Makes me an optimist.

I try to never underestimate stupid people. Such as bull-shitting Republicans. Because stupid people attract stupid followers. That's the nature of life. When it comes to political, economic and social issues, many Americans don't pay attention to what's really going on. Because they are mentally lazy. Or plain indifferent. And stupid. So they are easily led astray. And even vote against their best interests. So many, many examples. All over the world. Not the least being Germans trekking down the primrose path behind Adolph and the Nazis. Meanwhile, members of America's shrinking middle class have been known to support Republicans. Just because they are told that's the patriotic and Christian and moral thing to do. Similar to the mentality of a Nazi. It's the proper thing to do. For the sake of the Fatherland or the Motherland. No matter how stupid and deplorable. Even if it means following the Pied Piper. Into oblivion. Over the cliff. It's happened repeatedly in the past. And it'll happen again and again. In the future. Yes, that's scary. Depressing, too. But that's the way of the world. Makes me sound like a pessimist, doesn't it? But hey, things ultimately get better. Conditions have improved in Germany. And so will they some day in the USA. Makes me an optimist. --Jim Broede