Is our “Republic” an oligarchy or a democracy? Periodic indicators should enlighten more to our actual type of “representation.”

Great strides have been made, begrudgingly, to enfranchise more, but few “see” or care how disenfranchised some have become. Those in control periodically create schemes to once again get back to a time when fewer voices are heard.

Using the “divide and conquer strategy,” America’s elites chose as their first target those who had the least political clout — blacks. After all, they were brought here as slaves and constitutionally recognized as being 3/5 people and unworthy of voting. But once blacks gained that right, through peaceful methods, other shenanigans had to be employed. Our elites, through their political flunkies, orchestrated some of the worst shenanigans to covertly and overtly deny/restrict blacks from having enough/any say. While the South was more devious in their “methods,” northerners were not averse to try their hands at marginalizing black voices.

l An unequal “justice” system ensures nonwhites (especially blacks) become disenfranchised.

l Republican controlled states have become the latest laboratory to experiment with voter restrictive laws. Previous laws enhanced voter rights, yet current Republican plans have the opposite outcomes.

l The latest blow to democracy: Supreme Court Justice Scalia relegating black voting rights to being a “racial entitlement.”

Imagine these disenfranchisements foisted upon another group — the outrage would arouse a call to arms.

Thomas Sass

Iowa City