Why are Americans so gullible to the lies of those in power?

Answer 1

You say it as if everyone always agreed with their leaders 100% and blindly followed them regardless of what happens.

You could argue this with any country really. The North Koreans all pretty much believes anyone who's not communist = bad, because that's all their government ever tells them. China works in almost a similar way (although they seem to be slowly merging out from their communist shell and slowly embracing capitalism), but it still has a long way to go as well.

Many muslims say that all non-muslims are evil, and it's okay to kill them (for the most part). However, they seem to hate the various sects in their religion just as much, and have no problem killing people simply because they interpret the Koran slightly differently than they do. I'm sorry, but I don't have respect for those who think it's okay to blow themselves up, and kill many innocent women and children in the process.

And at least the US allows criticism. In other parts of the world, if you denounced your government, you'd be thrown in jail, or killed. Its been proven too, so what you hear about is pretty accurate.

Now, about the specific question, again, not everyone blindly follows those in power. Bush only won about half of the votes in the US, but everyone outside the US seems to assume that he was voted 100% (and there are places where leaders give their people the illusion of electing a leader, but then only one guy is on there, or the results get chucked out).

Look at the Vietnam War protests. That should show you that not everyone was supporting that conflict. And yes, lots of bad stuff happened, people got beat up, thrown in jail, killed, etc. But they were also given the right to protest. If most other countries did that, they'd probably get mass slaughtered or jailed for dissenting against their leaders (look up the Tiananmen Square Massacre).

While the US isn't perfect, it's a lot better than some of these other places.

Answer 2

Because Americans picked them. If these elected officials suddenly proved to be bad choices, it would mean that Americans made a mistake in picking people. And guess what? Americans don't like admiting they made mistakes. As a result, they'll stick with their leaders' poor choices.

Answer 3

it's so true...we roll over and play dead each time those in power lie or act upon their lies....there's hardly any outrage left in the citizens to demand change and keep the system intact...just look at the current administration

Answer 4

Because the oil-stealing war-mongering neocons have half of america living in such fear that if BushCo told them the sky was neon green with yellow stripes the stupid neocon fools would believe it.

Answer 5

Most countries have people in "power" misleading them. America is one of them and more dangerous coz they have weapons. The question you should be asking yourself is how do u go about stopping that?

Answer 6

because its better to be gullible and carefree and being told bull then paranoid and told everything. me personally i feel there are secrets but i'd rather be in the dark.

Answer 7

They are sociopaths = no conscience
It's easier to identify with criminals like George Bush so you don't have to look at your own face in the mirror in the morning. It's denial!

Answer 8

because its all the gullible stupid ones that are in power.

somehow.

i blame the christian voters, voting people in based on their beliefs and not on their common sense.

Answer 9

The majority of the population is religious and religious folk (by and large) believe whatever they are told. If they'll buy the stuff that's in the bible, they'll buy anything.