I have never understood how people can vote, and then vote some more, against their own interests. I would think, logically, that people would vote for politicians that at least *promise* to improve their lives rather than saying a variation of: I'm going to give tax cuts to the rich, so will need to cut back on the social programmes that you depend on to feed your children. Oh, and yes, I'm also going to cut funding for your schools and outsource your jobs to sweatshops in '3rd world' countries.
It's a largely essential truism: Right-wing parties favour the rich & screw the poor. Left-wing parties at least promise to favour the poor and irritate the rich. So, why vote *against* your own interests? If you don't know what your interests are - check your bank account.
Lack of political education is probably part of it. Growing up they didn't teach much politics in school but I think they do more these days - the title keeps changing though. Last time I paid attention I think it was called 'Civics'.
Looking back I think at least some of my High school teachers were Left leaning. When I was studying Sociology in 6th Form my teacher was definitely a Socialist and quite possibly a Marxist from his focus on various subjects. I liked him a lot.
Over the years I've had a LOT of formal education in how to think critically. At my peak I could dissect an argument 6 ways from Sunday & spot an assertion from a million miles away whilst squinting with one eye. I'm still pretty good (I like to think) at spotting bullshit... [grin]
Unfortunately, VV, a lot of the countries (including my own) are on the best way to follow your country's example with regard to education. :(
And yes, I totally agree with Kitten. My history teacher was very right wing, my parents considered him a Nazi (and they were probably right). That led to me not being interested in history and later in politics when I got it in school. However, through reading, I think I have achieved quite a wide knowledge of both.
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Indeed he does. And still people - ehm sheep - vote for him.
I have never understood how people can vote, and then vote some more, against their own interests. I would think, logically, that people would vote for politicians that at least *promise* to improve their lives rather than saying a variation of: I'm going to give tax cuts to the rich, so will need to cut back on the social programmes that you depend on to feed your children. Oh, and yes, I'm also going to cut funding for your schools and outsource your jobs to sweatshops in '3rd world' countries.
It's a largely essential truism: Right-wing parties favour the rich & screw the poor. Left-wing parties at least promise to favour the poor and irritate the rich. So, why vote *against* your own interests? If you don't know what your interests are - check your bank account.
I blame our education system for the dumbing down of America. A lot of those people don’t have critical thinking skills.
Lack of political education is probably part of it. Growing up they didn't teach much politics in school but I think they do more these days - the title keeps changing though. Last time I paid attention I think it was called 'Civics'.
Looking back I think at least some of my High school teachers were Left leaning. When I was studying Sociology in 6th Form my teacher was definitely a Socialist and quite possibly a Marxist from his focus on various subjects. I liked him a lot.
Over the years I've had a LOT of formal education in how to think critically. At my peak I could dissect an argument 6 ways from Sunday & spot an assertion from a million miles away whilst squinting with one eye. I'm still pretty good (I like to think) at spotting bullshit... [grin]
Unfortunately, VV, a lot of the countries (including my own) are on the best way to follow your country's example with regard to education. :(
And yes, I totally agree with Kitten. My history teacher was very right wing, my parents considered him a Nazi (and they were probably right). That led to me not being interested in history and later in politics when I got it in school. However, through reading, I think I have achieved quite a wide knowledge of both.
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