Mar 11, 2017 2 min read

In 2014 a study by Princeton and Northwestern universities concluded that “economic elites and organized groups representing business interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while mass-based interest groups and average citizens have little or no independent influence.”

Neither of our two main political parties represent the needs of ordinary people. The Republicans have never hidden the fact that they are the party of the rich. The Democrats, however, make a great show of supporting the average Joe. Unfortunately, it’s only pretense. The latest evidence of this hypocrisy was shown at the election for the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee. First, they voted to continue funding themselves with corporate cash. Then they voted for Tom Perez, the establishment candidate, over the more progressive Keith Ellison. This is the same organization that ran a tilted primary foisting Hillary Clinton on us even though the nation thirsted for a new direction. It’s clear they’ve learned nothing.

Not only are the Democrats dishonest, but they are also incompetent and ineffectual. They hold no power in Washington, D.C., are losing the Supreme Court, hold the majority in just 32 percent of state legislatures, an all-time low, and there are just 16 Democratic governors. This despite the Republicans’ relentless attacks on popular programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Being a member of the Democratic Party is like going to a Harlem Globetrotters game and rooting for the Washington Generals. They are completely irredeemable. That’s why I have changed my party affiliation. I suspect I will be one of many.

William J. Schooley III

Washington