.  If you actually managed to start a grass-roots effort to oust the government and form a new one... how will you communicate your messages nationwide?  When Ross Perot ran for President, he HAD TO SUE to get his commercials on the air!!!  Do you honestly think that the media corporations would allow such a movement to gain significant steam?\n\nI applaud your enthusiasm... I recommend voting your conscience (i.e. vote for a third party) in future elections and spread your message to friends and neighbors.  However, I think that corporations have replaced human beings as the dominant life-form on this planet.
453005
Yes, but it's our own collective fault.  People don't vote, and yes, that makes a difference.  When individuals don't vote, corporations and institutions have disproportionate power - and corporate interests are very often not common interests.\n\nBefore anyone screams "commie", realize that corporatism is not the same as capitalism - the former gets in the way of the latter.  VOTE to make a change.
67338
It's not.  It's a republic.  In a democracy, all the people would have to vote to pass every law.  In a republic, we elect representatives to do that for us.
414802
Because the USA is owned and run by corporations that need the capitalist system to thrive.
34721
Voting is just one of the phases in the election process. Our choice is mostly affected by the propaganda and election campaigns as well as by the activities parties perform during the period between two elections. \n\nMany people think that elections are the only way to realize their democratic freedoms, neglecting other activities that can contribute to improve democracy in their countries. The more citizens are included in different levels of activities and decision-makings, the better people will be elected. More precisely, the candidates will feel better controlled.\n\n Consequently, the more passive and unconcerned citizens are, the more effective manipulation and propaganda will be. So, something that appears as one free choice of citizens will actually be the result of manipulation.\n\nHowever, I don't believe in bad and good guys in politics, but just in ones who are better watched by the open court on the one and those who take their chance when nobody watch them on the other hand. Even in the most democratic countries in the World it is just better then in another ones, but still not perfect.
644788
Because you havent realized something yet. This is no longer a democracy we are talking about. This is corporate dictatorship now. Everything Bush says and does in one way or another benefits the big corporations who gave him huge donations when he was running for president. Look at who got all those rebuilding and oil contracts in Iraq? Halliburton, which was once headed by Dick Cheney. Coincidence? Its not that hard to go and look at who gave Bush huge donations during the two elections. Theyre all connected with oil, lumber, and other large companies. Thats why your voice isnt heard, youre not sitting at the board of directors at Halliburton!\n\n\npeace
991885
Corporations are already considered to be legal persons, partially to shield officers and employees from law suits. \n\nThe extent that a corporation should have the rights and freedoms of individuals is a matter of concern. Should a corporation be able to cast a ballot in an election? What if Microsoft or General Motors tried to run for president? Should Mary Kay Inc. be allowed to marry Calvin Klein, Inc? Government does not heavily regulate personal relationships, but it does regulate corporate mergers in an effort to ensure that the best interest of the nation and the consumer is served (at least, that is the theory).
204086
This issue is overblown.  They are not suppressing democracy.  They are following the laws of the land they are operating in.  The are granted permission to operate in China and must follow its laws.  Just if any foreign company was doing business in the US, we would expect them to follow our laws.
631113
Because Democracy is so much fun.  We want everyone to enjoy it. OKAY??!!  Coming to a country near you soon!!!
1170808
We need four or five like any other real democratic country has. We only have two parties that if you look at real close are really mirrors of each other.  As long as we have the electoral college we can only have two parties for the presidential campaign.  So we dont really have a democracy.    And no one in congress is really big on the environment,  thats how they got there, big business.  Most of them right now belong in prison. For a very long time too.
1158786
Presumably because people can vote for their representatives, though not for president, school board members, local dog catcher and the like. However, the US is not a democracy in theory or in practice because in a democracy, there is only a majority rule, while in a republic of laws, there are legitimate and protected minorities. The US, however, does seem to be verging on a democracy given its one-party system of government, the increasing fanaticism of governmental supporters, and the growing hatred for minorities of all kinds.