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Comment by codingdave | Hacker News Reader

I get it - Sanctions hurt people. They are blunt tools when we need more refined dialogue. It is putting the pain of conflict between our governments onto the people, and not driving change.

All these things are true. But this letter is written to the wrong people. This situation stems from a problem between our governments, and that is where it needs to be fixed. We have limited power to change this, but what power we do have is enacted by electing leaders who will work for a better solution. We get a chance to pick a US President again in just over a year.

Please, when the opportunities arise over the next 18 months, get out, get involved, and vote.

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Meanwhile companies are hijacking governments by pouring billions of dollars directly or indirectly in order to push policies that benefit their profit-driven agenda.

Big companies and governments go hand in hand, so the only way to enact some REAL change is to strike where the MONEY is and cut their economic power.

A vote becomes worthless in a society where lobbying is legalized and media channels have economic interests in play.

> strike where the MONEY is

What does that mean, exactly? What specific actions do you propose people take?

A few examples of things we could do to stop a little the bleeding out of democracies:

1. Outlaw lobbying;

2. Tax the ass off the filthy rich;

3. Break up big corporations in tech, oil, media, you name it. No more monopolies or monopsonies;

4. Change the electorate system.

5. Increase work conditions. Higher wages, jobs availability, social welfare, etc.

The obvious takeaway is that if you reduce wealth inequality you get a healthier society and democracy.

OK, how can we do those without electing leaders into office who will do those things?

Why without? Ever heard of Bernie Sanders?

pnongrata is arguing that voting is worthless. I'm honestly trying to understand their position, but so far having no success. Seems to me that we absolutely should be electing leaders with political positions that match what we desire to see in our society.

Not only the political positions that match the desire, but also voting record that matches their position.

I would personally prefer direct democracy, but I think it is extreme to claim that every politician is corrupt.

We can start by voting for politicians that are not tied to corporate money.

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