"Liberal" or "Conservative"? RANT for Wednesday

It is a false choice. A choice that has been given to us by false people. Politicians may have patriotic motivations in some things, but they are like everyone else; they are concerned mostly about their own livelihood and their own careers.

The false choice between "conservative" and "liberal" or "Republican" and "Democrat" is completely arbitrary. The fact that two political parties force us to think one way or the other cripples our ability to think critically about anything. It degrades our ability to have meaningful conversations.

Why can't we have three parties? Or six or seven parties? Or a hundred?

By giving us two false cubbyholes in which to couch our arguments, we are invited to think lazily. It is easy to regurgitate ideas generously given to us by media-savvy party messengers. On the left and the right, talking points and marching orders are spewed forth, and the public, busy making ends meet, outsources its thinking to "insiders" and "reporters" who have agendas of their own, agendas that are rarely in the best interest of the country.

In this poisoned "arena of ideas"(1) we only attack problems from two sides: left or right. That cripples our ability to solve problems based on the situation at hand.

Instead of taking sides, think about your opinions and what you are saying. Where do your opinions come from? Are they truly your thoughts, or do they belong to someone else? Can there be too many taxes? Can you justify torture? Does socialism work? Does the free market solve everything? When is war just and when is it unjust? Can it be both? Do intentions matter? Is your government always right? Do they really have to search grandma at the airport?

Are politicians idiots? Yes. Are we idiots for listening to them and their mouthpieces? Yes.

Politicians on both sides take money (bribes) from the same group of powerful lobbies. Powerful groups have much more influence over politicians than common citizens have. If a common citizen has a complaint, the only recourse they have is to write a letter (email) or protest.

I spoke to a friend recently who suggested that not only should politicians wear American flag pins, they should also be required to wear logo pins of all the companies that bribe them. Small, tasteful pins would cover the lapels: Monsanto, Exxon, Bank of America, Time Warner, IBM, Lockheed Martin etc.

Lobbyists often have lunch with the Senator or Congressman they are targeting (buying). Lobbyists are often former lawmakers themselves, with lifetime access to the House floor and gym. When was the last time you had lunch with a US Senator and told him or her how you felt about things? I'm guessing never. Keep sending those email and see how much influence you have. None.

This is the world we live in: big companies and interest groups enjoy real representation without taxation. You and I get taxation without real representation.

What can we do about all this? Nothing. Powerful people will continue to screw us all over, the same way they have since the dawn of time. They might do a few good things despite their one-sided thinking and self-centered maneuvering, but not much. But don't let them win you over on their side with lies and false issues. Rich people are not your friend. You will never get to be in their club.

But what you CAN do is think for yourself. Question authority. Think for yourself. Question authority. Think for yourself . . .(2) And when I say "question authority" I'm talking about questioning the pundits and talking heads and assholes in suits (and robes and priestly collars) that are feeding you bullshit day after day. They are pouring bullshit directly into your head through your ear holes. Both sides. Stop listening to these assholes and look around.
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(1) thanks Rush
(2) thanks Tool