Who Owns Democracy? The Real Deep State and The Struggle Over Class and Caste

with Sociologist Charles Derber, PhD

United States history is often portrayed through myth rather than factually. The true story of America, from its founding rebellion to the present day, is extraordinarily complex. The truth can sometimes seem almost unimaginable due to the numerous injustices and inequities throughout its history. Despite the ideals expressed by the nation’s founders in the Preamble to the Constitution—to form “a more perfect Union,” establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure liberty for future generations—America’s creation was rooted in systems of class and caste. As discussed in this episode of the Influence Continuum, the idea of a fair system initially created to be accessible to all is an aspect of that founding myth. The facts are far more nuanced, as much of the U.S. Constitution was influenced by the Magna Carta. This document was not inclusive to all but predominantly protected the rights of wealthy white male landowners.  

Charles Derber, a Professor of Sociology at Boston College and life-long activist has authored 28 books on topics such as politics, democracy, fascism, corporations, capitalism, climate change, war, culture wars, and social change. In this episode of the Influence Continuum, he helped us delve deeper into the historical dynamics of class and caste. His latest book, co-authored with Yale R. Magrass, Who Owns Democracy? The Real Deep State and the Struggle Over Class and Caste in America presents a candid discussion about the hard truths of power and who predominantly bears the burden or responsibility of the deep state.