"Our form of democracy is bribery, on the highest scale"

Gore Vidal's quote, "Our kind of democracy is bribery, on the highest scale", uses a provocative review of the political system, especially in the context of the United States. Vidal, a renowned writer and public intellectual, was known for his sharp wit and important point of view on politics and culture. This declaration succinctly encapsulates his view that the mechanisms of democracy have ended up being deeply intertwined with monetary influence and corruption.

The assertion that democracy is comparable to bribery recommends a system where money plays an essential role in forming political results. This critique targets the method campaign funding, lobbying, and political contributions have significant effect on policy decisions and electoral processes. In such a system, political leaders might become more liable to wealthy donors and special interest groups than to their constituents, producing a form of governance where financial power translates straight into political power.

On the "highest scale", Vidal highlights the pervasive and institutionalized nature of this phenomenon. It suggests that instead of isolated occurrences of corruption, the influence of cash in politics is systemic and deeply ingrained in the democratic structure itself. This can result in a political landscape where legislation and public policies are disproportionately affected by the interests of the financially effective, possibly weakening the basic democratic concepts of equality and representation.

Vidal's critique invites a reflection on the ethical and useful ramifications of such a system. It raises concerns about the integrity of democratic organizations and the degree to which true democratic values are upheld. Additionally, it challenges people to consider the balance in between free speech and the undue influence of money in politics, motivating conversations around project finance reform and higher openness in political contributions.

Ultimately, Vidal's declaration functions as a call to inspect and reform the democratic process, ensuring it stays a system that truly reflects the will and interests of the population instead of the greatest bidder. It's a reminder of the caution required to safeguard the democratic suitables versus the corrupting impact of wealth and power.