The People Have the Power: Governing for the Masses, Not the Elite

In the continually evolving political landscape, one fundamental truth emerges—The People truly do have the power. This assertion is grounded in historical events and current realities, challenging the narrative that the government is merely an extension of the wealthy and powerful.

Example 1: The Great Recession and Banking Policies

Let us revisit the Great Recession of 2007, which underscored the fragility of our financial systems. This massive economic downturn was primarily caused by large banks who speculated with taxpayers' Federally insured deposits, leading to a plethora of bank failures. In response, some in the government proposed measures to prevent such large institutions from becoming “too big to fail” in the future. Senator Sherrod Brown’s amendment aimed to restrict the size of banks, ensuring no single entity could disrupt the economy with poor financial decisions.

Remarkably, this proposal never gained enough traction, leading us to a current state where the five largest banks control an even larger share of deposits—61% as of 2020. This state of affairs suggests that the government’s inaction is not due to inflexibility but rather the prevailing belief that the financial elite are beyond reproach.

Example 2: SOPA and Protect IP Act

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act were legislative attempts to curb online piracy and protect intellectual property rights. These initiatives garnered widespread support from the music and film industries. However, the internet giants, particularly Google, intervened, leveraging the power of the people to resist these measures.

Within a mere 24 hours, a grassroots movement led by Google and other internet companies mobilized millions of users to contact their elected representatives. This intense pressure forced lawmakers to abandon this bill, demonstrating that the collective voice of the people can indeed sway the legislative process.

Government of the People, for the People

Despite this evidence, the narrative persists that the government serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful. This conception is rooted in a hollow belief that citizens cannot govern themselves effectively. While it is true that governing demands a high level of critical thought and engagement, it is equally true that the government operates under the mandate of the people.

When the people are informed and engaged, they can significantly impact policy decisions. The success of the SOPA/Protect IP campaign hones this fact. However, the ease with which people can be swayed by misinformation highlights the need for informed and vigilant citizens. The challenge lies in fostering a populace that can critically assess information and advocate for what is best for society, not just for select elites.

Conclusion

The lesson from these examples is clear: The people have the power to influence their government. It is incumbent upon every citizen to exercise this power, to ensure that the government truly represents the will of the people rather than the interests of the wealthy few. Let us strive to build a more accountable and responsive government, driven by the collective voice of the people.

The reality is that governance is not about avoiding responsibility; it is about embracing it. Governments must recognize and act on the needs of all citizens, not just those in power. By understanding and enacting our rights and responsibilities as citizens, we can build a more just and equitable society.