Though every romance has its flaws, the relationship between capitalism and popular democracy has always been particularly toxic. While the supporters of private property have long asserted that “free enterprise equals free elections,” a history of repressed movements, racial restrictions, and moneyed corruption stands in sharp contrast to the prevailing mythology.
Behind the shroud of “political equality” resides a dictatorship of capital, of national subjugation.
Now and again, even the facade will disappear, and state oppression will assume an open, audacious form. Such was the case in Alabama last week, as law enforcement agencies announced that certain counties would no longer issue driver licenses. This would be appalling on its own, but if one studies the demographics of these locales, a greater horror emerges. Every county in which Black people comprise more than 75 percent of the population will be impacted.
In other words: a large section of Black voters have lost access to identification, and with it, their ability to vote.
Of course, officials cited “budget cuts” as the motive behind these actions, but white supremacy in this country has purposefully strangled the Black electorate enough times to warrant skepticism. Regardless of intent, this will rob an oppressed nationality of what little voice it had in this white supremacist empire. Progressives across the U.S. should vigorously struggle against any such maneuver.
