One of the reasons democracy was invented was to ensure that all the citizens of a state had equal say in the decision making process; the poor cobbler had as much say in the conduct of the state as the wealthiest land-owner.
That this is a utopian fantasy is best illustrated by the example of the latest news from the America, the home of world's 'oldest democracy.' To witness the obsessive attention given to the amount and the origin of the money raised by respective candidates, and the way this is spun as indicative of their chances at the national election is to see democracy on its death bed. The power of the lobby groups in raising these colossal sums, and the inevitable payback shows clearly the extensive webs that greed and money can weave.
Vitalis Oyudo on the
influence of money in politics.
