iblamethegubment
280867
8684
771
But this model is flawed and easily corrupted by the wealthy(as the founding fathers predicted)
But this model is flawed and easily corrupted by the wealthy(as the founding fathers predicted)
Political ping pong
Fo real?
But buying off the media only works if the people are dumb enough.
Bundle it all up.
Theodrian
Ask someone in the military, and they'll... tell you basically nothing because they are under legal contract not to badmouth the government.
JudgeVegas
It's so edgy I cut myself.
schmoo38
*populace
Surio
This! The irony of the typo on that particular slide was too much to pass up. Have an upvote
DukeOfChutney608
take a look at iceland. they did a pretty remarkable thing, basically outed all their government and started over. no media coverage at all
CptTightPants
Actually not much substantial has really changed in Iceland.
DukeOfChutney608
i disagree
nothingphasesme
I will agree, upvote, get back to my herd, and not do a damn thing about it.
Ravenclanner
Wolf-pac.com
Ravenclanner
Somewhat small and flawed movement for having the state legislatures call for a constitutional convention to get money out of politics.
liveload
Normalcy Bias and a bit of Cognitive Dissonance.
jmacmac
Most of us are aware, but are comfortable enough that it's not worth the effort of rocking the boat.
8u11seye
No c'mon let's start the revolution! And then get arrested for treason and disappear...
SpoonOfDoom
You have to block the FBI and NSA on Twitter before you do anything, of course.
NeverMindtheManBehindtheCurtain
Shit, I forgot
FrellingFarbot
Vote Cthulhu. Why vote for the lesser evil?
Habis
A recent study from Princeton did show that America is more of an oligarchy than a democracy.
ThomasBankston
Bullmoose party 4 life
Doodle210
Whig party!
iwonderwhatthemaxusernamecharacterlimitis
my dad actually wrote that as his party affliation
Ninjinister
I keep telling people we need to resurrect TR and elect him back into office.
2muchbaconsaidno1ever
Teddy will rise again!
ThoriatedFlash
I would rock a T-shirt that says this...
Icannevercomeupwithagoodorwittyusernamepleasehelp
Whig Party, All Day Everyday.
SFCRhabdo
I am genuinely(pleasantly) surprised to find another Whig member on here.
aShogunNamedMarcus
fluger
I was hoping someone would post this, and you sir/madam, did. Thank you.
SchizophrenicOnSunday
TR was the man
ItsArizonaAllOverAgain
Teddy Roosevelt has more manliness in his wife's vagina than I do in my whole body
McLovinGNF
Tired of the same parties? Try lemon party.
Cakes1234
AllTheChildrenAreInsane
I heard they have great projects for the elderly.
AceofShades
The bullmoose party is part of what got us into this mess.. It was a front for Progressivism, and that was a front for Communism
jeoffkrey
"Vote for Taft this time! You can vote for Bryan anytime!" (It was a simpler time)
NathanReiter
Tke for life
WasToldMyNameSuckedSoChanged
PM4L
haveguitarwilltravel
We're mad as hell and we're still going to take it!
outzider
You're 16 years old, aren't you?
LeBish
I'm 32, what about you?
outzider
Same. No, wait, crap, I'm 33.
LocutusOfBored
If voting really changed anything, they'd make it illegal.
mtimothy
Reminds me of that post I saw a while ago. Something about how if hard work really got you anywhere then rich people would horde it too.
ProudAussie
The world is getting closer to the movie Idiocracy every year.
IFDhumbag
Some of this is true the other is sensationalism making conspiracy out of nothing. Pass.
retrohellix
walterpeck
Politics starts making a lot more sense when you realize it's a bunch of people that will do what it takes to keep their jobs.
grumblesableseaman
I live in the UK and believe me, it's not just America.
Majestic1unicorn
It's this kind of ignorant attitude towards government makes people apathetic about our system.
TF2215
But more people go to college now so driving the price up hasn't "dumbed" us down that way.
Khrome
Hail Hydra
ScratchBastard
Well, I'll say this for Hydra, at least they keep the trains running on time
RawrImReallyNotGoodatThis
This needs more upvotes.
finewineofrevenge
I have actually taken to saying this to people when saying goodbye, just whispering as I leave the room. I'm not the only one, right?
HailHYDRAImmortalHYDRA
Join Us.
LeBish
we like you
HailHYDRAImmortalHYDRA
Yes.
69tigers
I like you
nicoleaut
omg haha
galroth
Iunderstoodthatreference.gif
SailorNeptune2313
Where the hell is SHIELD when you need them!?
xDownSetx
I guess it all has to go.
morphire
*Heil *HYDRA
InnocentGun
HYDRA is right, but the do say "Hail" and not "Heil" in the second movie.
morphire
Oh, I totally thought it was the other way around. Welp!
bearsinjars
Were you a part of the Hail Hydra Post a while back by any chance?
Stewbagel
The Philosophers say "lalilulelo"
RelativeVelocity
Metal gear gets my up vote any fucking day!
Julit1740
Hail Hydra!
frooooooooooooooo
and you are the dumb fucks who laugh while this happens, not realizing you are laughing while you are getting fucked over.
imbadatmakingcleverusernames
I see you, Cobra Commander.
Khrome
*shakes fist
GingerTheBeard
Hail Hydra!
tobascodagama
https://imgur.com/r/comicbooks/76VoqEr
velociraptorfarmer
Aaaand it's on FX right now....
JumpingBalogna
Hail Hydra
frooooooooooooooo
and you are the dumb fucks who laugh while this happens, not realizing you are laughing while you are getting fucked over.
popculturella
Goddammit, perfect comment.
jaysayshey
Just for making that reference, I LOVE YOU.
TheBlondeGinger
too soon we just lost operation insight
bananabiscuit
I FINALLY saw the movie, and understand this reference :)
trekkre
WHAT MOVIE
SomethingReallyAmusing
I also want to see this movie and have no idea what it is. I could look it up but.... meh.
DC1123
the littlest fox.
HeistheZissou
Hail Hydra
Khrome
Downvote one post and two shall take its place!
EnormousManlyThings
Hail Hydra!
xyzes
Hail Hydra!
StereoselectiveControl
blazer232
Hail Hydra
JuanVenturi
Hail Hydra
notthisguythatguy
Rain Hydra
wererat2000
Snow Hydra
pikmints
Hail Hydra
ramblinjd
Hail Hydra
ThePsychicZombie
I can't take serious political crap seriously when it's on a bunch of memes.
kcloud
It's probably Obama's fault.
pyrodice
Example: It's not Obama's fault that free phones are passed out, but it might be his fault that the people getting them think it is.
OPsFather
YourFriendlyNeighborhoodNeighboreeno
THANKS, OBAMA!
OPsFather
MisterAlex5000
theartofselfdefense
OP, what have you done in real life to try to change this?
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3jE3B8HsE
GunArm
OP points out he is in a hostage situation. You blame him for not being John Die Hard, from a movie.
theartofselfdefense
A hostage situation! Oh my! The only thing he's a hostage to is his own personal weakness.
pubicshaming
he made a post on imgur. DUH
iblamethegubment
nothing. never said i did. just making an observation.
theartofselfdefense
Therein lies the problem. Everyone is content to make "observations", pointing out the obvious, but nobody wants to get their hands dirty
EGOT
False. I am the finance director for a challenger candidate working to unseat one of the most worthless members of Congress.
DatMormon
the problem is the people who do this end up being censored by the all-powerful governing bodies, "they're just crazies". The only way 1/2
DatMormon
anything will ever happen is if a MAJORITY of the populace gets FUCKING GODDAMNED MAD AND SICK OF BULLSHIT. That takes increasing awareness
iblamethegubment
"get their hands dirty"? please elaborate. how can i make a difference, deathisthiscommunion?
theartofselfdefense
Organize a revolution, get some firing squads together, create a utopian libertarian-socialist state where robots do all the work.
8u11seye
It's called treason ;)
iblamethegubment
i have a theory that everyone knows deep down that revolution is the only way, but no one wants to be the one to be thrown in prison.
iblamethegubment
and i think about the only group capable of organizing a revolution, sadly, would probably be 4chan
xkr73
To organise a revolution, you need people like me. And nobody is quite prepared, yet, to go that far. Mr.Bundy was, with his cattle.
TommyCoogar
Ya because now less people are going to college than ever... Oh wait, that's not fucking true
Notathreatforhumanityy
OP is giving way to much credit to college education, it took a Nobel prize winner to say that right-left wing dichotomy is a 1/?
Notathreatforhumanityy
reductionist way to categorize the economical, political (etc) management of a system. The system is made to make people think that they 2/3
Notathreatforhumanityy
understand it, when they don't, event those with college education, and even those specialized in related subject 3/3
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
*fewer
prismaticcrow
Except that less than a quarter of them are graduating. Of those that graduate, even less are finding the jobs they want with their degree.
OhnoDinosaur
It's also getting increasingly difficult to get any job without a degree. Wanna be a barista? Did you go to college? It's getting rediculous
stiner282
Literally the only reason I can afford college is the military. More people may be attending, but the debt is also higher per student
ilurknolonger
Ah yes.. and here we see another fold in the plan. Military service is voluntary in our country. Wink / gun
tastelesshuman
Except the two party system started before the ink on the constitution was dry, the founding fathers made the Federalist 1/3
baneofthewalrus
well almost all types a voting systems eventually revert into a two party system
DrDresDog
these 2 parties instead of them dying out when they stop representing a sizable portion of people (2/2)
tastelesshuman
I was just pointing out that the first 'fact' of this post is not true, but parties have died out, Federalist and Whig notably.
DrDresDog
Right, but over time the parties changed (Federalist, Whig, etc) the current version of the system just reinforces the existence of (1/2)
yaaay
Let's get this to the top for awareness. I was looking for someone to comment about the federalist and anti-federalist +1 to you
ZeeACi
Also high college prices are a consequence of capatilism not government control. Competition drives prices up as colleges get better.
NinjWned
but colleges are just getting worse, or rather, degrees are becoming more worthless. So why are the prices it costs to get them going up?
ZeeACi
Degrees are definitely not getting worse, but certain degrees aren't as useful in all economies meaning they don't secure a job.
MundaneFacts
That's always true of the election system that America currently has in place. helpful vidya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
tastelesshuman
Yep, CGPGrey's elections videos are excellent. First Past the Post leaves no room for third parties.
Klingon00
This explains it far better than the OP. Should be top post here.
JudgeVegas
The two party system is a natural consequence of how elections work in the US. A proportional system would make room for more parties.
eskamobob1
I am unsure. I can see how the system leads to a two party system, but the other way to look at it is that the election system was (1/2)
eskamobob1
designed for more than two parties so that congress would always control the elections. It would be a pretty effective system if (2/3)
eskamobob1
there were more than two parties tbh. pretty damn smart. (3/3)
TheThingNoNotThatOne
That's true. But the idea that more parties will fix the problem is idealistic and unreasonable.
CptTightPants
You're right, the problems run far deeper than simply the two party system.
tastelesshuman
and anti federalist parties, Washington was the one that argued against 2 parties. Even during his presidency this divide caused 2/3
tastelesshuman
problems. The Media as you are talking about didn't exist for more than a century. Try a different conspiracy. 3/3
CliffWestern
Well actually it was a corrupt media then too but putting that aside, the point is that it is always the wealthy who rules the rabel (us)
tastelesshuman
My point is the OP is factually inaccurate, but the 'media' you are talking about gave us both the Spanish-US war and the Watergate scandal.
CliffWestern
I agree inaccurate but this isn't exactly a site for a dissertation. A few patterns of good reporting doesn't erase systematic corruption.
[deleted]
[deleted]
tastelesshuman
A theory about how a secret group is controlling the US based on bad facts and assumptions, so yeah...
beaubourne
thank you. i HATE HATE HATE [political] oversimplification on imgur. It's too easy to spread misinformation on here via groupthink.
MidnightThunder
Looks like someone did their homework.
CliffWestern
This country's politcal party's has pretty much always consisted of those who's strategy was to quell disent through force and those (1)
CliffWestern
Who were willing to on occasion make concessions in order to maintain control. The reason racism was created (it didn't exist until the <3>
CliffWestern
industrial revolution) was as a means of control. This doesn't necessarily mean it was conspired. It was simply in the classes interest and
CliffWestern
Lets not forget that this country was founded on slavery and indentured servitude for poor whites.
rugmi55
lets not forget that the first American slave owners were black and that blacks ran most of the African slave markets.
CliffWestern
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1narr3.html
CliffWestern
-1 for pointing out a really basic, obvious context in how our country was formed?.. Butt hurt much?
jacewindu
During the election of 1828 the newly formed Democratic party created newspapers in most major metropolitan areas to show how terrible 1/2
jacewindu
John Quincy Adams was and how great Andrew Jackson was. But mostly to slander JQA.
eskamobob1
I think the discrepancy lies in that most of these papers were made by supporters (although some did have extremely strong ties to (1/?)
yossarian5000sorryorr
Boom.
[deleted]
[deleted]
tastelesshuman
You're right, i mixed up some of the reading, but the point stands that the parties weren't slowly put in place, they existed from the start
andydotcom
Oversimplification of a complicated system.
[deleted]
[deleted]
isaaclw
I disagree. I think it's mostly true, but even with the two party system I think things are gradually getting better.
isaaclw
Just not as fast as anyone would expect.
everyoneiskungfufighting
The cop out of all cop outs.
tinycrocodile
kinda ironic because the system is overly complicated for something that should be simple - let the people govern [themselves]
override367
a two party system is always going to be the result of a FPTP voting system, lest people feel their vote was wasted
ayoungprofessional
using very outdated and overused memes.
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
It isn't "complicated" so much as it is "deliberately designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many without the many catching on".
TylerTheDownvoteTyrant
"This system is fucked right now." Just because it's simplified doesn't mean it's not right.
bulpii
he did a pretty good job though.
viperex
Maybe but it's still accurate
[deleted]
[deleted]
damadamagoyolur
It implies intent and design. The reality that there's no one steering this shit and there is no plan should be more horrifying.
NephCohen
the idea of this situation being planned is possible but unlikely, with weak evidence to support it. it should not be dismissed out of hand
InkblotCosplay
...except for the fact that it's unlikely and is weakly supported. That's the best reason I can think of to be "dismissed out of hand."
NephCohen
then you give up on possibilities too easily. not investigating just because of weak prior probability is foolish
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
8u11seye
Now if every parent out there would show this video to their children/teenagers.
GnomeDeGuerre
As any readable version would end up being in some way or another.
cap1tal1sm
See: Books
GnomeDeGuerre
Which book do you find to not be an oversimplification?
Bobinstein
Post a whole book to imgur and watch all the TLDRs your get.
ProjectFreak
In a shocking twist, all governmental systems are flawed. Ask your North Korean friends how much they like their one-party system.
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
That's clearly the only alternative! Good, thorough thinking there! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
SlightlyNormal
Some are less flawed than others. Scandinavia been managing al-right, so has Canada imho.
CPatricoo
In 2010 they held a special election against the corrupt majority. The result was ousting the minority party instead. Woops.
TheThingNoNotThatOne
Talk to some Canadians - they're just as angry as your average American.
SlightlyNormal
People are always angry about something, but it's small stuff compared to America imo.
nothingphasesme
As a Canadian, I won't disagree with "less flawed". Far from a fair system, it could be worse. Oh look, a beaver....
LokiKingOfJotunheim
won't invade. They are afraid of the mighty Moose lords. (2/2)
LokiKingOfJotunheim
Canada's government is a rouse. Your country is run by the Northern Moose Kingdom. It's the only reason the People's Republic of Cats (1/2)
sowetoninja
You will end up with a two party system eventually, it's only a logical progression, not a conspiracy.
Ihavewaytoomanyfavoritestosort
And doesn't Brazil have like a gajillion different parties that can run for presidency?
Fishesuemarior
Yes. Duverger's Law.
MisterAlex5000
duverger's law doesn't exactly explain what this comment implies.
othernym
Jesus christ, I know. This is just the laziest, stupidest shit. Yeah, things are broken, but you don't need a conspiracy to explain it.
longdarkteatimeofthesoul
Yeah, people like to say "ooh it's all a conspiracy" without taking into account the fact that conspiracies are HARD. Our government 1/2
longdarkteatimeofthesoul
couldn't hide the fact that it was spying on us - how could it possibly keep a 200 year conspiracy intact?
mitanni
It was written legislation in 2001, it's not like it was a secret. They just didn't blab about how good they were at doing it.
HerrDoktorSchnurrbart
How is it logical progression to have only two parties? You'd think with a country as huge and diverse as ours, we'd need more than two.
ImJustHereSoIDontGetFined
It's our voting system. This explains it very well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
MisterAlex5000
even if we (USA) had multiple parties, they would coalesce to form a majority/ruling party, and the others would do the same as a minority.
MundaneFacts
That's only true of the election system that America currently has in place. helpful vidya: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
gayhorse420
That's not true. The swedish parliament was originally kind of a two party system, today there are eight parties represented in the Riksdag.
gayhorse420
Maybe you exclusively meant the american system, in that case - my bad!
steve699
What if I told you that in my country there are more than 2 parties and they can't get anything done because they do not have number to
r0b0tc0rpse
You'd be an idiot.
Englishisnotmyfirstlanguage
Here in México we have more than 2 parties but all of them are filthy rats who steal all of our money.
TheWrathFromHighAtopTheThing
Japan, is that you?
crimsonslate
Why does the government need to do things? Let the people do things, they do it better anyway
TheNamesTalcJamesTalcSpecialAntiCakedayAgent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3jE3B8HsE
gingertrain
It's not necessarily a two party system that's bad, more parties in general. It becomes a competition between names, not ideals.
pleasegoogleShakerAamerpleasegoogleDavidKelly
I've been saying this for ages, nobody understands. and to the other guy, because it should be about policy not candidate delivering policy
Wyrtz
But did your government close for a few days?
EvilEkips
As a Belgian, we are the best at this.
JiskaAndStyk
What if I told you all your major parties represent almost the exact same thing on the political spectrum?
leumasmc
What if I told you that all governments are impotent and restrict freedom?
proxieme
I would tell you to move to Somalia, your Libertarian Utopia!
acidosaur
I would laugh at you.
theyak
I'd probably say you're wrong, depending on which definition of freedom you're using
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
I'd tell you that you don't understand the problem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
Azirien
That video is preposterous! Everyone knows lions do not live in the jungle.
VladThePoker
Finnish government is composed of 5 political parties and they still successfully rip the citizens off, very efficient.
Rostiprkl
I don't think they are ripping us off, they are too busy for that. You know, avoiding responsibility.
Shoura
Eh, it's bigger than normal now. But generally it works pretty ok, although I don't agree on many things (which is why I vote accordingly)
sumowoman
In Europe things are changing anyway, when the REAL power is moved to the Union. I really can't say if any party can make a difference >
sumowoman
> anymore.
VodkaReindeer
Don't all the large parties agree about the most important things anyways?
sumowoman
Yes, they do. It seems like there are no options to a certain policy. I find it hard to believe it really is so.
YouSufferWithCognitiveDissonance
Logical fallacy: Gov't isn't there to do "anything," they are there to protect inherent rights. End of story.
JazzAxxxelrod
I've been trying to tell people this for so long!
howglorious
I don't think he worded this very well. But the government does a lot more than protect our inherent rights. Sometimes infringing upon them
trasneoir
Know many cities that have privately-built sewer systems? Freedom from cholera isn't an inherent right, but I want it anyway.
YouSufferWithCognitiveDissonance
Lots of cities have them, they are called septic tanks.
OsamaBinLlama
Free market principles > government intervention
steve699
set up a solid governance because they can't agree on anything?
iblamethegubment
what if i told you i'm not blaming the two party system(although it made it pretty easy for them), only those who corrupted it.
idislikecomingupwithuniqueusernames
Wow, it's almost like political power struggles aren't something America came up with!
McGamin
we have 2 and still can't get anything done sometimes it seems like politics is the opposite of progress.
eskamobob1
Pure curiosity, where are you from?
steve699
Italy.
beffeer
Heeey ragazzo ( no idea if this is right)
piggypiglet
Sounds perfect! Who the fuck wants a government "doing" things? They are at best there to keep the peace, not meddle with it and steal etc
SirusKing
I do hope this is sarcasm.
piggypiglet
Nope, just common sense after looking at hundreds, if not thousands of years of "leadership" by the parasite class. Learn already FFS
frankiess
Newsflash: People can never agree on anything. That's why democracy ultimately results in a compromise that serves no one. =P
foxearredasshole
The U.S. doesn't need a ruling majority like some countries do since the president is picked in a separate election. Multi-party is ok.
Cakes1234
Except the presidency doesn't create legislature and disagreements between the executive and legislative branches causes stalemates.
foxearredasshole
Right, but that happens whether there are 2 parties or 10. Look at the current legislature who won't pass anything. More parties would 1
foxearredasshole
2 help break the stalemate and move things along. The Libs and GOP refuse to work together and it isn't going to get better anytime soon.
Cakes1234
Coalitions are needed in a multiparty system for anything to work, which means inter- and intracoalition relationships can breakdown.
FinalBackwardsGlance
What if I told you that in my country,one party is so strong,that they can change the constitution anytime according their needs.You want1/2
FinalBackwardsGlance
dictatorship? Because, that's how you get a dictatorship. 2/2
Cakes1234
Italy?
slovak
Or Europe
Cthulhukitten
wat
slovak
I think it is not only problem in Italy, but in most Europian countries.
steve699
Is it that obvious?
Cakes1234
I remember seeing somewhere recently about the numbers of government turnovers in Italy since 1945.
Punnilingus
The US government shut down for a week because it couldn't agree on one little thing.
dogsi
It did not shut down, although that's what the media said. The superfluous parts of the government were shut down because the government
dogsi
was broke.
Alcard
Yeah, agreeing to pay their fucking credit card bill!
dogsi
No, agreeing to charge more to their 15 trillion dollar credit card.
Cakes1234
Government sponsored healthcare isn't one little thing.
ShiverMePenguins
This is actually 100% accurate. I don't know why people are down voting.
iSoulend
It's the secret service that are trying to hide things to us, but we're too powerfull !
hotcombover
ILUMINATI
tacosalpastor
Aloominati
Defor
I downvoted purely because I dislike these stories illustrated with series of memes.
s1rweeze
Because it's too generalized
Swift2568
It only seems accurate because you are ignorant. Go study US history.
moxymox
TIL broad generalizations, misinformation, and unsubstantiated conjecture = "100% accurate"
NothingISayIsTrue
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/21/americas-oligarchy-not-democracy-or-republic-unive/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Actually the dumb down bit is wrong for several reasons. Per pupil spending in public schools even rose with the recession while college 1/?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
attendance rates in 18 to 24 year olds hit all time highs as of 2008. College costs aren't keeping people from going there. This means 2/?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
if the goal is to dumb down Americans the methods this post is saying are being used are wrong. Public schools have not been abandoned 3/?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
and college costs aren't preventing people from attending. The best explanation I know is that people are dumb to begin with and don't 4/?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
need any help getting that way. (sources below) 5/5
MundaneFacts
helpful video for all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo cgpgrey has many great videos on elections in america and how to improve.
IamMelonLordeYaYaYa
Because although the result is correct, it's presented like some conspiracy theory 'it was slowly put into place', etc.
Taur622
Rich people. *scoff's over tall glass of old, warm milk*
ThePaleTexan
They were paid to downvote it.
Butane9000
It's accurate but there are some other factors. Like the central bank and income tax. But more or less on point.
Gallowglas
Because it IS accurate ... ;-)
TheThingNoNotThatOne
Oh ho ho, looks like we have a genius over here. Please, peel back the curtain some more and elucidate us sheep on things really are.
gudemonster
It is 100% accurate in your OPINION, as well as OP's. I am not saying I don't agree with a lot of it, but an opinion it remains.
FrellingFarbot
Hmm that is a very interesting opinion of yours. *strokes beard*
YouMightGetIdeas
SOme people here downvote whatever does not say star spangled America is awseome.
AncalagontheBlack
It's practically saying "everything is run by the same people and nothing us citizens do matters. Wake up sheeple!"
MundaneFacts
don't say that three times!!!
esedu
i downvoted because i dislike image macros and always downvote image macros
MutterVonKatzen
the dumb deaf and blind.
M4570D0N
No, it's really not.
TrailMixWithoutAlmonds
They're trying to hide the truth!
KingoftheWest
Because people want to believe in a lie.
useurnamehere
The truth hurts
AlwaysEatingAlmonds
!00% is pushing it. Wen you simplify a complicated situation to this extent... it's never completely accurate.
TF2215
Because there are a couple big flaws in it maybe?
epicfartchugger
because either they are dumb enough to believe the news isnt biased or that the rich have that many user accounts on this site
RoYoMi
Fun Fact: In America people also have the right to vote poorly.
ScottmotherfuckingFisher
Illuminati...
TheLannistersSendALovelyFruitBasket
Why are your penguins shivering? They're not insulated for the cold?
nuketheburrito
Media itself, in any meaningful use of the word, had yet to be developed let alone monopolized (2)
baconsmellsreallygood
Also OP just ignores social media and the internet. Which really is like the wild west in terms of media control
biotek
It's not that the OP ignores it, they recognize that the vast majority of the US population is ignorant to alternative media sources.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
My perception is less they're ignorant of it than they trust alternative media less, which might actually be smart given what's out there...
biotek
Guess it depends what is available in the area. I think it's smarter to distrust all of them and do more personal research.
LicensedAdHominem
Media ≠TV. Newspapers also have owners.
B3ASTM3AT
Because its not 100% accurate... clearly
JackZwiebel
The govermentis downvoting
ReverendLovejoy
This is more of a conspiracy theory than fact. Most our recent problems are a result of gerrymandering and extremist reaction to Obama (1)
ReverendLovejoy
Obama's election. Although, more power and influence has been handed to a smaller percentage of richer folks recently
JasonForge
The truth hurts......as an American, no one high on the chain is truly patriotic
MundaneFacts
nationalism is stupid. i am a humanitarian.
NinjWned
The word "patriotism" makes me gag. I'd prefer if higher ups were simply pragmatic and looked out for the country's overall best interests.
YouMightGetIdeas
It hurts me that it is the first thing that comes to you mind. Americans have a problem with patriotism.
Vanrig
Probably because the people who disagree are idiots.
LMeire
Because the two-party system developed almost immediately after Washington stepped down. None of the founding fathers could agree 1/2
LMeire
and they died hating each other. Further, the previous lack of parties was only a thing because because there was a war going on, and 1/2
LMeire
that type of thing tended to make economics seem petty. Two-party systems were already a thing in England, and England's colonists 1/2
LMeire
followed suit. But hey, it's only fricking history right? It's not like this information's been around for the entire nation itself. OH WAIT
LicensedAdHominem
Many Americans are so brainwashed to think America is the absolute best country ever they get aggressive when told otherwise. Simple denial.
eskamobob1
Just by reading comment here, you will know that those people probably don't stay here for long. The downvotes are because of misinformation
LicensedAdHominem
Not misinformation; that'd suggest presenting and explaining the information would fix it. It's denial in a display of pseudo-patriotism.
eskamobob1
by looking at the constitution its self, it was designed to operate with more than two parties. America is just used to two at this point
LicensedAdHominem
Misrepresented information? Happens. If you're speaking of the post, I'm not really into American history to know if OP's wrong or not.
eskamobob1
how about information that is presented to cause incorrect assumptions to be made? The two party system idea is just wrong. (1/2)
lxlulz
Because some of us paid attention in history class and not that there wasn't always a two party system
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
"We listened good in our government history class in our government school." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
TheThingNoNotThatOne
The most we've had is 3, maybe 4 legitimate parties, and the 3rd/4th party generally just siphons votes from the 2 major parties
BilboT34Baggins
That's the point. The 2 party system is a fabrication, something that is not required and shouldn't be there
CerebrawlHemmorage
The voting system(first past the post) made it inevitable.
pharoahjared
No the Constitution did. The Constitution forced centrism and compromise on the country.
ConcreteLake
First past the post does not make it Inevitable.
CerebrawlHemmorage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo
ConcreteLake
We have first past the post in Canada. And yet we have more then two parties is all, we've got 5. That was my only point. Sorry.
YoureSoColdButYouFeelAlive
Paid attention in History, fucked off in English. That class must have been before lunch.
eskamobob1
what if I told you auto correct could fix a typo incorrectly.
YoureSoColdButYouFeelAlive
I would say I'm a belieber... wait... DAMN YOU AUTO CORRECT!!
eskamobob1
If belieber was an auto correct I say we just firebomb the manufacturer in question
nuketheburrito
Incorrect. The two party system has been in effect since the mid 1850s. (1)
Cakes1234
Incorrect. The modern day parties are from around 1850. Federalist and Democratic Republic parties were set up around 1790s
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
The party system was more fluid then however. While two parties tended to dominate this was NOT the intention of the Founders.
jacewindu
Clarification - our current two parties in the system have been at each other since the 1850's. We been a 2 party system since the start 1/2
jacewindu
with the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The fun time was late 19th early 20th centuries and the rise of Progressive/Populist Movements.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Actually the US had effectively a one party system during the 1820s and 30s, and the late 1850s was a total mess party-wise.
jacewindu
Actually, there have been multiple pol parties since we started. There was a brief period (1816-1824) where partisan politics was 1/
jacewindu
minimal, but that changed with the development of the Democratic Party in 1825-26. After that, it was Dem and Whigs causing problems /2
jacewindu
for each other, then the Whigs basically faded away in the 1850's and the Republicans rose up. So, yes, two parties since we started.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
I think we need to step back a second and consider what the issue of two parties are, then I think coming to agreement here will be easier 1
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
This means while two parties tended to keep winning, they knew they could (and often did) fall apart and be replaced. That's no longer 4
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
losing influence to a third group. Except that prior to 1860, whatever the two parties were they DID face those challenges regularly. 3
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
The problem is that two parties will feel no competitive pressure from outside the system. They aren't at risk of being eliminated or 2
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
been the norm. (final)
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
really true. So in the sense of a problematic 2-party system, no that's not always been true, even if technically some 2 party system has 5
mobiuscat
I feel like this information is presented as if it's more surprising than it actually is...
Cassiraa
I too have read The Prince
carewyllie
I feel it is presented as if the target audience are the idiots who aren't aware of this yet. lol
SamMan
So by your definition pretty much anyone that thinks their vote matters.
carewyllie
I think that it is important to vote, but I'm also aware that corruption will be present whoever I vote for.
Moonsmoonsmoons
It's completely wrong. The smart people aren't running things. They're fending for themselves in the contorted American legal system.
Moonsmoonsmoons
Singapore is a place where the smart people run things, and politicians are in it for the money (salaries in the millions) and it's great.
innernette0
Well if this isn't surprising then why isn't anyone doing anything about it already?
mobiuscat
I honestly have a hard time caring
obamatheIII
He has to present it this way because if he said it any other way, people who have been dumbed down would call it a unbelievable conspiracy.
TryingToThinkOfUsernamesIsHard
I would too... but I know that too many people will genuinely find this surprising,
ferristriangle
BeWater
The fact that it's not surprising makes it worse. People know this is happening, yet do nothing.
ferristriangle
PizzaAmnesia
Ain't no party like a demopublican party because demopublican party don't stop. Lying.
NothingISayIsTrue
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/apr/21/americas-oligarchy-not-democracy-or-republic-unive/
tifalif
I'm 22 and have been in denial for a few years. For the past year it's kind of sunk in that everything is really corrupt.
nickg131
The fact that Bush was "elected" and Obama was "elected" prove that voters are uninformed morons. They don't realize their vote means shit.
jerichodotm
hahah. true
MundaneFacts
helpful video for all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7tWHJfhiyo cgpgrey has many great videos on elections in america and how to improve.
hippopoopamoose
You're an idiot if you can't see this happening.
JasonD
http://dailyprincetonian.com/news/2014/04/study-reveals-that-average-citizens-wield-minimal-political-power/
piggypiglet
The idea of spending even MORE on education is nutz but yeah, look around at how many argue about parties instead of arguing for freedom?
iblamethegubment
you're right. i was surprised.... when i was 18..
[deleted]
[deleted]
SubNero
I knew about politics before you did! I is smart!
ImAlwaysContentWithCatContent
this is said in cartman's voice in my head
Tinfoilhatswork
Good for you for still bringing it to the public's attention man. Not everyone's eyes are open.
BaconIncarnate
Plot twist: OP is 18
TheuserformerlyknownasDan
I was surprised when I was 14 but I was also a poli sci nerd back then
pro9200
Good use of memes +1
TheThingNoNotThatOne
"Good"
Dystopiana
Makes it sad that when I gave a speech that boiled down to this in a college speech class, every face was surprised...even the prof.
Forky7
As a 17 year old . . . I knew this.
TheNamesTalcJamesTalcSpecialAntiCakedayAgent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3jE3B8HsE
ferristriangle
iblamethegubment
i love calvin and hobbes +!
iblamethegubment
+1*
TheRealCJ
that's a little late for your rebellious teen phase.
CoryPerez
yeah I was listening to system of a down... you know how it is.
Nujabes
WARRR...fuck the system! WARRR..fuck the system, fuck the system!
muffinsareforever
I'M but a little bit-bit-bit SHOW, but a little bit-bit-bit SHAME, but a little bit-bit-bit, bit, bit, bit!
nukm4
I feel like if it was that obvious, it wouldn't have been allowed to happen.
NanoSwarmer
The bigger the lie, the more people believe it... *cough*religion*cough*
sadbbqday
youre right, how much traffic does this website get
mobiuscat
I mean, it's not that obvious, but it's also not new.
lumpiestgenie
so what can be done about it to fix this broken system? (serious)
Spice00002
Armed uprising. The only problem is the men at the wheel know this, and are causing fake shootings to make people push for gun control (1/?)
Spice00002
Which takes weapons out of citizens hands, making them incapable to fight. This is why the 2nd amendment is a bigger deal than it seems.
DoctorWatchamacallit
did you seriously just say that these mass shootings were staged? That is insanely stupid.
mobiuscat
I don't know.
lumpiestgenie
my personal opinion is that the problem needs to be attacked at the root - get the money out of politics. otherwise, our politicians (1)
lumpiestgenie
(2) are being controlled by invisible bosses - those wealthy people/corporations funding their campaigns
skantman
Well, this is a lot easier than explaining inverted totalitarianism to people. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_totalitarianism
roonic86
To the average Imgurian, no it's not surprising. To the average American..........you'd be surprised. THANKS OBAMA
Sugartoast
No. You listen here you little shit. It's this kind of indifference that makes this country as shitty as it is. Acknowledging there 1/?
Sugartoast
is a problem isn't being informed. If you want to be a smug fuck and use your ellipses and act disinterested, then you are a perfect 2/3
Sugartoast
example of why Americans get taken advantage of. Indifference to injustice and corruption. You're lucky i'm not spiderman.
mobiuscat
I understand that ignoring the problem makes me shitty person, I simply have trouble caring about America.
mobiuscat
P.S. Sorry that people are downvoting you because you seem "pretentious" I appreciate that you want to make the country better.
Monochron
When it's presented like some massive undercover conspiracy then it's going to be surpriseing to everyone. Because that's way exagerated.
dominaeleonora
But not untrue.
Monochron
Which is why I said exaggerated.
bi11ionaire
Are you doing anything about it?
mobiuscat
Honestly? No.
bi11ionaire
In no way directed to you personally, but the apathy to the wealth of information that we do have is a worse problem
mobiuscat
I know. I'm a part of that apathy.
Antipus405
So if it isn't surprising, why not do something about it?
mobiuscat
Because I honestly have a hard time caring, as horrible as that sounds
Antipus405
Upvoted for honesty. Everyone's so tired from chasing their own, or someone else's, tail. Few find the effort to push against.
mobiuscat
Thanks ;D
Antipus405
BUT! At the same time, that's the problem that needs to be fixed first.
miguu
Why won't you 'muricans start reading and listening to alternative medias?
ImAlwaysContentWithCatContent
i don't think this is solely an american problem. same goes for most "western democracies" imo.
hoopslaboratories
Many of our "Alternative Medias" are simply puppets of the two parties. We don't know who to trust.
miguu
So make a new one.
hoopslaboratories
That is a great idea Sir or Ma'am. Thank you.
PaperCl1p
The libertarians. Literally the only guys that want less power. Don't give a shit about social issues, and want to let you live free
TimothyTRiG
Ever noticed that the only people who support Libertarians are people with lots of social power (i.e., young white men)? I don't trust that.
PaperCl1p
White males do not identify as a group, nor do they ask for loyalty. Just look at the facts and the arguments. We'd all be better of free
zero420
Are you being serious!? Because if so, you're wrong.
Youareobscure
as a young white male nobody listens to, I concur I have too much social power