History and America’s Decline | Paul A. Rahe

John joins Professor Paul Rahe for a conversation about the current state of the West and our fragmented world order, centred on the importance of understanding history.
The western democratic tradition is a sophisticated mechanism to balance the distribution of power. In a world where cynical nihilism is on the rise, sound debates and discussions are being replaced with rhetorically driven polarisation. In today's US political scene, hatred has been weaponised by politicians calling for radical change without sound alternatives. Professor Rahe encourages us to re-embrace serious historical education to remain sober-minded in a confused era.
Paul Rahe is currently Professor of History at Hillsdale College, and previously taught at Yale, Cornell and numerous other universities. In 2009, he wrote the widely debated Soft despotism, democracy's drift, which argues that society may drift away from self-government due to a spirit of uneasiness and discontent. He has also authored numerous critically acclaimed history books, many centred on the Spartans.
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0:00 Introduction
1:59 Decline in history education
9:04 Who’s driving the high living standards?
14:25 “Two Americas”
23:21 Nihilism - The making of a fragmented world order
31:06 Can we stop making the same mistake by learning history?
36:42 How critical race theory obscures other overlapping social injustices
43:27 Increasing cynicism and the purpose of college education
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Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.
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www.paularahe.com/

[@SisterShirley]

Another good interview John Anderson. Thank you for having a thinking persons' channel.

[@marysisak2359]

I retired as a chem prof at a state university in PA. I have never heard a more true description of the state system. Love the resort and brothel comparison. I had never thought that but you are absolutely correct.

[@rhight]

A cross between a country club and a brothel. I attended a prominent Southern university in the Seventies that fit this description to a tee. What's emerging in regular, run-of-the-mill universities across the country has been 50 years (at least) in the making. A classic case of the fish rotting from the head. Thank you, Doctor, for an unvarnished description of our present state. This country needs every man like you we can get!

[@ianmwangi2105]

And it ain't just the US

[@donnat639]

Captivating! Simply eye opening. Let’s Make History Great Again. There can never be too much. What I’ve learned has been self-taught. It helps to marry someone who loves history, whether in the form of American, architecture, biblical, military, world, technical, automotive. And to be surrounded by great books, great minds & positive influences. John is blessed to share their company. So glad to be a listener. Thank you both 🙏

[@prometheusr]

Well said.

[@danmcdonald9117]

Paul has described the conundrum of the USA so simply and much better than I've ever heard. Thank you gentlemen!!

[@Ferdinand314]

Fantastic guest! I'd never heard of him before and decided I'd give him 10 minutes. I lost track of time listening to him. Very perceptive insights. His students are lucky.

[@wademitchell3817]

Did you know that WWII Black veterans and descendants are STILL not allowed GI bill benefits? Can you imagine teaching WWII and GI Bill and not mentioning that 1 million Black veteran were excluded. There is a bill in the house and senate to change this. Authentic CRT seeks to uncover and remedy these inequities caused by systemic racism.

[@gmw3083]

This guy still believes too much of the western narrative. Blames China and Russia. Except that Russia is inept. Putin is far and away a better leader than any of the western marionettes.

[@wademitchell3817]

@@AdamA-pm3yn Respectfully, Making CRT a tie to Marxism is bogus and is a Trumped up charge at best. Some of the major opponents of CRT (like James Lindsey) are devout atheist. Does that make all CRT opponents atheist? Of course not. *Dr. Bell is Christian,* was the head of the legal arm of the NAACP and wrote 3 Christian books. How could he be against the goals of the civil rights movement? He also specifically denied any Marxist tie in a televised interview over 10 years ago. Furthermore, *Dr. Crenshaw is Christian* and specially denied Marxism as a motivation for her views. So the author of the foundational book of CRT and the scholar who coined the name Critical Race Theory both have denied any specific tie and are available on the internet. So there is *nothing clear* about a Marx tie.

[@wademitchell3817]

@@AdamA-pm3yn Respectfully, I’m just pointing out the CRT is centered around remedying *systemic racism*

[@michaelschmidt1101]

... and his prediction about Russia and China challenging the USD as the 'reserve currency' is coming true...

[@leshernandez8577]

Mr. Rahe touched every important nerve to be and very needful that must, must be addressed. Cannot be more detailed in his comments and I agree a million times over with every single thing word by word and I echo does same sentiments. What an uphill, or better yet an Everest size climb faces humanity and I see lots of chaos and distress over the horizon, buckle up it's going to be an immensely painful ride folks. Beautifully done John and Paul.

[@ryannada1987]

I’m left of center but I sought out this video for a real intellectual deep dive into what conservatism is right now and how it moves forward. My main fear is I can see Americans losing the ability to see the humanity of the other side. And when a society loses its humanity, terrible things can happen.

[@jameswebb4593]

Absolutely brilliant , I am an 82 yo Englishman and can relate to so many of the issues raised. Tony Blair wanted every school leaver to go to a University , to learn what ? Media studies or other rubbish. A national government agenda to encourage apprenticeships would have enriched the country and reduced unwanted immigration . Thomas Sewell has placed the blame of much of Black crime upon the welfare system , in that I agree with him 100%

[@grannyannie2948]

I'm in Australia, and in addition to pushing university on anyone with a pulse, the governments solution to rising cost of living is free daycare. So now from birth until well into their twenties, young people will be dependent on government, and left winged indoctrination. In my day we depended on our parents as babies and children. By our teens we were earning money, and by our twenties we were married with children of our own. Immigration is also the elephant in the room here. Don't fall for the Australian points based immigration policy. It will increase your Immigration not reduce it.

[@MM22272]

Maximise people attending university to put them in debt, brainwash them (no matter the courses), delay marriage, and de-populate the world population. To offset the decimation of new births and the need for a labour supply, governments import them from highly populated countries in south-east Asia; and there's no one who can stop this.

[@grannyannie2948]

@@MM22272 Exactly

[@jayneteske1963]

Correction: Thomas Sowell

[@tomtom21194]

You know what apprenticeships would also do? Give positive male rolemodels to kids without a father in the home. But ofcourse we can't have that now can we?

[@josephllinas2672]

This gentleman was spot on with every word.

[@shadow725]

This was one amazing discussion that held my attention the whole way through. Thank you, John!… and thank you, Paul!

[@wademitchell3817]

Did you know that WWII Black veterans and descendants are STILL not allowed GI bill benefits? Can you imagine teaching WWII and GI Bill and not mentioning that 1 million Black veteran were excluded. There is a bill in the house and senate to change this. Authentic CRT seeks to uncover and remedy these inequities caused by systemic racism.

[@chrisschene8301]

I agree

[@patriciachadwick5658]

Wade Mitchell: please research The Battle of Bamber Bridge.

[@wademitchell3817]

@@patriciachadwick5658 A remedy on the table is called the GI Bill Restoration Act (H.R. 5905) which would provide descendants of these *1 million Black veterans* a transferable benefit that could be used to obtain housing, attend college or start a business. Congressmen Clyburn and Moulton and Senator Warnock introduced it. Can we get some conservatives to support addressing this *systematic racism* TODAY?

[@patriciachadwick5658]

@@wademitchell3817 You said systematic racism is the reason why Black WW2 veterans and their descendants are still not allowed GI bill benefits.... The Battle of Bamber Bridge shows that systemic racism occurred in the American army... even as a war was fought. I'm from the UK, and thought this video would help push your campaign.

[@michaelhunter2631]

This is one of the most incredible interviews I've seen on state of the world after 2 decades of binging books and interviews and articles on the subject. What the Professor has to say ties so many of the threads I follow together and it's gratifying because of its clarity, it simplifies overlapping subjects in this man's gorgeous articulation. I find with the conservative intellectuals I follow is that they have more faith in the deeply decayed institutions than I do, whereas I feel some justified animosity at the culture itself and that its eating itself alive with the delusions & myths that seeded both its success and destruction. The sensation of which is continually validated outside of the upper middle professional class mindset by the chaos and malaise that is peripherally everywhere. The Professor I think is right, if you actually muck about in real life with people of different castes you will be pert to what is going on whereas the taste makers and king makers may choose to lay waste to everything to preserve a delusional status quo.

[@michaelhunter2631]

On my 2nd listening, yup, I've been grappling with the nihilism with my own search for meaning. I've know what I believe and am not a nihilist, but the feeling that I've inherited a society that allowed meaning to be corrupted and stopped being serious is the source of my resentment. The fact I haven't let go is because I see the writing on wall where its going to get hellishly worse and there are people who brought this on and ideological lineages who will now stand in the way of averting disaster.

[@VisiblyJacked]

You make a good point, that many baby boomer intellectuals still feel that, as bad as things might be now, there is a good chance of a pendulum swing back to some kind of normalcy and a functional society. Whereas many of us born after 1970 have known nothing but chaos and decline, and at best are trying to save ourselves rather than society.

[@tiffsaver]

WOW. This video should be required viewing by every single American, young and old.

[@amybyrd419]

Yes, we need to rethink our education system. I attended a private university in the 70s, returned again in the early 2000s for an advanced degree and was simply astonished that incoming students were not prepared with reading and writing skills that I had been taught in high school in the 70s. Well, don't even get me started on these for-profit "universities" that have popped up. One class per month! Its a lucrative racket.

[@deborahdean8867]

That says everything about public education and the quality of teachers.

[@dks13827]

@@deborahdean8867 Teachers quite bad, and no brains.

[@ronnestman4696]

It’s amazing how Mr. Anderson is constantly in step with the most important issues facing humanity. These conversations are crucial.

[@barryjones4973]

Brilliant in the simplicity of understanding of where we are & where we may end up if we are not aware & diligent in how we proceed.

[@PennySmart]

"The cultural heritage is autocracy" for both China and Russia, so very true

[@Toropetskii]

Hillsdale must be a very interesting and engaging place, having heard from its lecturers on multiple occasions. My main criticism of these men is how softly spoken they are despite the importance of spreading their messages.

[@alfredkirkham846]

Absolutely top notch. Thank you.

[@yazenbuklau]

Phd student in elite liberal west coast university here. This is quite sobering. Times are changing fast

[@peredavi]

A very clear and true description of America today. Very sad.

[@bobandbally88]

Let us pray this was understated. Violence is not that far beneath the surface!!

[@buzzml8123]

Remarkable discussion with so many insights!!

[@somerandomhomeboy]

Thank you for the most crucial "60 minutes" I seen and heard in a long long time.

[@williamwhitten7820]

*"Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them."- - George Santayana*

[@gilliansmith2645]

So intelligent and pure reality. Woke silliness must be driven out and eliminated.

[@MM22272]

Eradicating wokeness by mere intention, desire, or wish won't do it. What would replace it. It's based on atheism, but many decline any religion/faith etc. Neo-communism is growing in popularity which is one option and it's supported by many leaders. My hunch is that this contemporary tsunami must run its course and society as we know will crash like a wave. It's unstoppable. Survive if you can.

[@jameswooster7324]

Best interview I’ve seen in a long time. Awesome. Inspiring.

[@soniavadnjal7553]

Mr Rahe is a professor at Hillsdale. That explains the excellence, the quality of the conversation.

[@jacklondon295]

Excellent discussion. Thank you, gentlemen.

[@Guokas0422]

This man is spot on! I'll be finding his book tomorrow.

[@goodtalker]

The end of this discussion really caught my attention, especially the part about higher education. I attended a community college in 1980 in a rural county in California. After two years I was very much qualified to attend any public university in California--and I did. I also attended two private schools with great success. Two of my classmates opted for careers in the HVAC fields and today they are both still doing very, very well. The administration back then consisted of a very small number of conservatives who believed that when you graduate from high school you are an adult. My wife recently retired from that same community college and, according to her, it is indeed a country club atmosphere. Adult children are everywhere. There are now about five times as many administrators as there were 40 years ago. They are all progressive Leftists with graduate degrees in underwater basket weaving. None really have jobs but "positions" and holding their students accountable--for anything--is nonexistent. Thanks for reading.

[@stevefrasier1097]

Excellent presentation gentlemen. Thank you so much.

[@epic6434]

Underwater basket weaving 😂 I'm going to use this

[@AuntieFloTravels]

Great conversation. Thank you.

[@jamesbell7220]

Brilliant. Just plain brilliant in addition to the calm urgency of it.

[@vijaypottathil90]

Wonderful conversation! Hillsdale is the best liberal arts college in the country for people who are serious about learning (history and classics especially)

[@jackgoldman1]

A. December 23, 1913, Fed and income taxes. B. 1933, eliminated gold. C. 1965, eliminated silver. D. March 19th, 1968, eliminated gold backing for the US dollar. E. Sunday, August 15th, 1971, declared bankruptcy on gold dollar exchange. GAME OVER. US public debt was $400 Billion in 1971. Now $31 TRILLION. Debt is not money. This is a crisis using IOUs to pay people. Tragic.

[@Jaapst]

What an beautiful old American setting by the way. Incredible.

[@gnukkignukk7536]

I've always figured that the reason why lawmakers and politicians make places unbearable to live in by defunding police and such, is because they either personally or by someone they collaborate with, buy up real estate property for cheap when the owners have to leave due to increased crime and other issues.

[@michaelfasher]

I don't think so because they would have to turn it around at some point.

[@gnukkignukk7536]

@@michaelfasherThat's the beauty of it, they can turn it around, and they do so with tax money.

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Just wonderful with a shower of sanity and common sense in the insanity of today. After having gotten a degree in Australia I can 100% agree with the fact that university today is a business that sells fluff.

[@colindant3410]

Did he say "...cross between a country club and a brothel..."?

[@frosty3693]

And in the US they pushing student loan debt forgivness. Which in reality is welfare for the colleges, keep that indoctrination going. Another issue with declining population, and the war on boys, that Jordan Peterson mentioned is that when the ratio of girls to boys goes below 60% girls to 40% boys is that the girls quit going as well because, in part, they are looking for future mates. I think the left fears that Trump may be the next Cromwell or Napoleon. Obama just wanted to be that but wasn't up to it. But I do feel sorry for all the young DEI neo anarchists when it falls apart, they are not equipped to cope.

[@bobhsohi704]

John Anderson's program is outstanding

[@marionreynolds7080]

Paul’s description of American education crisis could be made of the current British situation in every particular.

[@lanialbin3860]

Absolutely wonderful... thank you!

[@philltaylor8442]

Very good conversation about times of today 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏.

[@fhowland]

Coming Apart is an excellent book, it’s total prophecy. Everyone should read it.

[@gotv6879]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. Very informative

[@barrywalsh7926]

The double standards on political violence are horrifying. It was the mention of zip ties that got me thinking. Apparently the man who allegedly broke into the San Francisco home of Nancy and Paul Pelosi on Friday was carrying zip ties. A possibly crazed individual approaching the home of a powerful politician with plastic fasteners that can be used to bind a person’s hands - it was both a nightmarish prospect and a familiar one, too. Wasn’t another public figure in the US recently targeted by someone who had zip ties? And a gun, a knife, pepper spray and a crowbar? Yes. It was Brett Kavanaugh. But many don’t remember that. Because thanks to the media, certain acts of political hate get less traction than others. Brendan O'Neil Spiked Online Magazine

[@sylviam6535]

We need common sense zip tie control.

[@bt3205]

I've taken several of the free online courses offered at Hillsdale, and he's the reason why. John Anderson is an excellent interviewer

[@HelenA-fd8vl]

thank you John. A very stimulating discussion.

[@cathy4246]

I love John Anderson's program. Please pray for America.

[@TheDaleSwitzer]

I was a student of Dr. Rahe's in 1985. He was brilliant in teaching Plato and Machiavelli then and has only improved through the years.

[@mfredcourtney5876]

Watching this on 5.23.23. Scary. It's all coming to pass

[@jbrown2905]

I agree that this gentleman’s presentation is absolutely superb in his insightfulness. What I find perplexing is that, in these various illuminations of the pathology of our society’s decline, is the omitting of the bringing forth the Frankfurt School of Marxism, the Herbert Marcuse, the Antonio Gramsci’s…etc. The fruits of the spores which they infused amongst our society is just begging to be articulated. 🤔🤔

[@gladysstead3004]

Thanks for the discussion John, Humanity has to deal with poverty but we can't manage prosperity.

[@amyoliver1323]

Wonderful interview! Thank you

[@EndoftheBlock7224]

Thank you, awesome speaker. Hillsdale is my favorite school

[@helenmalinowski4482]

"Downsize Higher Education" - Absolutely correct!

[@curtisvalle5141]

Dr. Rahe is absolutely correct.

[@kiter9271]

Gardner's Rule Of Civilization "The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water. John W. Gardner

[@paulwilson7622]

Wonderful discussion. Thank you.

[@retiredcolonel6492]

“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child” Cicero circa 1st century BC I can think of no better quote which reflects the current lack of knowledge of history among Millennials and Gen Z’s. It is shameful.

[@stevecrane6163]

Brilliant analysis.

[@chuckstrickland4582]

This man is spot on!!!

[@t5kcannon1]

An excellent interview. Thank you

[@colemcclain7319]

I thoroughly enjoyed this !

[@roywilkowski2326]

I'm a retired policeman. I used to drive around in my car every day trying to determine what the root cause was of all the 'schlict' myself and my compadres had to deal with day after day. It's pretty much one negative thing after another with only the degree of negativity changing; nobody dials 9-1-1 wanting to report something good or invite me over to their BBQ for a piece of chicken. If you listen to very educated experts, they'll talk about things like "urban blight," poverty in the inner city, lack of education, etc. One day, after about 12 years (slow learner) I had the epiphanic moment. (Drum roll please)....Irresponsible Fornication. That has been the bane of our society, essentially children are raising children with the welfare check taking the place of the father or the mother; everything grows from that. We are now reaping the result of that.

[@angelarich8455]

agree, and also making the working families struggle paying for it ,so they don't get the reward for their labor I have a saying about politics and social laws - "you can't be "nice" Life just isn't that way look at California idea about homelessness and drug addiction = now they've come to the end of their rope with entire sidewalks taken up with tents and open air toilets, they were "too nice" they talk to the people on the street looking for solutions and the people are like well why don't you have to let me do whatever I want and hand me everything I need because this is how I want to live Drug addicts upset that they don't have safe space to get narcan and their friends just died!

[@richardgoodley7845]

@@angelarich8455 remember the wise phrase ‘cruel to be kind’ … perhaps we should show just a little more respect to our forebears that they just might have known a thing or two

[@HagiaSophia1952]

The parallels and metaphors Professor Rahe draws from Judeo-Christianity are VERY illuminating to anyone who is remotely theologically literate. The modern 'Managerial Class', and a vast number of 'The Young' (whatever that means) here in the UK has its exact parallel in the Jewish Temple Authorities and Pharisees of the time of the Man from Nazareth. They consider themselves "RIGHTEOUS before the law", and that those who do not share their values are, indeed, in the wording of Hilary Clinton, "Deplorables". This contemporary version of sanctimony originates in Globalist-Marxism; and is entirely characteristic of it. And its principal media outlets in the UK are THE GUARDIAN and the BBC (altough the MSM does a good job of imitating them). The mention of Communist China in the discussion is also very significant: our Politi8cal Class either forgot (or was PAID to forget!) that Chinese Communism - like Islam - want the entire World to be run according to the principles of its version of governance. This is the fatal flaw: because we are already starting to imitate the Communist Chinese system: look at 'free speech'!

[@robertholland7558]

Free speech…. Believe in this philosophy or that philosophy or stand condemned! But which philosophy is the right one, is their even a right one? Or are the wrong? Off course they all have something righteous about them, but all of them are for from perfect, even passing the most basic moral and ethical humanitarian functionality.

[@HagiaSophia1952]

@@robertholland7558 If you run with a combination of Judaism or Christianity, coupled with the philosophy of 'liberty' espoused by JOHN STUART MILL, you won't go far wrong: except in the view of Marxists and other shades of Communism: which REQUIRE us all to be the same! Looked at China lately?

[@robertholland7558]

@@HagiaSophia1952 I would run from ANY religious philosophy! Religion is the core source of ALL that what is wrong with humanity! Religion is 100% about power and control, any nothing else! Spirituality and enlightenment on the other hand are the real truth of humanity, but the great majority of humanity fail to recognise, let alone accept this! I would encourage all to seek this true spirituality and enlightenment, instead of worshiping some narrow minded philosophy, religious or otherwise!

[@wademitchell3817]

Did you know that WWII Black veterans and descendants are STILL not allowed GI bill benefits? Can you imagine teaching WWII and GI Bill and not mentioning that 1 million Black veteran were excluded. There is a bill in the house and senate to change this. Authentic CRT seeks to uncover and remedy these inequities caused by systemic racism.

[@robertholland7558]

@@wademitchell3817 CRT? cathode Ray Tube? Critical Race Theory is a human construct, it does not exist, for there is only ONE race, the human one!

[@joan3891]

Excellent!

[@jimluebke3869]

Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't have been better for me to try for the History PhD, to buck the trends Professor Rahe is talking about.

[@ycloon]

Excellent discussion!

[@tiffsaver]

"What this country needs is more statesmen and fewer politicians."

[@chopincam-robertpark6857]

Another winner John.

[@zoomzoom3950]

All empires eventually fall. "Come and sip from the cup of destruction." - Genghis Khan.

[@harrytd]

Apart from Paul's small bit of silliness about Ukraine, an excellent discussion.

[@petestevens3970]

Thank you.

[@beverlytheartist425]

Excellent interview

[@paulwilson7622]

I suspect it is the breakdown of the family unit, partners who seem to be no longer committed morally to each other and financial greed & ego

[@T-41]

The professor has a point of view for sure. There is a degree of truth in some of what he says, but I find that he ignores much of history and the causes of the country’s turbulent circumstances. He talked a lot, but has seriously missed the overall picture. I expect if I were one of his students, he would want me to ask him fewer questions.

[@mirceaprodanduke2007]

Excelent!

[@petersanmiguel1164]

Great interview.

[@jensswales]

Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times..

[@drannoc100]

Finally, I hear a Yale man who’s thinking right .

[@jimluebke3869]

"If we have another [great power] war, it might be over in a matter of a couple of weeks" Or, as Tom Lehrer pointed out, "an hour and a half from now" -- perhaps a nod to the time it takes for ICBMs to devastate any (or every) location in the world.

[@patriciakimball8150]

Would’ve liked Paul to let John speak more…but that’s how teachers & professors are (a lifetime of pontificating to captive audiences).

[@parrmik]

its almost like both parties have put up the worst possible leaders.Does this mean they mutually are giving themselves maximum deniability, or are we really living in a simulation , where the controllers have spiked the game ?

[@bigbirdwpg]

You see this "rot" in most systems, especially those that are made up of and driven by, human beings. Usually those who inherit a working, excellent system, do not have the investment and dare I say, love of the said system, and are not inclined to invest the effort and dedication that is required to maintain the level of excellence needed to maintain said system.

[@lieseldoolittle2160]

Very optimistic. And why is there no mention of WEF?

[@guruprasadf07]

*INCREDIBLE*

[@michaelandrewsalomonenewje4107]

I certainly realize how dangerous some cities can be. I also would like to point out that these cities are the result of crony capitalism, the de-industrialization of the United States by owners and government officials who place profit above every other possible human need or factor. So you might ponder this when you shudder at the wildness in the streets.

[@marion4549]

Is this "self loathing" homegrown, or is it fomented by external interests?

[@dks13827]

George Soros. Hope you know of him. 2. Academics are insane that all people are the same. Wrong. Some are lazy bums.

[@jmorgan2391]

I'm reminded of the Alamo as the ending

[@kathrynludrick4821]

Excellent

[@ryannada1987]

When it comes to the word fascist, it shouldn’t be used as an insult or as rhetorical. It should be understood as what happens when ordinary working people are pushed too far and they begin to look for scapegoats. We must maintain our humanity, that’s what the American project should be about.

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Fascism is the union of government and corporations to destroy or engulf every other societal institution. It's not about nationalism, it's about central control of everything, just like Communism. And there's no reason why it can't be as globalist and anti-borders as Communism, because borders give the oppressed somewhere else to flee.

[@chrisschene8301]

The deterioration of usa culture, and the west overall. Is primarily due to abandonedment of the common and foundational religious and moral Christian beliefs.

[@lornekrause8953]

Protect individual opinion and solutions for every one.

[@PennySmart]

Except poor Marie Antoinette never said "let them eat cake if they have no bread" 😁 It's a convenient story but it's a myth, like many other things about the French Revolution...

[@michaelhunter2631]

Let them eat brioche- Believe that may have been the phrase. A witty joke among aristocratic company that set off a game of telephone from the servants into the streets. Recall this from a Robert Wulh HBO special challenging popular historical myths.

[@dks13827]

It's a good story.

[@NineInchTyrone]

Good talk

[@hanskloss7726]

The problems in US are common to the whole West I am afraid. This is our culture that is poisoned. I think Gibson wrote a book on the same subject only about the country long gone.

[@Muhammad-gq8fs]

21:16 You should checkout Non English Cinema : Polish, Swedish, Russian, Danish, Finnish… list goes on. Not much BS in those movies and TV series.

[@ceecee6679]

Irresponsibility is the new normal.

[@MM22272]

This concern is well articulated. Overthrow an order and get a horror as with the French Revolution. Then bring in a dictator.

[@ceecee6679]

Citizenship no longer has value.

[@ceecee6679]

It is bound to be 'racist' by now.