“What Rough Beast Slouches…’’

If we really desire a return to decency in governance, we have to put in the effort to understand what has gone wrong.

Jane Mayer’s book Dark Money lays it out in detail. (1) Over decades the Koch Network, associated libertarian goons, and their media enablers have convinced enough of the pathetically credulous populace that oligarchy is superior to democracy. They do not say this outright; rather they use deception, demagoguery and the weakness for conspiracy theories to work their nefarious “magic”. (2) This has led to the rough beast that slouched into Washington 3 years ago, and has no intention of leaving. (3) The oligarchs bought the GOP and utterly control that disgraceful and thoroughly undemocratic crew; they also have a strong influence on many Dems. (4) There is nothing on the horizon that gives one hope for a quick turn-around.

If you don’t have the time or energy to carefully read Mayer’s book, then take 2 hours to watch “The Edge of Democracy” (Netflix) for what has already happened in Brazil, and is likely to happen in America.

It will take more than kumbaya moments and platitudes to get us out of this mess.