The Whole World Is Rioting as the Economic Crisis Worsens -- Why Aren't We?

[Orwellian_Ghost]

This question was posted at the link below. It has provoked quite a lively discussion in the comments section. I open the question to the floor here at DU. What are your thoughts on this question?

Americans are rightfully angry about the economic decline, but with a few small exceptions, quietly so. Why? It depends on whom you ask.

Explosive anger is spilling out onto the streets of Europe. The meltdown of the global economy is igniting massive social unrest in a region that has long been a symbol of political stability and social cohesion.

It's not a new trend: A wave of upheaval is spreading from the poorer countries on the periphery of the global economy to the prosperous core.

Over the past few years, a series of riots spread across what is patronizingly known as the Third World. Furious mobs have raged against skyrocketing food and energy prices, stagnating wages and unemployment in India, Senegal, Yemen, Indonesia, Morocco, Cameroon, Brazil, Panama, the Philippines, Egypt, Mexico and elsewhere.

For the most part, those living in wealthier countries took little notice. But now, with the global economy crashing down around us, people in even the wealthiest nations are mad as hell and reacting violently to what they view as an inadequate response to their tumbling economies.

http://www.alternet.org/workplace/124836/the_whole_world_is_rioting_as_the_economic_crisis_worsens_--_why_aren%27t_we/

[RC]

1. Obama is a god. He'll fix everything by the end of January.

Just ask his worshipers.

[BlooInBloo]

73. And if he doesn't, he's a failure...

Just ask the haters.

[Two Americas]

74. so what if that were true?

So what if there were "haters" and they did declare Obama a "failure?" What difference would that make?

[BlooInBloo]

75. Ummm... The same difference it would make when supporters deny it?

I have no idea where you think you're going with this. I'll be curious to find out.

[Two Americas]

78. not quite

The two are not equivalent. The supporters seek to close down options and suppress the discussion. The critics don't care if people love the leaders, and are not trying to prevent anyone from doing that. The two positions are opposite in intent and in practical political effect.

[BlooInBloo]

80. (facepalm)

I took it as obvious the *directions* were opposite, and that only the *magnitude* was of importance.

[Two Americas]

81. you misunderstood

I said the intentions were oppositional. Not the opinions.

[Peacetrain]

95. Oh give it up already,..

[KittyWampus]

2. The whole entire world? Does that include Britain, France and Germany?

[Spider Jerusalem]

7. Millions protested in France last week

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7861774.stm

And there are widespread wildcat strikes at various energy-sector plants in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/4448728/Ministers-under-pressure-to-intervene-in-strikes.html

[KittyWampus]

14. Protest is very different than riot.

[Spider Jerusalem]

17. Very different, yet peaceful protest may become violent rioting if conditions continue to worsen...

and governments are perceived to be indifferent to the concerns of protesters. Protest can be a precursor to worse things depending on conditions, and it's rather glib to say there's no relationship given that both arise from similar sentiments and largely differ in intensity.

[bobbolink]

136. Yet, neither one is happening here.

The question of the OP is WHY?

[maryf]

143. exactly, nt

[Warpy]

3. Offhand, I'd say the country's too damn big and we're too isolated

although I expect to see more and more unrest in major cities as unemployment skyrockets and more people find it impossible to get the absolute necessities of food and shelter.

We're in the early stages now of shock and disbelief. Anger, when it happens, is more likely to be turned inward and result in suicide.

Riots don't start happening until people feel there's no more left to lose.

[blues90]

21. That's big part of the problem.

Plus we have a media that does a great job at distraction.

If they showed the closed boarded up stores and the homes and the tent cities then perhaps more people would take notice.

[bdamomma]

68. very true your last comment, when a person has nothing to lose

that is when you will see protests or riots.

[blindpig]

125. Just wait until the nature of the 'sacrifices' become evident.

Like, for example, when the start fucking with Social Security.

It's coming.....

[bobbolink]

138. It's only the scum who are being sacrificed. no big deal. Hell, the DU "progressives" have even

TOLD us poor folk to make the sacrifices!

No, we'll all be dead before any REAL sacrifices are called for. By that time.....:nuke:

"They did away with the poor people, but I wasn't poor, so I said nothing."

[Mike 03]

4. Great question. Not sure: Our rage is different?

We don't riot, we committ murder suicides. Sometimes we protest, which is a good thing, but as a nation, we are so withdrawn and isolated from each other, that our rage manifests in these very unexpected, upsetting ways.

Noam Chomsky used to talk about this, but it's not a mystery.

[grantcart]

5. the 'whole world' ?

almost all of the riots listed are related to two things;


1) Radical increases on fuel prices that pushed working poor from subsidence to hunger


2) Food price increases that were related to, but not limited to, diversion of food sources to energy production that also pushed working poor to hunger.


Ironically the sharp decline in fuel prices and the decline in world food prices has probably slightly helped the poorest of the poor buy a little bit more food while larger numbers of lower and middle class have suffered substantially.

[tularetom]

6. Baaa baaa baaa

We're sheep, that's why. Americans will never stand up for themselves. We'd much rather have someone tell us what to do and how to live.

[conscious evolution]

16. Too heavily medicated,indoctrinated and domesticated.

The opiates of the masses are wearing off,though.
The hangover is gonna be a bitch.

[Greyhound]

37. We are, and we also fail to recognize that all sheep share a common destiny. n/t

[Deja Q]

51. Hey, mutton is tasty and there's a free wool overcoat in there too!

:9

I know, that's my baaaaaaaaaaaaad sense of humor again... *rimshot*

[Greyhound]

Our wool isn't what it used to be, I guess. n/t

[Occam Bandage]

61. So get out there and riot, mutton boy. nt

[SammyWinstonJack]

103. .

:spray:

[Greyhound]

83. Ooh, I guess he told you...

How does that go? "Give me liberty or give me death, unless it upsets somebody that could really hurt me, I mean there are limits"?

What's on tonight?

[Dreamer Tatum]

84. You're the one on the net, dude nt

[Bluebear]

8. American Idol is getting good now.

[underpants]

47. Exactly- I have 3 MXC's on TiVo that I haven't watched yet

the revolution can wait at least until Friday

[cynatnite]

9. Didn't we use an election to express how we felt? n/t

[bdamomma]

70. what an election every 4 years do you see those in the Congress

taking us seriously? I don't think so.

[Two Americas]

76. one small component

Elections are a very small part of politics.

Politics is not about "expressing how we feel."

[bobbolink]

137. And there are NOT elections in Europe?

[Owlet]

10. Give it time....give it time..(NT)

[ColbertWatcher]

11. TV told me not to. n/t

[HeresyLives]

12. What good would that do??

Leaders are aware of the financial situation, and if they could fix it, they certainly would.

Rioting won't do anything but make things worse.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

28. Too much trust in "leaders"

Learning to place blind faith in so-called experts is part of the problem. Indoctrinating people to do this is an essential element in an authoritarian society.

These same "leaders" are the ones who created the mess so trusting in them to fix it stretches the imagination to say the least.

[Greyhound]

39. "if they could fix it, they certainly would". Why do you believe that?

The system is broken, but it still works very well for them, why do you think they would fix it if they could? Further, why will they not even consider some of the fixes that have been proposed that would be much better for far more people, but would be bad for those the current system benefits at our expense?

[SammyWinstonJack]

104. You don't really believe that do you?

'Leaders are aware of the financial situation and if they could fix it, they certainly would.'


If you do, I have a bridge, I'd like to sell ya. :silly:

[MetaTrope]

13. America is a land of green pastures...just ask the general population

[EmeraldCityGrl]

15. Rioting conflicts with our self image of being a "free people."

Of having a government of the people, for the people, by the people. The realization that we have been pawns of corporate fascists will hit the masses in the next year full force.

[Lorien]

26. I doubt that the masses will ever wake up to that fact

they'll keep watching Fox news and they'll blame the Democrats. Besides, taking action is too much trouble for 99% of America.

[chrisa]

56. Here's the problem I have...

So, according to the people in this thread, if the tiniest thing upsets me about the government, I should grab a rifle and start shooting? In fact, if everybody were the same as they were on the internet, there would be a civil war every week, and people would be firing rockets and machine guns while waving the American flag on the top of the White House; while fighting the Illuminati / Shadow Government / Manbearpig.

Why do people hope that there's riots? For your own entertainment? I wonder if the people on this thread who are generalizing Americans as cowards have done anything other than playing too much "Grand Theft Auto IV" and "Call of Duty, Modern Warfare." Don't hurt your fingers too much, now.

[cabluedem]

89. Corporations took over during WWII. Ike warned us about them but no one listened. nt

[blindpig]

128. I think a lot of people are quite awake.

What is needed is leadership. The Democratic Party's purpose is to present a fake leadership. Small wonder there is despair.

[Voice for Peace]

18. More entertainments & distractions than elsewhere

[BirminghamExaminer]

19. We should have revolted when Bush was in office

Revolting now before Obama has a chance to do anything seems a bit late and early. Late because we should have done it whilst BUsh was still president and early because Obama hasn't had time to do anything. But if the GOP continues to block the Stimulus, we should.

[NeedleCast]

20. I'm Curous

All the folks condemning the lack of American riots in this thread...where exactly have YOU been rioting?

[Zynx]

22. Americans have always tended toward moderation on both ends.

As surprising as that statement sounds, we've never had a government that has killed large numbers of its own citizens for either ideology. Most countries have at one point or another. It's both a strength and a fault, but I think mostly a strength. Most violent revolutions have not accomplished particularly much.

[L0oniX]

23. So uhm did we end segregation by our vote? ...or did we protest and in some cases riot?

[Greyhound]

41. Good point. We did a lot of rioting for civil rights to be enforced, and we did

it 15 or so years after the laws had been passed because they were largely ignored.

I hope we still have it in us, but am skeptical.

[chrisa]

113. MLK advocated nonviolence.

And the police attacked them. How would it have looked if the protesters ran around smashing everything, and beating up innocent people?

[Lorien]

24. In the EU the government is afraid of the people. In the US the people are

afraid of their government.

[KakistocracyHater]

25. Perhaps Americans don't want to be called thugs

& those antti WTO protests didn't seem to have much effect, burnout, hopelessness, strongly feeling ignored by our Reps......

[stillcool]

27. We've had protests going on here..

about the Iraq War for years. Every week-end for a while. I guess you didn't hear about it? The farthest I would go to participate in a protest is the State Capital, so you wouldn't hear about that either.

[balantz]

29. When it does begin in earnest the corporate media will keep a lid on the news as long as possible.

Unrest will pick up steam as soon as there are great enough numbers of middle/working class families out of job, house and food. Then the DHS will step in behind the well-armed police and scoop the masses up to the military bases and KBR camps, at least the ones who don't fight back and get gunned down.

The dear ol' gov has plans, it's not like they didn't know this was coming.

[Donnachaidh]

31. Watch when it starts warming up

Electric companies can get away with cutting power when it's hot. When it's cold they don't dare to -- too much bad press. But this summer, if the cascading job loss continues.... pretty much all bets are off.

[balantz]

36. It won't be pretty n/t

[CatholicEdHead]

79. It is also illegal to do in most northern states from Oct-Mar

Companies cannot do it if they wanted too.

[Duke Newcombe]

30. Sorry...can't make it: American Idol is on tonight...

It's "Hollywood Week", for gosh sakes!!! OMG!!

[leftofthedial]

32. we are cowards.

[cabluedem]

49. And/or well controlled and conditioned sheep, yes. nt

[Fire1]

67. Pretty much.

[tomreedtoon]

87. Not controlled. WE ARE COWARDS. Face it for once.

Nobody can be manipulated unless they want to be manipulated. We are FREAKING COWARDS.

[cabluedem]

88. I did not disagree with Americans being cowards, but we are also "fat & fed" sheep as well. nt

[Fire1]

66. Pretty much.

[bdamomma]

69. my husband who is not American calls us

soft. pretty accurate unfortunately.

[crimsonblue]

33. because we're civilized and understand the way to act in modern society is not violent rioting. n/t

[Deja Q]

54. Most people genuinely are.

While the "sheep" epithet as previously mentioned has its time and place, most people prefer to build and not destroy.

[nichomachus]

34. The biggest problem? No unions.

For most Americans, if they tried to do this, there would be a pink slip waiting for them when they got back to work.

This is why it was necessary to the fascists to destroy the unions. And this is why they're still claiming that unions caused the problems.

Europeans can protest -- and even riot -- because the unions will back them.

[underpants]

46. Actually that is very accurate

In most countries around the world you either have an active union representation (as in you at least hear about them often) and/or and antagonistic relationship between the obvious owners of wealth and the working/middle classes

we don't have that here. A lot of that is due to the media. A lot of that has to do with "the American dream" and what it has been warped into in the last 40 years (after the 50's)

This is the real threat that illegal aliens pose-if they become legit (so to speak) they may organize. The American public has no idea that they live in a different world and how played they have been.

[sad sally]

117. Agree, except...

In the event there are those rare riots in America, who shows up to squelch them? Why it's the unionized police force - in full riot gear with enough ammunition to round up all those rowdy rioters.

Strangest thing how those "lucky" enough to have unions (police, fire, teachers, government workers) don't want the rest of us to have that same advantage.

[cottonseed]

35. We're too fat.

[4dsc]

65. and lazy....

[bdamomma]

71. we have too many toys, when they take that away we will wake up.

[zagging]

38. You go first.

When the coppers are done caving in your skull, I'll lay some flowers and a cute teddy bear at the foot of the curb where they washed your teeth into the gutter.

Oh, and you don't generally plan a riot. They're pretty spontaneous and opportunistic.

[Johonny]

40. We are. End of story

The main talk at work... economy. Main talk at the bar... economy. Main talk on the internet(s)... economy. I really haven't heard much talk about anything but anger about the economy for months now. People are angry, pissed, mad...

[rhett o rick]

42. Smaller countries do not have the reserves we have to cushion the blow. Unless

things change quickly, it will come. People in the 30's were more self sufficient than now. I think it will be much harder on today's folks.

[dysfunctional press]

43. the vast majority of people are still gainfully employed?

and have no real reason to riot just yet? :shrug:

[cabluedem]

90. Gainfully employed 2009= Lower wages/salery, crappy healthcare plans and no job security at all. nt

[dysfunctional press]

97. not everyone.

lots of people still have good paying secure jobs.

[cabluedem]

107. Thats part of the problem. Some are still doing well so they simply dont care. nt

[dysfunctional press]

111. what are they supposed to do...?

:shrug:

[cabluedem]

114. Call their reps before their cushy jobs are gone as well? nt

[dysfunctional press]

116. and tell them what, exactly?

:shrug:

[Fire1]

112. Winner over here!!! When there are more unemployed than

employed, THEN, shit will hit the fan.

[natrat]

44. cuz we now have "hope"

[Deja Q]

53. Give me an orgasm and I'll live like a pauper with ya forever.

I'd rather have a job and intellectual stimulation.

[cabluedem]

57. How can we have hope when businesses are closing and jobs still outsourced, & prices rising ?

[cabluedem]

115. I "hope" you are right. nt

[sendero]

45. This stuff hasn't gotten very bad..

... for the average American. Many still think the whole thing is a media creation.

They will eventually find out otherwise.

Be patient, we're just getting started here.

[cabluedem]

58. Bingo! They dont see it until one of thier own gets the shaft/axe at work. nt

[1776Forever]

48. My call - Wait until Spring in CA - I think if they don't get it together in D.C. by then watch out!

Only a few months away...............:scared:

[Deja Q]

50. Set an example - go out and riot. Others will surely join in.

:popcorn:

[Mme. Defarge]

52. We just had a peaceful revolution

instead of a violent overthrow of the government. People are hoping it will make a difference.

[Lilith Velkor]

85. Bullshit

If we had a revolution, we wouldn't have to hope it makes a difference. It already would have, for better or worse.

All we did was elect a Democrat who voted to give $700B to the fucking banks to cover their gambling losses while they continue to screw the homeowners. Change, my ass.

[cabluedem]

108. Good point. Not liking what I read and watch either. Better then McCain, I expect. nt

[chrisa]

55. Rioting doesn't make you "tough."

I don't know why people hope for mobs that destroy their fellow struggling citizens' businesses and cars.

We don't riot because we air our grieviances in a civil way. We don't attack our fellow citizens. And for the people calling Americans "Sheep," grab a pitch fork and knock yourself out.

[MattSh]

101. Ah yes, American exceptionalism.

We're better than they are. They riot. We do not.

Other governments pay attention to their people. Ours does not. Ever stop to wonder why?

So now, who the hell is better??

[chrisa]

110. It's not a question of "better."

Everybody in this thread is advocating smashing random peoples' heads in for no reason. I love how its exceptionalism to not want to break everything in sight, and hurt people around me instead of directing my anger towards the government and pushing for real change. There are good people in every country, so I'm not going to defend against something I didn't say; nor am I going to give a pass to the ideas on this thread that are completely insane.

I pose the same question as I did before, why are the people on this thread not rioting, instead of saying that other people should go out and riot for them for their own entertainment? We're not lazy, fat, or dumb just because we favor commonsense and progressivism instead of acting like animals and destroying our own cities.

Also, see post #96 to see why this thread is so ridiculous.

[lostnfound]

59. We've been dumbed down and made passive by school system and TV

Independence is now just a slogan.
Or you could say we are better behaved and less inclined toward violence.
Ha.

[kath]

64. Yep - I used to say it was the trifecta that kept us stupid and passive - religion,schools and TV -

Now I've added in a fourth - sports (yeah, kind of an offshoot of the tee-vee, but still...)

[skids]

60. How do I repress thee? Let me count the ways.

No civics in high school
Debt neck deep
40+ hour work week
College Summer Camp Rules

War on Weed
Make examples of the Homeless
Keep you scared and feckless
Appeal to your greed

Hippies we deride
Don't talk to strangers
Don't catch the poor germs
Wedge issues to divide

[tom_paine]

63. This deserves it's own OP. Succinct and 100% TRUE

[Occam Bandage]

62. Grab a baseball bat and riot if you think it's a good idea.

Don't just sit back and demand other people do it for you.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

72. Nobody's demanding anything

How did you get that impression?

The violence being committed everyday against the people far outstrips any manner of protest we could and would muster. Nobody is advocating anything simply asking questions about the American civic body and it's reticence in the face of oppression. If that bothers you do you think folks should be blindly obedient and complicit?

[Occam Bandage]

82. The OP does not refer to "simply asking questions." It asks why we aren't rioting.

We aren't rioting because you're posting on the internets instead of smashing storefronts.

[Two Americas]

77. the main reason

The main reason that we have no coordinated and effective opposition movement here, in my opinion, is because those who are politically active and aware are so thoroughly co-opted and gentrified. They block any and all organizing and suppress the national political discussion. A very small handful of upscale and relatively privileged people and their sycophants, dominate all politics on the Left - such as it is - and work tirelessly to sabotage anything before it can start.

The people are ready to organize and resist. The liberal and Democratic party activists are blocking that.

[bobbolink]

139. I think it's much deeper than that. Our "RUGGED INDIVIDUALISM" keeps us separated

from each other.

Individually, we can do nothing but "take it". Numb ourselves out in some way or another.

Europeans have much more a sense of connection with each other. Enough to provide them the ability to come together and protest.

We're on our own.

We poor folk are most aware of this, and maybe the rest of you will "get it" someday.

[ProgressIn2008]

142. Damn, Two Americas. You always nail it. Well put. nt

[Waiting For Everyman]

86. I for one, was expecting some relief from these new programs, but I just found out

that Americans aren't even required to be hired in this stimulus plan. I am outraged! Times 100!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4983574#top

I'm not far from D.C., and if "hire American" and "buy American" don't end up in this massive program, then I will be in D.C. very, very, pissed off... in the streets and their offices... and often.

That is the one way to completely and permanently lose my support. I'm sure I'm not alone. I am sick and fucking tired of the sell outs, and tons of money going into the same pockets of the globalists. This is no time for that. This is the time to "have an idea" (meaning get a clue), and do it right. I expect more smarts from Obama than this. And the Dems too. They are on thin ice - this better be fixed bigtime.

I've looked at the videos of the protests in other places in just the last two or three weeks, and if this atrocity goes down in this stimulus package, I'm DONE being patient.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4961375

To answer your question - maybe there are no protests here because others feel as I do ( or did), up to now at least. I'm really fucking ready for another "March on Poverty" which I remember very well as a teenager. This is worse.

[cabluedem]

91. Americans are dumbed down and compliant sheep.They'll gladly watch Police beat protesters on TV. nt

[Waiting For Everyman]

93. I saw the same in the '60s... up to a point, and what people snapped over was surprising.

I was in college at a big state University during the Viet Nam protests, and for the longest time lots of us were totally disgusted over this same lack of reaction. Most people on the campuses then were well-off and only there to avoid being drafted. They were the middle class frat boys mostly (and fewer girls then) from all over the country. All they were into were "panty raids", drinking, and sports. Sound familiar? They cut most of their classes, and bought their grades. Couldn't care less, even though the war was raging and you'd think they'd be interested because it could affect them, and certainly did affect some of their friends and relatives.

The whole time, the big demonstrations were taking place in D.C. (only 15 miles away). They never showed up. Then one day a very beloved tenured professor was fired for refusing to publish a book (the "publish or perish" rule as it was known). Well the whole area was shut down with thousands of angry students in the streets for days on end. After that, there was a lot more involvement in the national demonstrations too. After that came Kent State and Woodstock and "the rest is history".

There comes a point where even grossly apathetic self-indulgent frat boys will get off their ass. But it has to reach their own "personal space".

What do we see now though? Americans still have the same mindset, if not worse, as you said. But people, by the hundreds of thousands each month, are being laid off and foreclosed and bankrupted, and our government isn't very serious about changing that - if it was, buy/hire American would be in this stimulus. Sheer numbers says that there will be a tipping point soon, as there just was in Britain. We'll see what happens.

[cabluedem]

105. Good story about the past. I hope we reach the tipping point soon else I am not sure we ever will.

[Waiting For Everyman]

119. Thanks, calbluedem!

At this point, what I'm sensing is like the low rumble of a far-off approaching thunderstorm. Sort of like this...

"It's comin' from so far away it's hard to say for sure, whether what I hear is music, or the wind through an open door... there's a fire high in the empty sky where the sound meets the shore... there's a long distance loneliness rolling out over the desert floor... through every dead and living thing, time runs like a fuse, and the fuse is burnin' and the earth is turnin'... " (Jackson Browne, "The Fuse" 1976)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRa52kuyEsQ

If Obama sells us out in our time of emergency in this Stimulus Plan, so that nothing much about our jobs and homes improves from it, then that may be the end of our "window of opportunity" to salvage our situation - I hope that doesn't happen. People somehow endured through Bush, but now that he's gone something better than this corporatist nightmare has to begin. I hope the changes that are being worked on now give us reason to continue being patient until more can be done; but I also hope we don't continue being patient with more corporatism, without a reason.

[marions ghost]

92. because we operate from a victim mentality now...

When a country is hijacked from within, it is a severe shock:

Some victims will ally with the "strongmen," the Bushes & Cheneys
Some victims will detach from it all and adapt to a state of powerlessness.
A few will fight back and lead the way out of darkness

Americans have always prided themselves on coming through adversity by pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps...but should we be doing that cheerfully when the disaster has been perpetrated on us by our own government?

:shrug:

People in other countries know they have power. Americans don't.

[bdamomma]

100. and we do have the "power" if we just realize and use it.

[marions ghost]

102. yes

and it isn't about rioting--it's about working WITH others for common goal--very hard for Americans to do.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

94. Because it's stupid and accomplishes nothing. n/t

[chrisa]

96. Thank you!

The mindset in this thread is completely unrealistic and ridiculous. WTF are you people talking about? Do you want people to lose their entire businesses do to fire because people are everywhere rioting, making the economy even worse? Once again, what is more cowardly than calling people you have never met over the internet sheep, because they aren't doing something that you aren't doing either. Wouldn't that make you all sheep? Or an armchair warrior? I'll show you Americans who aren't sheep, because I don't spend my time on here typing about Red Dawn revolutionary killing fantasies that will never happen.

Do people on this thread really think that riots in America will show the world that "Yup! We do it too!" Nope - it just shows people that we're angry cretins who smash things when we're angry, and we are willing to hurt our fellow countrymen in random attacks for no reason at all. But hey, nothing says Anger like random women and children being beaten senseless by mobs roaming the streets; and policemen and policewomen not making it home for supper because they have a few bullets in them.

This thread is extremely disappointing, and I hope it's not how most Americans feel. Luckily, I don't think many feel this way.

[Waiting For Everyman]

118. Chill out, we had a gazillion effective demonstrations here in the '60s, and very few were violent.

The truth is, we're pretty good at protesting when we decide to.

You've got a vivid imagination there yourself, you know.

[chrisa]

120. It's just that.

Cheerleading for violence is something I never expected to see on here of all places. Forgive me for being a little surprised at some of the posts on this thread.

[Waiting For Everyman]

121. So your objection is not that anyone DOES it, but merely expressing it,

is that it?

[chrisa]

122. My problem is the ideas of this thread in the first place.

According to the same rationale on this thread, we are actually the least apathetic nation on earth because we have the highest murder rate. It doesn't make sense to equate rioting with civic action and protesting because the two are very different things. One is constructive to our cause, and one is destructive. My second form of shock comes from the fact that everybody here is turning and accepting the fact (in a Cheney-esque way) that in riots, people that are injured or killed, and businesses that are lost are just collateral damage, and necessary in order for the government to listen to us. People can express what they want, but I'm just pointing out the ridiculousness of the argument and wondering why these people who are asking why others aren't rioting (in a way as if we should be rioting) on this board if they are so eager for it to happen.

I also take offense to the people around me being called sheep due to highly unrealistic expectations.

[bdamomma]

98. this is what our media doesn't even tell us.

our cancer has spread to other countries.

[krabigirl]

99. Because most Americans are scared, and think they can just pray away their problems.

We have been brainwashed.

[cabluedem]

106. Brainwashed by the media and, up to now, too fat and dumb to strike out in protest, yes. nt

[Jennicut]

109. Because America is ultimately to blame for the world's problems

And this is the land of greed. Only a small margin of us get that the so called "American Dream" is dead. Besides, we can't riot here, we would all me declared terrorists. Or maybe not now that Obama is in charge. Anyways, most Americans would rather run each other down for low prices at Walmart then rage against corporate greed and the role of the government in this mess.

[Kansas Wyatt]

123. Americans FEAR their government.

In those other countries, the governments fear the people.

Yet for some reason, Americans think we are the land of the free.

The old Soviet Union never had such an exemplary propaganda policy to control their people.

[chrisa]

129. Nobody here is afraid of the government.

What makes you think that we are?

[Kansas Wyatt]

130. People are afraid of losing everything they have worked for

From the position that took them so long to get, to their property, to their standing in the community. People are barely hanging on, and don't want to risk everything rocking the boat.

[chrisa]

131. That may be true, but...

How does that equate to fear of the government? Fear of the government would imply people bowing down to the government's every demand, and buying into the fear that Bush and Cheney fed us for 8 years.

The government can't take away your position, your property, or standing in the community for blasting them, even in public. If they could, half of us, and half of the Democratic Party would be in jail.

[Kansas Wyatt]

133. Not for just speaking out, BUT

If you were to join protests, riots, and/or any other disobedience that violated the law... You may find yourself in jail for more than a few days, terminated from your job for getting thrown in jail, unable to find employment since you now have a criminal record, can't meet the car payment, can't meet the mortgage payment, so you end up losing everything and become homeless. Not hard to see where this is going to lead, especially for people who have worked for their whole lives for their position, property, and standing in the community. Don't be so disappointed when others fear joining you.

You may say all you want, but you will never change anything, because the government can and will take everything from you. It has also been known to jail people and convict people in the Corporate Media, even though they were innocent all along. The Government has the right and power to do anything it wants in the name of National Security, and you can only take your "blasting" as far as they will let you.

You are allowed to pick a political party and make your voice heard, Democratic, Republican, or even a 3rd Party, but beware that the government is watching some of the fringe groups, because you are only allowed to take your protest so far. Heck, they might even infiltrate a group, incite them into doing things against the law, and crack down on them to make an example to the people. Your only recourse is to vote for the representatives you want, and they can change things for you. However, do not be surprised to find that even the ones you thought represented you, will vote against what you want or ignore what you want all together. Oh well, better luck next time, as time marches on. But know this, your representative 'is working very hard on the concerns that you have voiced.' Starting to see how this game is played?

Maybe you would be better off taking your argument through the courts and all the way to the SCOTUS, but they don't have to hear your case if they don't want to. See how nice this racket is set up? The Government has all the power and the people have none, but you keep voting for the candidates who will represent your interests, rather than Corporate America and the Wealthy Elite. Oh, and when you finally get the right candidate voted in, keep your fingers crossed that there really is a majority just like him or her, in both Chambers of Congress. Move along, and don't listen to all the conspiracy theories on corruption and who your representatives are really representing... Don't you dare break the rules, because you can lose everything.

[chrisa]

134. Don't break the law.

Rioting is a civil disturbance. People are assaulted during riots (or even killed), and property is vandalized. As for the corporate media, that's the dull talking heads that make the convictions in order to get a sensational story, not the government. I consider the idea of the government openly controlling the media in the realm of conspiracy theories. As for doing anything in the name of National Security, not true at all. If the government began doing SS-style round ups in houses, and began shooting people in broad daylight, those who ordered the killings would be thrown in jail. Our court system still works. We can say what we want. Here: "Bush is a moron, and Dick Cheney is a corporate, Fascist tool." There, no police showing up at my door, tossing me to the ground, or beating me up or raping me. When has that ever happened, and not resulting in the people who did it being thrown in jail?

If you're disillusioned with the candidates running for office, become a candidate yourself. It can be done. As for the last sentence, if I go out and beat people up in a riot, I should lose everything. That makes me a violent and hateful person. You can still go out and protest anytime you want, granted you get a permit for it (which isn't that hard to get).

[Kansas Wyatt]

140. I gave you the other option, if you weren't comfortable rioting.

The other option, which isn't against the law, was what I just explained to you. I am not disillusioned, I just explained how the game is played.

[Freddie Stubbs]

124. False premise: The whole world isn't rioting

No riots in Germany.

No riots in Japan.

No riots in Canada.

[LeftinOH]

126. Rioting is overrated. Protesting "against" the bad economy is pointless;

local police are busy enough without having to do damage control; local businesses and ordinary citizens have done nothing to deserve broken windows or overturned vehicles. "Riots", like soccer stampedes, are not (usually) part of our culture...and I'm glad for that. Its not all about Americans being brain-dead couch potatos. ((IMHO))

[chrisa]

132. There's no justification for rioting.

And I would also bet that 99% of people in those soccer riots are smashed out of their minds, and won't remember what they did the next day.

I am personally waiting to see what Obama, and the new Democratic Congress can do. It's a little premature to say that the sky is falling.

[TayTay]

127. Well, who is organizing the riot, sending out the invites and so forth?

Riots don't just organize themselves you know. You have get your corp rioters together, make sure they have pitchforks and eggs or tomatoes to throw, then make sure they invite their friends. Someone has to handle the invites and make sure the sandwiches get made and that the riot location that is chosen has good parking or public transportation access and so forth. (Successful organizing involves getting all the little details right.)

And who is in charge of the disruptors? You can't break any office glass unless someone remembers to bring rocks and so forth.

A lot goes into planning a riot. If you want to have one, plan on spending a lot of time on the phone before hand. And good luck.

[Initech]

135. Go back to bed America - your government is in control.

There should be no question about your leaders' legitimacy. Here - here's American Idol. Watch this and get fat and stupid. Here - here's 500 channels of horseshit. Oh and keep eating Taco Bell you fucking morons!!!!

[ProgressIn2008]

141. That quote from Sicko comes to mind: in France, the government is afraid of the people

In America, the people are afraid of the government.

It's a complicated question and I think *the* question we need to ask ourselves. Most people I know are so afraid and don't even realize they're afraid. Some of the reasons for their fear are good -- I know a lot of women with triple workdays with home and elder care, for example. Some of the reasons are pitiful -- I know folks who don't want to lose their lifestyle and the renovated basement with big screen TV that goes with it.

It's a question I ask myself more and more, really.

[chrisa]

144. I find the notion offensive that.

Americans are all cowards, and the French are all brave heroes, beating up their government and molding it into what they want. So far, nobody has offered evidence on how Americans are afraid of their government. Both of these statements are gross exaggerations. People have been protesting - the media just doesn't report it.

Also, we all rose up on election day, and voted for change. We believe in a system that works. That's the opposite of cowardly, imo.

[bobbolink]

145. Oh, right. France doesn't HAVE elections. The French don't vote.

:eyes:

[chrisa]

147. Where did I say that? n/t

[Juche]

146. Roiting doesn't seem to matter in America

That would be my WAG. I get the impression that our leaders just ignore us when we protest so we have lost any sense that it really makes a difference.

[Liberal_in_LA]

148. agree. Remember the protest before the Iraq war started... they occured across the country.

We were ignored. 90% of Americans seemed to be against the bailout, we were ignored.

[Juche]

149. I was thinking about the Iraq war protests when I wrote that

The millions of protests not only in the US but all over the world, around 10-30 million people on earth and a couple million in the US. Then we went home, paid our taxes and were politely ignored.

True effective action would involve withholding tax money, blocking commerce via striking and things like that. Asking politicians to respect our opinions doesn't work.

[Baikonour]

150. Can the rioting wait until this new season of Lost is over?

:eyes:

[ecstatic]

151. Simply put--it hasn't hit most of us yet

Even if unemployment is truly as high as 15%, that still leaves a good 85% who are employed. And a friend of mine who has been unemployed for more than a year is still able to receive unemployment benefits. We have a better safety net than other countries...I guess? :shrug: