Why so many Americans vote against their own best interests.

[mckitterick]

Want to understand what's up with poor people voting Tea Party or Republican? Here's a hint:

"The financial crisis proved that rich people are no better than me, and in fact, are often inferior to average people. They crash companies, loot pensions, and destroy banks, and when they hit a snag, they scream to be rescued by government largess. By

Comments

[mckitterick]

That would be very sad! It rings true for a lot of former-military young'uns I've known - and those who grew up in military families, myself included.

[the_themiscyran]

Even though it's a mis-quote, I think one of the best explanations of the phenomenon is this:

“Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.”

The corporate oligarchy that runs this country has done a whiz-bang job of convincing the people who vote this way that their turn is coming, real soon now. It isn't, of course, but believing that it will keeps them docile.

[mckitterick]

I think you're absolutely right! Now if only we can cure this anti-self publicity....

[the_lucky_nun]

You nailed it.

And yet...

[mckitterick]

...those getting smashed by the hammers of intolerance end up using them on others, too.

[the_lucky_nun]

Thanks for posting! I've always wondered why the poorest people in my family/old hometowns are the most die-hard conservative.

[mckitterick]

Yeah, me too - and this makes the most sense so far!