Let me be perfectly clear about something:The number one problem in America isn't the economy, it isn't the President, it isn't Congress, it isn't the Fat Cats or the corrupt politicians or the backroom deals.
It's the citizens.
Not only has America reached an all-time low in terms of economic and political standing, but we've reached an all-time low in political enthusiasm. We're a nation plagued by ignorance and apathy: we don't know things, and we don't care that we don't know things. Too many voters are content to go to the booths and simply check the names they recognize based on how many ads with the candidates name they've seen on television or on the streets or heard on the radio.
The only reason 1984 seems to be a goddamned prophecy is because we've allowed ourselves to become engulfed inBrave New World. The invention of the Internet gave us so much potential with the rapid sharing of information, but we've become drunk on distractions. We let ourselves be ruled by the media and we gorge ourselves in frivolities like social networking, gaming, and irrelevant "news". We've become more interested in Kim Kardashian's wedding than the policy standards of our local congresspeople. "Friday" has more attention than Congressional corruption.
Essentially, we are now living in an age where the original idea of the United States is being taken for granted. We give up our freedoms without a fight for the sake of convenience. "Fine whatever, I'll go through the body scanner. As long as I can grab lunch before I catch my flight". The voting process is a joke now because there's no semblance of competition because, again, people vote for the names they recognize as opposed to actually learning about candidates and deciding which fits their ideals best. Political parties are tearing the nation asunder. We use words like "Republican" and "Democrat" and "Liberal" and "Conservative" as barriers to avoid political discourse rather than encouraging it. We've become too stringent in our own convictions and leave no room for consideration or thought.
So when I see this shit about a greater disparity in finances and fiscal classes, I blame no one but the people who let it happen; the people who won't take the initiative to become interested in their own political well-being; the people who can't see beyond their own wants to understand the needs of the many.
But God forbid you should take one goddamned hour out of your day to research the policies of competing politicians, lest you miss the newest episode of Dance Moms or Jersey Shore or motherfucking American Idol.