1.0 link 231149 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jerry-cope/the-failure-of-democracy_b_231149.html If, like most Americans, you find yourself unfamiliar with politics in West Virginia, you might be surprised to learn the extent to which the democratic process has been corrupted in coal country. Politicians, activists, environmental organizations, and pundits from both sides of the aisle point to the most impoverished state in the union as an example of the 21st century democratic process; the unrestrained influence of special interests without even a pretense at fairness, representation, or concern for the common...

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