U.S. Democracy 'Failing' While Congress Takes Foreign Lobby Money
The Hill reports half of Americans believe U.S. democracy is 'performing poorly,' a staggering figure presented without probing *why*. While the article touches on 'polarization' and 'distrust,' it conspicuously omits the colossal influence of foreign lobbying. For instance, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent over $17 million in 2022 election spending alone , funding
candidates who consistently vote for massive foreign aid packages despite pressing domestic needs. Is it any wonder the public feels democracy is failing when their representatives prioritize the interests of an unelected lobbying group? In 2023, AIPAC's PAC and Super PAC shelled out millions to influence elections, ensuring a compliant Congress. This includes figures like Rep. Pete Aguilar, who
received over $20,000 from AIPAC-affiliated PACs since 2018. This is the same Congress that just passed another $95 billion foreign aid bill , a significant portion destined for Israel, while the country grapples with its own economic and social crises. (Remember all those defunded domestic social programs?) Perhaps the American public isn't confused about democracy failing; perhaps they just see
how little their vote matters when the money talks.