Why do Americans put up with their corrupt government?

Question

Why do people continue to support the status quo?
Is it the problem not just that our army fights imperialist wars, but that virtually all of us are in some way implicated in that imperialist system?

Answer 1

Some do not know their government is corrupt.
Some refuse to believe there is widespread corruption.
Some are so tired from working they have no time to read. Many Americans are too tired to become politically active.
Many, in fact most, get their news from controlled media, which continually polarizes popular opinion with emotion instead of informing with complete facts.
Poor Americans are busy trying to survive, middle-class Americans are busy trying to maintain their comfort level, and the Rich are trying to maintain the status quo.
So long as there is no military draft and most Americans have fuel and food, there will be no dramatic changes. "...Politics-as-usual" will continue.

As soon as power is cut, food-supply chains are disrupted, fuel becomes scarce, or the children of the Republic are conscripted into unwanted war, there will be a bloody revolt.

To concisely paraphrase this answer: ignorance, denial and fatigue are prominent reasons. Incomplete, erroneous and biased news-media misinforms, while emotional baiting and mental manipulation dominate the airwaves.

Americans can enjoy the "Guns-and Butter" economy only as long as the Federal Reserve can artificially inflate the leaking balloon that is their economy. When the balloon pops, perhaps we'll see a return of the true vigilant American mind and spirit. Until then, apathy, fatigue, ignorance, denial, fear and lies control them from on high.

Americans are basically good people. They have lived with freedoms and power unimaginable by generations before them and unexperienced by most of the world. It isn't surprising that they might become complacent through generations of comfort.

The beautiful irony is, because they have experienced freedoms and surplus, they will be reluctant to let those things go.

Answer 2

Well, one reason people put up with it is because it is far easier to complain, either online or in the real world, than it is to do something positive. So you have people hiding under anonymous avatars, making vague, unsubstantiated wild eyed claims about corruption
a) without specific documented cases and
b) without suggested specific actions to take.

Let's instead talk about a specific case - say a president who lies while under oath in a trial about a case where he was accused of illegal acts. Why, there is a case of a corrupt government official. So, did Americans "put up with" it? No, they voted Clinton out of office, eventually. I have no idea why people left him in office as long as they did.

I suspect that if one looked back, they could find specific cases of corruption (ie illegal, immoral, and/or unethical actions taken) in each presidency.

So, what should the public do? Well, to start with, don't settle for a corrupt politician when heading out to vote. Oh, I guess that means that, really, to start with, one needs to actually VOTE. And to do so in an educated manner - researching as best as one can what the candidate stands for, and then selecting the candidate either because s/he stands for things that you believe in, or because you believe that, regardless of differences, you believe the candidate will do the best for the country.


Alas, given that many people have diverse opinions regarding what is best for the country, as well as diverse personal beliefs, it is unlikely we will ever all agree on the course of action to take.

What about the non-elected officials? Well, when cases arise in the press regarding corrupt actions taken, then congresscritters should be contacted, urging swift action be taken.

And what about the possibility of corrupt laws being passed - or vetoed? Again, letters and phone calls need to be made.

Some might complain "well, to do all of that, I'd have to be working at this full time!"

Perhaps. Is the alternative - allowing someone else to vote in candidates, then allowing someone else to worry about complaining - working for you now?

Answer 3

are you supporting the idea we overthrow our government and all its leaders and run the country with no government? or are you suggesting voting in a Ron Paul?
I don't know what the point of your question is because it's not like I can get up Monday morning and go down to my local governmental office and fill out a piece of paper informing the govt. I don't want to put up with it anymore and then, poof, the problem is solved. So what are you suggesting?

Answer 4

so you think this is just an America issue? We just have a bigger press and higher standards. What we feel is corrupts is considered business as usual in other countries. We are taught how to deal with the corruption of countries when we are forced to deal with others that are not American.

Answer 5

......because we elected them..???? you know,..we voters do have some culpibility in the matter right??? these people just don't waltz into the congress and the white house....if not these weasels, (who are at least running for office) then who? the pope?? some u.n. type of international czar? shall we do away with our system of government all together? have a king? a dictator for life? perhaps mob rule?? also i would like you to tell me what government YOU think is not corrupt...

Answer 6

I guess it just like the other governments every country puts up with it, the ones that dont have a coup and take it over. Wouldn't that be something to see in the USA.

Answer 7

We don't. We just aren't sure always what to do about it.

Answer 8

Because they've become brainwashed SHEEP.

Answer 9

In a word, APATHY.

Answer 10

why does any country put up with it,,,,,, cause we have no other choice!

If any govement is at fault with any corruption,,,, it will get sorted.