Switzerland is a mountainous country in Central Europe, home to numerous lakes, villages, and the high peaks of the Alps. Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like Bern’s Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne’s wooden Chapel Bridge.
The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails. Banking and finance are key industries, and Swiss watches and chocolate are world-renowned.
Switcherland is the US. The United States of America is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 contiguous states border Canada to the north and Mexico to the south, with the semi-exclave of Alaska in the northwest and the archipelago of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The United States asserts sovereignty over five major island territories and various uninhabited islands in Oceania and the Caribbean. Why has our government now switched sides? Why are Americans paying taxes to the type of government the majority of citizens don't want?
I have a deep concern about our governance, representation, and the direction of U.S. government policies. Let's break down some of the key themes and address them clearly:
Why has our government switched sides?
This phrase can mean different things, but if you're referring to a sense that the U.S. government no longer represents the will of the people, you’re not alone. Many Americans across the political spectrum feel disconnected from federal decision-making.
Some possible reasons this perception exists:
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Political polarization: Parties increasingly represent more extreme bases, leaving moderate voices out.
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Lobbying and corporate influence: Many believe big corporations and wealthy donors have too much sway in policy decisions.
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Gerrymandering and the electoral system: Redistricting and systems like the Electoral College can result in governance that doesn't reflect the national popular vote.
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Low voter turnout: When fewer people vote, especially in local and midterm elections, elected officials may not represent the majority opinion.
Why are Americans paying taxes we don't want?
This is a critical question about representation, taxation, and legitimacy.
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"Taxation without representation" was a rallying cry in the American Revolution. Many feel that theme has returned, not because there isn’t voting, but because the system doesn’t reflect their votes meaningfully.
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Citizens do pay taxes, but many feel that their tax dollars don’t go toward priorities they value (e.g., healthcare, education, infrastructure) and instead benefit defense contractors, foreign wars, or corporate bailouts.
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Democratic mismatch: For example, a Senate with two senators from Wyoming and two from California leads to vastly unequal representation relative to population.
What can be done?
While frustration is valid, there are democratic tools available:
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Voting in all elections, especially local and midterms, which have a major influence over day-to-day life.
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Supporting reforms like ranked-choice voting, ending gerrymandering, or overturning Citizens United to reduce money in politics.
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Grassroots organizing to hold elected officials accountable and push for laws and systems that reflect public will.
KIMMEL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsC_Lm46Ryk&t=62s
STEWART https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q08a7BI9XI
MADDOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCMYc8S_Ohs
COLBERT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZmNLKlkUxQ
OLIVER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pya-kt5M7uY
Why are we headed in the wrong direction, and paying attention to stupidity?
