Power and the Delusional Majority (939 hits)
Category: PoliticsRating: 0.53 on 30 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by FelizJBirth (View user info) at 2005-01-29 04:11:47 EST
I know this is going to get either completely ignored or result in multiple death threats but here goes anyway.
I've noticed a larger number of people speaking their "mind" on political views lately, what with the popular "Nuking Japan/America" threads, and I must say, it is disturbing. The funny thing is it all seems to stem from the same notion. America, particularly in the realm of foreign policy, is immune to criticism and criticism is tantamount to treason.
Do we really need to explore that idea any further to see what's happening to the United States?
I'm going to make the bold assumption that nobody reading this (self included) is capable of having any significant impact on the way world events unfold by their individual actions. I don't mean to suggest that people can't change the way their government behaves. I'm saying, in short, that nobody on here is an elected Republican or Democrat. Nobody on here is a billionaire or probably even a millionaire. In fact, if what I've read is correct, most of you are still teenagers.
Money is power. Power is NOT benevolent by nature. History has shown that the foremost examples of concentrated power have not been gained by handing out candy to babies. Ironically, what I just said is often used to further justify people's twisted beliefs. For example, if one was to even suggest that there might be something wrong with the capitalist system, they would quickly be lectured about the selfish nature of man, thus necessitating such a system. If man is naturally selfish, then why would extremely wealthy and powerful people care about you? In fact, they're encouraged not to by the aforementioned argument. After all, not caring about people is what creates economic growth, right?
Here's a little tidbit of American history some of you might not know. During the debates between the founding fathers over the content of the constitution, the very first thing they discussed was something James Madison called "the protection of the minority of the opulent from the majority". That's an 18th century way of saying that they needed to ensure they could reap the benefits of a class system, while at the same time proclaiming to be a democratic republic. Apparently, Madison himself actually believed that the "minority of the opulent" would not take advantage of the majority. In Madison's defense, as he came to the end of his life, he saw that power was, in fact, NOT benevolent and spoke out about the danger of concentrated power to the newly formed republic.
Fast-forward a few hundred years later to the creation of the modern public relations industry (it used to be called propaghanda openly, but that was dropped because it got bad connotations after Nazi Germany). The amount of money spent every year to make sure the public believes whatever fabrication happens to bring in the most profits is astronomical. In fact, in most cases, you pay for the "privelage" of being propaghandized. Of course, the vast majority of this comes from television now but it's still widespread in other forms of media like radio and print.
I'm sure some of you have already stopped reading this and are getting ready to post a review to tell me that the media are a bunch of bleeding heart liberal whiners (you know, like me).
Somehow, people have equated socially liberal ideas with economically liberal ideas. People can be liberal about all sorts of things, until it affects their pocketbook. Is CNN going to air a story about one of their sponsors getting caught laundering drug money? Probably not. Will they air a story praising gay marriage and then revel in their supposed tolerance? Probably.
Don't forget, a lot of Americans are, in fact, socially liberal. Therefore, sometimes it IS profitable for a brand of media to portray itself in that light.
It's not a conspiracy theory, it's just people doing what's in their interest. And people of little consequence, like most of us on here, are not a part of their interest except in terms of how much money we spend on whatever it is they're selling. If a person in this day and age can't see the transparent connection between big business and government and figure out the rest of the equation, then they're either mentally handicapped or extremely delusional. It's the kind of thing you should have figured out during recess in the 6th grade.
Bottom line: You're being duped. Stop embarrasing yourself by defending the actions of people who would step on you like a bug and not think twice.
I should add that the problems that come with power and corruption are obviously NOT exclusive to the United States. I'm not discussing this to try to prove how my country, or any country, is better than the United States or any other country. I can't think of a historical example where state power, or power in general, has behaved any differently. The only reason people talk about the United States is because it's arguably the most powerful state that has ever existed, particlarly in terms of military power and its capability to destroy nearly everything on the planet if it so chooses.
Now feel free to -2 die me all you want. I'm sure it's much easier than actually finding out for yourself if anything I've said is true. It's probably best just to assume I'm wrong.
After all, you've got more important things to do, right?
And now for the most hate-inviting picture I could possibly add to end this post. I just wish I had a picture of Clinton or Kerry instead of Bush, because I don't want anyone to get the impression that I think there's any significant difference between them.
User Reviews
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-31 17:33:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2005-01-31 17:11:05 (#)
Ranking: -2
haha, you're an idiot - you can't rate your own posts, n00b.
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You're right, I have so much to learn from you. My next post:
"Sticking a screwdriver through JonnyX's head is the best thing that will ever happen to him."
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2005-01-31 17:11:05 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
haha, you're an idiot - you can't rate your own posts, n00b.
Submitted by thorpe (user info) at 2005-01-31 04:36:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Man I wish I wrote this
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-30 13:47:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Hey donepwhateverthefuckyournameis, I already told you, you're not worth my time. Since you seem to have so much to say, maybe you should actually try posting something?
Submitted by Boxtop (user info) at 2005-01-29 23:02:56 (#)
Ranking: 1
"America, particularly in the realm of foreign policy, is immune to criticism and criticism is tantamount to treason"
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Box, I realize that most everyday Americans wouldn't necessarily feel this way. I'm speaking about the Ann Coulters of the world and the general direction that their propaghanda, advertising (whatever you want to call it) is heading.
Submitted by c1ndy (user info) at 2005-01-30 04:15:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
this was interesting, it's important to remember that we only get the version of history that those in power want us to hear, unless we try really hard to find out stuff.
Submitted by Jesus_Loves_TwEE (user info) at 2005-01-30 03:56:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Doneupandin (user info) at 2005-01-30 02:31:59 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
"You're simply an idiot. I don't want to bother carrying on a "conversation" with someone who uses the words asshole, retard and pussy to attempt to further their argument."
"In short, go fuck yourself. You're not worth it."
I suppose the words "fuck" and "idiot" are not included in your list of words you retarded asshole's pussy.
You can't argue my supported points so you go to run and hide behind your mother's skirt. Don't be pissed because you can't fade me on the http://www.ubersite.com/m/57605 post. You use the excuse that I am not 'worth it' and post some bullshit to try and support your other worthless comments. Go turn on CNN and get the rest of your knollege, you fucking time-warner whore.
P.S. Do me a favor and tell me what "M" means.
Submitted by Boxtop (user info) at 2005-01-29 23:02:56 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
"America, particularly in the realm of foreign policy, is immune to criticism and criticism is tantamount to treason"
I'm so tired of that strawman. No one I know thinks criticism is tantamount to treason, or that the U.S. is immune from criticism. Lord knows, we study each action we take with a microscope, and rarely criticise other countries to the same degree we do our own. That arguement usually means we aren't supposed to argue against criticism that we disagree with.
But it was well written. You have a point, I just disagree with it, so +1.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:15:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Sorry, ignore this, it was meant to be posted in the http://www.ubersite.com/m/57605 thread. Meh.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:10:24 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Well, considering you just gave me a -2 on one of my posts, apparently out of spite, and you resort to nothing but namecalling, I'm done with this thread.
You're simply an idiot. I don't want to bother carrying on a "conversation" with someone who uses the words asshole, retard and pussy to attempt to further their argument.
In short, go fuck yourself. You're not worth it.
Submitted by Doneupandin (user info) at 2005-01-29 21:02:15 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
Don't bother (-2)
Submitted by MANICMOTHER (user info) at 2005-01-29 18:33:13 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I was impressed to find something like this here. Usually, posts like this either turn into a most heated or are swept under the pictures of tits, rants and the on going Fuckface/WTH fight with Shlongy (it's usually one or the other). I agree ,wholeheartedly, with you on each and every point.
But god that picture.
I've refering to the bulk of our populace as sheep for years. Good show, man.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 15:52:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Here, I saved you the trouble. This is from Wikkapedia:
The psychiatrist and philosopher Karl Jaspers first defined the three main criteria for a belief to be considered delusional in his book General Psychopathology. These criteria are:
* certainty (held with absolute conviction)
* incorrigibility (not changeable by compelling counterargument or proof to the contrary)
* impossibility or falsity of content (implausible, bizarre or patently untrue)
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 15:46:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
You could have just said: Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
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Yeah, but that wouldn't have been a very long post would it?
To call the majority of americans delusional is at best laughable. Americans are not incapable of thinking for themselves.
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See below. Or at least look up delusional in the dictionary.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 15:44:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by The_Grammar_Nazi (user info) at 2005-01-29 12:47:19 (#)
Ranking: -2
- Making historical arguements without citing examples.
- Assuming anyone who disagrees with you is a sheep and 'delusional' (way to win over your audience, ringmeat)
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1) You missed the whole fucking point. Every single example in history fits with this definition of power.
2) I didn't say everyone who disagrees with me is a sheep. You assumed that's what I said because of the picture I posted along with it. As for delusional, well if I actually believe what I'm saying, and I'm talking about reality, then how could I NOT think anyone who disagreed with me was delusional? If a Christians runs into someone who doesn't believe in God, wouldn't he think they were delusional?
A "sheep" would be a person who had little or no ideas of their own and simply went with the crowd. It's quite possible that a person can be "delusional" and still be a thinking, intelligent person. There's a big difference.
You probasbly think I'm delusional, because I said something you disagree with. That's the way it works. Deal with it.
Submitted by Nator (user info) at 2005-01-29 15:32:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Revolution!
Submitted by The_Grammar_Nazi (user info) at 2005-01-29 12:47:19 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
- Making historical arguements without citing examples.
- Assuming anyone who disagrees with you is a sheep and 'delusional' (way to win over your audience, ringmeat)
- Propaganda Propaganda Propaganda Propaganda... Did I mention Propaganda?
- Privilege Privilege Privilege Privilege... Did I mention Privilege?
Ich bin der Grammatick Nazi! I HAVE SPOKEN!!!
Submitted by Wiggles (user info) at 2005-01-29 10:45:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
People suck.
Submitted by mrwolf (user info) at 2005-01-29 10:23:44 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Stop embarrasing yourself by defending the actions of people who would step on you like a bug and not think twice.
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I liked that line to be fair, though I refuse to have an opinion so none can argue with me.
see here http://www.ubersite.com/m/57227
Submitted by Sassmasterr (user info) at 2005-01-29 09:36:40 EST (#)
Ranking: -1
i see your point of view, just don't agree with it.
but that's your opinion.
in conclusion, baaa-aaa
Submitted by blujnbbyqn (user info) at 2005-01-29 09:22:54 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
You could have just said: Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
To call the majority of americans delusional is at best laughable. Americans are not incapable of thinking for themselves. Is it delusional to believe (by a small margin)that Bush may be the man best suited for the task at hand? There are a few other things on the agenda besides his "War on Terror". Social Security reform, education, jobs, healthcare. Believe it or not, those things are far higher on my give a shit list.
I believe the government should focus on three very human, very basic, fundamental ideals.
1. Educate the children
2. Heal the sick
3. Feed the hungry
THREE FUCKING THINGS!!! No one will even rationaly discuss these things. There's finger pointing and statistics bantied about but in the end these three things, these three basic needs are ignored.
My solutions?
1. A)Private school vouchers and B)take half the budget currently used for standardized testing and use it for hiring new teachers and keeping existing teachers, schools and curricula up to speed.
2. Allow medicare to bargain shop. Currently Medicare is not allowed to negotiate AT ALL with phamacuetical or medical supply companies Every other insurance company in the world can conduct price comparisons and accept bids for bulk purchases. WHY can't our government do the same?
3. A)Provide national daycare.B)Require one year military service or equal vocational work after completing school. This would at the very least provide a skill to every young person.
Submitted by rad1101 (user info) at 2005-01-29 08:05:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
This guy is a sheep
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Submitted by Nobb (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:23:08 (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Caulaincourt (user info) at 2005-01-29 06:23:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
"I take offense to it in that there are many people, like me, who don't fall for political shenanigans it one bit."
Not ONE bit? I doubt so.
Submitted by Kre8rix (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:43:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Good points.
Resize the picture, It'll solve the scrolling issue.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:42:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:37:49 (#)
Ranking: 1
yeah. whenever I post I preview it and it looks fine to me.
Then when I submit it the format comes out crappy.
Don't mistake me. I like your post. I did read it.
Maybe a +1 is more fair.
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Thanks, I appreciate that. Many would not be so forgiving I'm sure.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to sleep before the death threats starting pouring in. Uber is quite imaginative when it comes to things like that and I don't want to have any vivid nightmares about someone cutting my genitals off with a chainsaw.
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:37:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
yeah. whenever I post I preview it and it looks fine to me.
Then when I submit it the format comes out crappy.
Don't mistake me. I like your post. I did read it.
Maybe a +1 is more fair.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:27:29 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Oh yeah, regarding the scrolling back and forth thing, I'm not sure why it would do that. I wrote this in Microsoft Word and it fits with my screen resolution perfectly. *shrug*
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:24:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
munkey,
I can certainly understand how this picture could be taken as offensive. Of course, the picture is just a silly joke and I didn't make it.
Honestly, it's too late now, but I probably should have just left the picture out. A lot of people will see the picture and not bother to read what I have to say and I can understand why. It's extremely condescending, especially if you have no sense of humor about this kind of thing.
Oh well, I'll have to learn to fight the urge to post attachments where they aren't needed I guess.
Submitted by Nobb (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:23:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-01-29 04:17:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
zero
making the reader scroll back and forth halts the flow of reading.
i fucking hate that picture. I take offense to it in that there are
many people, like me, who don't fall for political shenanigans it one bit.
Otherwise you had some interesting points and argued them well.