[isaacremuant]

It doesn't "seem". The entire system in most countries works, by design, that way because the people in power trade in influence at a different plane.

That's why democracy often feels "failed" in that no change can be achieved because "it's just more of the same". Few Lobbyists representing the interests of a few people have more power than millions voting differently.

[vladms]

What happens in US right now shows that change is achieved through voting. There are other examples as well in Europe where things did change because of how people voted. If the change is good or bad depends on your perspective.

For me the annoying part is that people vote for a guy because of a couple heavily advertised issues, ignoring all the other plans or the fact that he might not keep his word. Then they are unhappy that things "fail" for them.

[isaacremuant]

Yes. US and places where people can elect a democracy have a higher chance of some change than European countries with parliamentary systems where a sudden populist candidate won't make it through that system.

I'd argue that, even if some change does happen in the US. Most change (see healthcare, military spending, etc) won't happen because big money will beat the majority of the populace every time.

[brookst]

I like your optimistic take. My more cynical one is that what’s happening in the US shows that real change is achieved through corruption and lying: honest policy discussions and iterative improvement stand no chance against a charismatic populist who will say anything to entrench an oligarchy.

[vladms]

It's not primarily optimistic. I just think that education of the people can bring the best improvement on the long run, and not adjusting democracy, demonizing rich guys or another "new" system.

While I hope iterative improvement is the way, I think there are people that have it (or feel) so bad (due to various reasons) that they would take a 50% chance to die for the chance to live better.

The charismatic populists are not supported only by people that are well off, without any worry (neither in US, nor in Europe). (ex: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1535295/presidential-ele...)

[amanaplanacanal]

It's unclear yet whether anything will really change. It is a perfect example though of how the rich are above the law.

[daedrdev]

USAID has already been shut down

[amanaplanacanal]

What I mean is that people are going to sue, and they will go to the courts. It's unclear how much will really stick.