this post was submitted on 15 Sep 2026
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I don't think this is a rational explanation. What makes Republicans hateful and greedy? What makes Democrats squabble over everything? These are not innate traits we are born with, they are representative of broader motive forces. What are these forces?
Democrats, for the most part, are complicit. There is too much money in politics... Sometimes the Democrats think of others instead of money.... But modern Republicans never make a move that costs them or their donors money.
That's the most rational "explanation" i have found.
Again, though, these aren't innate traits. My point is that each represents different wings of the capitalist class.
I'm not sure we disagree on the broader points... But I'm not sure what you mean by "innate traits." That's like asking why do those who covet power seek power? Why do those without empathy attain desires regardless of harm to others? Why do cowards go with the pack mentality instead of standing on principal? What are the fundamental principals? Does morality really matter? If so, why? I suppose those are the "broader forces" you referenced.
My point is, it's reductive to search for innate traits of modern American politics or to identify the broader forces of evil. What you believe is "innate" is likely the multitude of motivations that have driven humanity for millennia. Sometimes it is used to construct shelter for the village... Other times it's used to burn the villagers who stand in your way. I think it's more useful to examine who or what institutions can we support as the masses to establish a firewall between unchecked lust for power and greed and the halls of influence.
The broader forces are the capitalist system. I don't believe these are innate traits, my point is explicitly that trying to identify specific actions based on the perceived traits of Republicans and Democrats is an inaccurate view of why they do what they do. The actual reason is simply that they support different wings of the capitalist class.
What we need to support is a revolutionary socialist party.