"This country has always been run by elite, and it's an elitist democracy. And that's not a radical concept. It's elitist democracy. When people talk about democracy, they don't talk - really talk about participatory democracy, until the point that we get us at Election Day"

Danny Glover's quote offers a vital point of view on the nature of democracy in nations like the United States. At its core, the quote reveals the stress between the perfect of democracy as a system of governance by the individuals and the reality of the level to which the elite apply control. Glover suggests that what we frequently call democracy is, in reality, an "elitist democracy", where the power and impact mainly live with a choose minority who hold substantial financial, social, and political sway.

When Glover refers to the country being "run by elite", he highlights the variation between the democratic perfects of equal representation and participation and the concentrated impact that elite groups have historically wielded. This may pertain to political parties, prominent families, rich corporations, or people who can considerably form public law and viewpoint. Making use of the expression "elitist democracy" underscores this imbalance, pointing to a system where, despite formal democratic structures such as elections, decision-making stays mainly in the hands of the elite.

Glover's assertion that "that's not a radical concept" difficulties listeners to recognize the longstanding nature of this dynamic, suggesting that it is not a discovery however rather a consistent function of the political system. The quote even more indicates that genuine participatory democracy-- one where residents actively and meaningfully participate in shaping their federal governments-- only enters into discussion around elections. Yet, even during elections, the involvement typically does not translate into substantive power for the typical citizen due to systemic barriers and the outsized influence of money in politics.

Eventually, Glover's review functions as a call to assess and challenge the status quo. It promotes a more inclusive democracy where involvement is not restricted to casting tallies however reaches empowering residents to affect and form policy concretely and continuously.