Usama Malik’s article post-2024 U.S. presidential election highlights a critical moment in American democracy, facing the dual threats of oligarchic power and institutional stagnation. The rise of wealthy elites, like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, is posing a challenge to democratic principles, as these figures push a privatization agenda that undermines accountability and exacerbates inequality.
The article argues that the erosion of democratic institutions has led to an ineffective government, which fuels public discontent and alienation. Oligarchs capitalize on this environment, using populist rhetoric to manipulate societal divisions while aiming to dismantle oversight that obstructs their power. Their influence is further supported by the Citizens United decision, allowing significant corporate money in politics.
Malik warns that this trend threatens to create a society where power equates to wealth, jeopardizing the fundamental ideals of democracy. He calls for essential reforms to restore transparency, equity, and public trust in government, emphasizing that the battle for democracy is also a fight for the nation’s soul. The article concludes with a call to action: Americans must reject the deceptive promises of oligarchs and push for reforms that prioritize the public good.