Another day in America, another horrific mass shooting.
@Rym We seem to be frozen, stuck, in a rut. In general we seem to agree that our political processes, institutions are deeply flawed, broken, corrupted, etc. And yet, as citizens, we fail to take action.
Looking at the strikes/protests that are happening in France... widespread collective actions are much more likely in Europe in general and it seems to result in better government. We just stew in a strange mix of apathy and frustration and wait for... what exactly?
There seems to be nothing that will stir us to action. We just continue as though there's nothing we can do about anything. We act as though we are completely powerless which is to say, we do nothing. Thus ensuring that nothing changes.
At this point I truly think we'll just go along with absolutely anything at all. We ask how did the Nazis get away with it? We only have to look around to see that we're no different. Sure, we might be bothered to vote but should it go the wrong way would we really do anything else to stop worst case scenarios from unfolding. I don't think we would.
@jasonekratz Oh, sorry, I wasn't being clear. What I'm referring to is the larger, general situation. On a whole, in the face of many different problems, we are behaving as though we have no power. The issue of mass shootings is just one of many. Climate change, abortion access, and on and on.
In general US citizens don't get too involved with large movement building, protesting, etc. Nothing like what we see in Europe. In general we seem to be more apathetic and passive in regards to the political process and social change movements.
Thinking about the surge of right-wing populism over the past 10 years. What would happen if a large group that generally leans left were to become increasingly willing to protest, to get in the streets in larger numbers?
@jasonekratz No worries, I should have been more clear! And totally agreed on the Democrats. In general I think the "left" in the US is far to lackadaisical in recent decades. The labor movement got beat down in the 70s and 80s. We saw a bit of a resurgence in the mid to late 90s which fizzled and then reappeard wit Occupy in 2008. But liberalism and the Democrats have been far too soft, too little, too moderate. Playing politics poorly. There been no actual movement building. Or, rather, what few efforts there have been were of a far left persuasion which remain outside of the political games and are largely invisible.
@Denny @jasonekratz This, like everything else plaguing humanity, once again comes down to the elites using their wealth (and power) to write the rules. NRA, corporate billionaires, fossil fuel executives; they all lobby heavily to grease the political wheels. In return, policies are enacted or maintained that favour them and their bottom line. It’s no surprise the NRA is one of the largest lobbyists, and it shows. Sadly, this continued violence is the inevitable result.
Same predictable feedback loop applies to climate change, wealth inequality, and corporate price gouging. The old adage “He who has the gold, makes the rules” rings true, and is causing irreparable harm to every facet of society. All of these issues aren’t continuing to exist because of the lack of tools, or solutions. They exist because of the sheer lack of political will.
@pimoore Couldn’t agree more.
Does anybody really imagine the poor got together and said to themselves "Hey, let’s just pay more in service charges and fees than any other segment of the population—but then die early! Ha ha, fuck you society, we got ours!" Really? No, of course not.
What they imagine is that they, like everyone else, got a fair shot. I desperately want this to be true.