Voice of the People; Voting: Part 1

This series of posts will be looking at some tweets that are relevant to voting. Specifically, voting in the sense of imparting the popular will, which is an estimate or reflection of the general will. To some degree, voting is a kind of public opinion expression. It is critical to the entire political system as it is how, in the United States, laws are made and representatives, who also make and uphold the laws and political system, are elected. This is vital to the sovereign’s social compact formation, negotiation, continuation, and, if failed, termination (end of the state). Voting is how we appoint our legislative branch, which is the heart of the body politic, the sovereign's authority expressed. For these reasons, it is imperative that voting is protected and safeguarded at all times at all costs. On this note, we can view the tweet from Bernie Sanders.

This tweet states that there are those in the government that believe corporation should be considered people. That they should have unlimited influence. That corporations should be allowed to sway the popular opinion with no restraint or at least shift the perception of the general will. This should be terrifying and of great alarm to Americans who believe in America's representative democracy. If we consider the principles above, then it is logical to come to the consensus that its extremely important corporations are not considered people.

This speaks to America's idea of one person one vote. The general will should be represented in the popular will, corporations, however, are an amalgamation of power and resources that can and do often override or outweigh the will and needs of the many for the will and needs of a few.

Bernie Sanders should continue his fight to restore power to the people and legitimizing the government. This includes efforts to reverse Citizens United which set the dangerous precedent of considering corporations as people. Additionally sticker campaign finance laws should be set in place so that these corporations and other individuals cannot unjustly overpower their peers. When it comes to determining the general will, all should be considered equal, from the very highest of society to the very lowest.