Why do people permit governments to steal from, enslave, and often even kill them?

Question

This is a complete mystery. How is it that a government that is run by a ruling elite that repeatedly abuses the population can remain in power? How is it that people choose to be willfully ignorant and refuse to oppose tyrants.

We saw this in Nazi Germany, where most of the population did nothing, as well as in the Soviet Union, and even in the United States (where the government arsoned a religious community and has enslaved the people into its military into the past, besides wrongfully convicting millions of innocent people, and even engaging in torture).

Why do people permit governments, especially governments that engage in flagrant criminal acts, to remain in existence? Why do people permit governments to commit acts of murder against their own population or other countries?

Is it because people are too weak to oppose their government? Is that is not the case, then what is the cause of this phenomenon?

Answer 1

The job of any government is to maintain and, if possible, increase it's base of power. This is a universal truism. EVERY government does this. People often times look at other governments and cry out 'Why don't the people rebel against it?'

Well...why don't YOU rebel against unfair laws and practices by OUR country?

Because you are 'nationalized' from birth. You believe this country is somehow unique and special. You believe in the inherent goodness of its leaders and of its people. But, in truth, every government will fail. Many fail because of corruption and weakness. Some will willingly evolve into totalitarian states, as did Nazi Germany. NO government is immune, and NO government lasts forever. Power corrupts.

Most of the time, citizens stand by while this happens because they have been taught to love thier country, and the new leaders promise that they will return the nation to its former glory.

Answer 2

In most cases, some government is better than no government, and people are willing to put up with bad things in order to get the good stuff, like good roads, trains that run on time, education.

Nazi Germany, though, is a huge mystery. Why did people put up with it? Maybe the government managed to keep its extermination program mostly a secret?

In many cases, I think people are willing to let the government alone, as long as the government leaves them alone. Also, the individual feels quite overwhelmed by the Government, so it's hard to oppose it effectively.

Answer 3

A few reasons

1. Most ogvernments like this have a tendancy to arrest, torture and blow up people who do stand against them. That put a lot of people off it. The governments im power usually have the support of the army, so civiliians usually have no chance against them (when this situation changes, however,t he governments normally gets owned).

2. Propaganda- few governments actually admit to this suff. They cover it up- like when Chernobyl happened, the new in Russia barely mentioned it. In Nazi germany, did the media report what happened in the camps? Hell no!

3. Inability to orgnise: Most people just don't care about the system, provided the people don't arrest and kill them. Not everyone has it in them to take on the government.

Answer 4

For the most part, it's because people are dumb and easily led. Think about it - guys like Ted Kennedy or Trent Lott have been in office for DECADES despite being corrupt sacks of flesh. Their constituents just don't care.

Politicians are often known to say that "the people aren't dumb." They have to say this over and over to reassure the bottom 75% of the population that really IS quite dumb. The remaining 25%, though, understand that this is nonsense. About 3/4 of people are dumb, about 1/2 are REALLY dumb, and probably about 1/3rd are basically retarded.

The top 25% makes sure that this country doesn't split apart at the seams and collapse. Be thankful for us.

Answer 5

When a mad man takes over he makes sure to have a gang of cut throats behind him who will strong arm anyone that disagrees with their leader. Murder, intimidation, etc. are all a part of it.

The poor, uneducated and powerless are never in much of a position to do anything.

Also, some of these men promised many things to their people, a front really, and what began as one thing was really leading to quite another (fooling people).

Answer 6

Dude, it isn't a mystery. Its the behavioral pacting instinct and respect to an authoritative figure. I guess the authoritative figure could be viewed as alpha.

Its something like 85% of populaces will do anything for an authoritative figure, even murder innocent people. It is a completely innate instinct.

Answer 7

If you would like to see a country rebel, just wait a few more years the people of the U.S.A. have just about had enough government lies, idiot politicians, and a do nothing gravy train
government.

Answer 8

What country are you asking about, must be North Korea, China and a half a dozen other country's but if your talking about the U.S.A. then you have no idea how good your life is there... you should be proud that your country is trying to make the world a better place to live... What you need to do is get out in the world and see how the rest of us live, you have no idea what your talking about.....

Answer 9

Isn't it funny that for some reason we don't do research on the Pres candidates but just go on their word. How many would have voted for a person who's grandfather was indicted for aiding nazi's?

Answer 10

Survival man pure survival instinct.And the people who follow these nuts it's called some kinda syndrome can't remember now man.But it has to do with fear and herd mentality.