New Rule: No National Divorce! | Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)

A growing number of Americans support the idea of a "national divorce," but you can’t call yourself a patriot of the United States and not be for the whole “united” part.

[@soniamadhukra]

As an Irishman who grew up during the troubles, I can say that the analogy is a little simplistic for sure. And yet, I have used it to some of my American friends. The peace settlement in Ireland involved all of us, north and south, accepting things we didn't want to accept. As a Southern Irish Nationalist I had to accept the reality that 1 million living in the northeast of the island identified as British. I still don't like it, I don't like what they did to my countrymen in the North, and I don't entirely trust that some of them aren't trying to do it again. But I have to acknowledge the reality that they exist, they disagree with me, and no amount of violence will change their minds. In fact, all of the violence just made all of us more entrenched. So grow up America. Accept that you cannot have the country exactly the way you want it, and accept that other people have different views.

[@scottsledgister1877]

The difference is we aren't stuck on a tiny island and have enough land so separate while giving both sides what they need to build better lives.

[@kanedNunable]

the irony being right now our stupid english gov (i am a left wing englishman) are pushing ireland to unite with bloody brexit.

[@nerdanalog1707]

Question to you "Irishman who grew up during the troubles" : would you say the conflict was a religious one? I've read on those times and have done some research, but having the sentiment of a person who lived during those times, gives another perspective sometimes.

[@philip013]

@@nerdanalog1707 The British like to project the idea; it's the Irish killing each other, when in fact the conflict has always been between Irish republicans and the British state.

[@skymanifest8339]

Demographics suggest that the North will get a referendum soon. Then, hopefully, Scotland can p!ss off as well. Regards, an English Nationalist.

[@dirkwolf9463]

Let's remember this is only the 5% on either extreme, the other 90% of the country would like to dump both parties in the ocean.

[@LH8173]

Screw the like button - I need a LOVE button!!! This comment is dead on!

[@xhagast]

Don't forget that 85% would like to dump THEIR party in the ocean.

[@maxmartin2763]

Huh? That 90% was yanked out of a rectum. Only 21% of Republicans want to dump the 2 party system. They're happy with it! 38% of Dems want to dump the 2 party system. 48% of Indies want to dump the 2 party system. Total average of registered voters is 40%. Source: Pew Research Aug 9, 2022.

[@dag_of_the_west5416]

Actually 30% for democrats and 30% for republicans. The remaining 40% are centrists who are disgusted with the antics.

[@tomogden2432]

"Let's remember this is only the 5% on either extreme..." You didn't watch the video, did you? Bill put up some pretty big numbers to support the argument that LARGE segments of both parties see the other as the problem.

[@Dormir_Descansar]

The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct them to hold in higher esteem those who think alike, than those who think differently. -Nietzche

[@unapologeticanti-feminist3205]

Meh that also brings the problem of holding in high esteem that which is different solely for the sake of being different which is what informs a lot of society today.

[@yasseford]

@@unapologeticanti-feminist3205 Hence edgelord Nietzscheans.

[@AbstractM0use]

@@unapologeticanti-feminist3205 "Balance. Not just for Karate, for whole life!" --Mr Miyagi

[@seawolf365]

Great quote!

[@eddyvance8289]

The surest way to corrupt a youth is to have half naked men pretending they are women prancing around and pushing their perversion and sexual immorality on our children as young as 5 years old without any regard for our children's innocence or their parents moral convictions, as well as narcissistic self absorbed elitist liberals conspiring to undermine the parents relationship with their children pushing gender confusion and genital mutilation and sterilization behind the parents back on our children without regard or any responsibility for the potential life long serious consequences to our children

[@ernieswagonjunkremovalmeri5418]

I am a conservative, thank you for this video. We need more people on both sides saying this. Let's go back to disagreeing and rid the hate. Plus my name is Ryan mahar, lol gotta have some love for Bill.

[@keihan5]

As a liberal, I agree with this statement!

[@tester3x]

Too bad it's not gonna happen.

[@LBM01028]

Democrats are the problem. They keep lying and saying that the parties switched and blame Republicans for slavery, the KKK and racism. They managed to pin their past on Republicans who freed the slaves lol.

[@seanflynncontact]

I'm from Ireland. I grew up during the troubles and now live in America. I've noticed growing similarities to Northern Ireland. The level of hate here is like the level of hate that lead to the troubles. I should add though that Norther Ireland is not part of of England. It's part of the UK.

[@theeccentrictripper3863]

You should aggressively make this point whenever it's brought up, people need to snap back to reality before we all do something unwise.

[@Farts19]

But how is it now? The reason I support national divorce is because we are still some what civil right now so i can be done peaceful.

[@fumble_brewski5410]

@@Farts19 You're right. There has been too much mutual hatred by all factions concerned. It's gotten to the point where we're beyond civil dialogue, and matters will only get worse if opposing factions are forced to endure one another's company. Conservatives call the lefties "communists," and the lefties call conservatives "fascists." We're about as finished as an overcooked Thanksgiving turkey.

[@Spiritof_76]

@@Farts19 That's ridiculous. Split the country into what? East and west? North and south? Republic of Gilead and Free USA? Are you sitting in a Russian troll farm?

[@tdestroyer4780]

I dont see any more hate. All I see is people over reacting at every little thing. People aren't really outraged, they're faking it to label the other side as evil/hateful.

[@kennysmith15]

Bill and I are on the opposite of most issues but I agree with almost all of this. I’m thankful for his voice and encouragement to respect each other

[@Roger-fs5yo]

If you believe you will ever get any respect from them buffoons on the left, then you are a fool👍

[@smoothsailing7325]

❤🤍💙

[@anonymoushuman8344]

Glad to hear it. I'm with Bill on most issues, and I like most of his stuff, but I can't stand Stephen Colbert's nastiness toward all conservatives these days. Bill is helping to heal our divisions, whereas Stephen is making them worse.

[@smoothsailing7325]

@@anonymoushuman8344 Agreed - Steven is hyper-partisan which doesn't help anyone

[@YouAreStillNotablaze]

@@anonymoushuman8344 Sorry, but he plays into the right-wing's hands as characterizing the entire liberal left as being extreme 'woke', a successful narrative that allows them to attack everything from actual history that they are _actually_ trying to erase and anything else they don't approve of. See the SVB bank failures, didn't even bother with more believable, but bs, narrative that it was somehow Biden's fault, making even other republicans face palm. Most liberals don't actually care about those extreme left narratives, but those narratives are given so much air on social media and used to paint all of us. It's also used to label anything as 'woke', including whenever they see a person or minority where they don't think they belong. "Woke" has become a label used in the same way those they would accuse the woke of using the word "racist" or "sexist" where it doesn't belong. It isn't even about ideology but people. The problems here is the left not pulling it's head out of it's butt and doing more. The right is doing plenty and being successful at it.

[@keihan5]

"A growing number of Americans support the idea of a "national divorce," but you can’t call yourself a patriot of the United States and not be for the whole “united” part." Thank you for saying this. As a liberal, I support this statement.

[@biggwillnyc4047]

I agree !!! A National Divorce is needed.

[@RichardA.-yi5sz]

I concur. Not with Taylor-Green about the red states & blue states; that won't work for multiple reasons. First, agreeing on which states ARE red or blue isn't so simple. Maher's right when he says that Georgia has 2 Democratic senators and over 2 million Democratics. Texas has 4 million Democrats & California has 3 million Republicans. But Maher correctly pointed out in another video that the states don't neatly divide into two contiguous land masses the way they did in the 1860s. Colorado & New Mexico are blue states surrounded by red. And from Washington State to Illinois, there's a wall of red states separating the Pacific Coast from the midwest & New England. Fortunately, we have something they didn't have during the Civil War. Computers. It isn't hard to enter data and come up with a boundary between the Republicans and Democrats that minimizes the distance people would have to travel to get on the side of it they like best. Clearly, each side would have to give up some land. The Democrats will need a strip of land along the Canadian border & the Republicans would need Colorado & New Mexico. And it would nudge tens of millions on both sides to migrate toward like minded folks. I'd say it would take months to give everyone time to move who's going. I would have to move north with the Democrats & that's fine.

[@biggwillnyc4047]

@RichardA.-yi5sz I disagree. CWII should be for ALL the marbles. No surrender with honor. Total win or total lose. The Entire losers must Leave the country. Period!!!!!

[@RichardA.-yi5sz]

@@biggwillnyc4047, ridiculous. I live in Texas, which has a border w/Mexico 1,969 miles wide. We cannot keep out Mexican immigrants. There are 11.4m illegal immigrants, and they didn't know America before they arrived. Are you seriously dumb enough to believe that we can keep out 74m Trump voters AND their families out of the entire country which they've known all their lives? I'm so fucking tired of people playing stupid to indulge petty emotional indulgences. We can be superior to the racists OR we can act like them, but we can't do both.

[@Vagnerpegas]

As a brazilian, I know how this feels. We are currently living in the same divisive environment that exists in the USA...

[@maxmartin2763]

But your justice system arrests and charges the anti-democracy "election deniers" on the spot. The US has to think about it first. 😅

[@lucycan6363]

Where America leads others fall in line. Political division around the world leading to massive chaos.

[@jumbostorm887]

@@lucycan6363 it’s the internet

[@seanbatiz6620]

@@jumbostorm887 the extreme minority Elite Caste of worldwide society, taking advantage of “the internet” to cause us peasants to bicker/fight amongst ourselves, worldwide. Like a present time Hunger Games

[@jyllian3990]

What is happening in Brazil?

[@fieldsj007]

Lol my best friend of 30 years is a die hard liberal and I’m a die hard Republican…we debate and argue all the time…I’m on my way over to help him clean out his garage 😂😂😂

[@dandybufo9664]

Nice ! I am in the same situation but reversed. Makes it easier that I have moved somewhat right.

[@onamattapeeya]

Congratulations, both of you are adults, maybe it will rub off on other people...

[@moresnare]

This is the way.

[@illuddivinus3309]

Same here man, my best bro believes in baby eating Democrats and that Trump was hand delivered by Jesus, but I just go with the flow and enjoy our IPA’s at the bar lol 😂

[@andrewharris9302]

Same bro I’m more of a liberal but not to far to the left. This country store I get my coffee at we argue about politics all the time and they have helped me and when they are in need I help them. We love each other they might not believe what I believe but they are my brother and sisters. We are greater together than separate. I love this country I would hate to see it fall

[@John-zh1ud]

It’s interesting to hear Bill Maher say politics has become the new religion, somewhat acknowledging religion itself isn’t the problem, but the groupthink - bit more of a nuanced point than he would have made 15 years ago. One of the challenges in America today is that somehow despite being born an American I frequently feel like more of a foreigner in my own country than when traveling abroad.

[@julienwatkins3574]

All religion is, is groupthink. Wrapped in superstitious mythology and a magic fairy in the sky. Make no mistake. Religion is the manifestation of stupidity.

[@Cybertech134]

@SteveSmith-dk1tl At least 30k people disagree with you.

[@GeronimoPlaz]

Letting yourself dehumanize other humans is the problem.

[@julienwatkins3574]

@GeronimoPlaz Nothing let's humans dehumanise others more than religion. Chosen few ect. Everyone else is a sinner doomed to destruction. Religion is vile.

[@hmanuel7138]

Talk about dehumanizing, toss in abortion. Can't beat that for dehumanizing. But Democrats hang their hats and are proud of it. With our birth rate we need less abortion. African Americans have not been able to boost their population percentage from 13% for decades. Now Hispanics and Latinos are largest minority and growing. That's OK, I'm an American born in Honduras.

[@SFUPodcast]

I’m a center right libertarian and I just can’t find common ground with far left or far right ideologies. To be so authoritarian on the left or right is a crazy concept. The federal government and mainstream media push the division, it’s almost like they’re setting us up.

[@mysticaltyger2009]

They're definitely setting us up. We have to stop taking the bait.

[@sunflowers9791]

The left isn't authoritarian.

[@jameslaughlin3298]

Each side: “We are the pure and chosen few, and all the rest are damned; there’s room enough in Hell for you, we don’t want Heaven crammed.” 😡

[@briane173]

The state motto for Jesussippi.

[@johnhurtme]

Then you die and everything fades to black as you realize it was all superstition and the only thing you gleaned from the big Jewish book of fairy tales was how not to be a complete dicl, but you used it as a weapon so didn't even accomplish that

[@michaelstone2340]

Yeah, but to be fair, the US has always been divided between progressive and conservative on most issues. They even fought a Civil War over it once. No other nation has ever fought a civil war over ideological differences. They will fight over religion and just regular power grabs, but never because one side is too progressive and the other too conservative. The divide is old and something's got to give. You can still form a defensive alliance when enemies come marching, but you guys need to separate before you trigger another civil war and kill each other.

[@atarileaf]

Both sides are damned. You're all stupid and doomed

[@brentharrington9235]

I disagree. The third side is don't corrupt children and stop with your demand that everyone agree with your secular religion.

[@ladev91]

This was actually a brilliant segment showing we aren't as different as we think and the lines are a bit blurred.

[@skydriver5709]

I'm on the right, and if you're on the left, we have much more in common than we are different. And even where we differ, it's mostly just a difference in path or solution, but we both agree on most of the same problems. Where the blur comes in, I think is mostly caused (intentionally) by the media. But we BOTH have to be careful not to let our prejudices and biases blind us to realities, or prevent us from giving honest fault or credit where they are due. But I very strongly disagree with the false equivalency Bill Maher made, where he said, "on one side we have the "Church of Woke", and on the other "The cult of Trump". That's a blurring of the line itself, but Maher is an entertainer first, so it's whatever. We're too loose when it comes to just throwing people into groups, that we're so divided in so many ways, that none of us have the unity anymore to take on any real problems, and maybe for the first time in American history, we're so divided into so many groups, the problems themselves are the most unified against us. We have to reach an agreeable middle ground on many issues, or the extremes will continue to win all the ground. Like abortion. We have to all agree that whether abortion is right, wrong, good or bad, ending a human life in any stage of development should be a last resort. We can't live in a civilized country where unborn puppies have more rights than unborn humans. We can't live in a civilized country, where millions of people can just freely pour in through the border. We can't live in a civilized country where being offended is more protected than the ability to offend, because the ability to offend is simply, "Free speech". And we can't live in a civilized country, where activists are allowed to change the definitions of our words, or erase scientific truths because they don't like them. Activism has to be kept out of our professional fields, especially science.

[@BigSnipp]

No. I'm nothing like election-denying MAGA fascists.

[@jayphoneuser2538]

Yes, but the problem is that there needs to be some kind of standards that we can all agree to. I draw the line at rampant crime in any neighborhood and pervs with an agenda teaching other people's kids how to twerk "in the name of tolerance". Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population wants to turn a blind eye to these problems and make excuses for bad people, and it's not helping anybody.

[@skydriver5709]

@@jayphoneuser2538 We have to cut out the rhetoric and nonsense from the conversations, but that's not possible when all the media in this country perpetuates it, and is the originator of nearly all of it. No matter how much water we bail out of the ship, it doesn't matter if the holes aren't plugged. I'm not even blaming leftist media or right wing media here. I'm blaming both. Both play the same music. Saying this isn't an attack on free speech, not even to suggest regulating so-called media. The media has replaced all journalism and importance of delivering objective, factual information, with 24 hours of nonstop Opinion shows, passed off a news and journalism. I'm not calling for an end to 'opinion' shows. I'm calling for an end to falsely equating them to "The Press", and removing their press credentials. Let them keep doing what they're doing, but it's not news and it's not journalism. It's "The View", on every cable news outlet, all day long. Whoopie and Joy Behar don't have Press credentials, for a reason. They're not journalists, and all they do is sit around and talk to each other about their opinions. That's all everyone at ABC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN and FOX do too. There are no national news outlets left in America. ZERO. Just 100% opinion propaganda, and most of it is "sponsored" by big corporations and Pharmaceutical companies. Fake news is ALL the news.

[@jayphoneuser2538]

@@skydriver5709 I'm right there with you, brother. I watch CNN and Fox, and I don't trust either one of them (although CNN is clearly the worse of the 2, if I'm being objective).

[@williamjameslehy1341]

Northern Ireland is absolutely NOT part of 'England'. It's part of the United Kingdom which contains England (including Cornwall), Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Calling it part of England would be like calling Vermont part of Massachusetts.

[@brianzimmerman1050]

This monologue is a good argument for having relatively strong states’ rights and a smaller federal government. We get to sort ourselves within the states we prefer, but still get to come together under one flag.

[@jamesclapp6832]

What if what you're state wants to do is unconstitutional?

[@brianzimmerman1050]

@@jamesclapp6832 well yeah… states have to abide by the constitution. The constitution is there to create a framework of government and protect some individual rights. Every level of government has to follow that.

[@zzybaloobah3095]

Exactly. We were never meant to be "married". More like "roommates".

[@conversationstreet.]

Wow, that part of "each side praying the other side doesn't destroy the country " was spot on

[@dontvoteforanybody3715]

That IS the problem - neither party believes in live and let live anymore. There is no party of liberty for all, which is the only unifying principle going.

[@Gemini530]

That's why we need to split the country

[@writerconsidered]

In Washington both parties are destroying this country. Corporations bribing our politicians is the enemy. Until the 99% step off the social issues and focus on the connection between legislation and the donor class backing them. We will never solve any problem in the country. Bill has been doing a real slight of hand on here by ignoring the left on economic issues and instead focusing on the "woke" issues. He's part of the problem not the solution.

[@steve_beatty]

It's what "they" want...to keep us divided so we can't overthrow them when the majority of the citizens finally comes to the realization that the real enemy here is not your left or right leaning neighbor..but over reaching corrupt guvmint (sic) itself.....

[@ronniebauman28]

@@dontvoteforanybody3715 there is. They just can't get elected because elections are a money game. Democrats pump millions of dollars in trying to get people that lean pretty right so that it will be easier to call them crazy alt right wackos. Politics is a dirty dirty game. And as long as money is the driving force. We will never have a government for the people, by the people.

[@allieclark1246]

" You can't call yourself a patriot of the United States and not be for the United part" Amen!

[@dustinprewitt]

Thankfully, I've never called myself a patriot.

[@Caleb983]

You people would have supported the Crown in 1776, smh

[@bobm9509]

You can't call yourself American and love government.

[@CarnesSurefire]

The people disagreeing in this thread only reinforce their inability to hold a country together (no matter its size). They have never served in the US Military and never will. If they ever did form their "perfect" country then it would quickly collapse into anarchy and be annexed.

[@rorycannon7295]

@@Caleb983 no lmao, look at how ukraine's fight for independence is going

[@thefivewoundsofchrist]

Bill's been speaking a lot of truth lately to both sides...

[@GeorgeJob-zr9er]

Not about Northern Ireland,that's shite

[@michaelespinosa9168]

We are all neighbors on this infinitely small pale blue dot 🌍 not to mention life is so short and so precious. So if you’re lucky enough to be alive and reading this: be kind, give peace a chance and all you need is love.

[@erikvitagliano1040]

I'm conservative. In an attempt to be fully informed I try to watch liberal outlets as well as conservative ones. Bill Maher is one of those sources. He is a great comedian. And he is an intelligent and witty reporter. I find myself agreeing with him more often than not. This particular piece is amazing and right on point. Bill Maher has been advocating unity for some time. It's great that not only does he bluntly say it here, but that his audience cheers him on for it. Great work Mr Maher. Please keep it up.

[@zennyspent]

Outstanding. We need more people like you, sincerely, regardless of political leanings.

[@tammiehinkle2040]

I too am a conservative Bill Maher watcher....however I find that he's not as much a source for "the other side" as much these days. While I agree with him on a good portion of his comments, I cannot say the same for much of what is said on CNN

[@frankgradus9474]

"Cute Authoritarianism", Ewan Morrison - well worth a read.

[@justinmartin8170]

Bill is basically a pro gay marriage and pro pot conservative these days cuz he’s what used to be considered liberal before the party moved so much further left.

[@nighthawk5295]

well, you should understand that we're now reaching the limits. Can you see any way to rectify the problem? Not really. Because the Elitists who control us certainly make sure that we can't challenge the system. That's why it's time for a separation.

[@darkwoodmovies]

We need to restore civility, but at the same time it becomes extremely difficult to have a mature debate with people who have been brainwashed to such an extent that they literally refuse to accept facts and invent their own version of reality (and there are those on both sides).

[@danieldussan6754]

As always Bill is simply fantastic!

[@tomistenlund9727]

I can not even imagine the problems America has... But Mr Maher digs out the issues so well... and with intelligent humour. Americans are the best at making jokes about themselves. Respect from Finland

[@charlestidwell4970]

At least a few of us. We do need more.

[@mjkittredge]

we have two problems. The politicians here are sock puppets of the wealthy donor class. And the citizens are so tribalistic and lacking in critical thinking skills that they still believe republicans or democrats are a good choice or actually represent us. So the two major parties (which are really just one, the party of the rich) pass the baton back and forth and nothing gets better, everything gets worse, longstanding issues are left to fester. Fingers are pointed but they're all to blame.

[@chrisjoosten9819]

Much respect back at ya, from USA, bud.

[@asdfjkl7430]

@Tomi Stenlund I'm thinking of moving to Finland, from America. My first choice was Norway (because the language comes so much easier to me), but they ended their college tuition-free policy for all foreigners (is all of Europe going to follow that trend, I wonder?). Finland's proximity to Russia makes me a little nervous though, given Russia's current aggressions, lol. Any comment/suggestion welcomed. Thanks.

[@bj3485]

@@asdfjkl7430 wait to they get nato membership

[@RoadCaptainEntertain]

“Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.” George Carlin

[@jtw71]

Or frightened, or ignorant, or starving people for that matter

[@krazy9979]

The most dangerous animal in the world is a human being full of fear.

[@TheMc2nv]

lol he was talking about Dems

[@AbidingDude420]

Carlin was prophetic.

[@FromRootsToRadicals_INTP]

We dont we saw them all dress up as different genders, state black conservatives were white supremacists, burn cities down, and vote in biden. 😎

[@chrismac2234]

I was in Ireland before 96. At a check point I was asked " am I Catholic or protestant?" I said "I'm an atheist" "Yes but are you a Catholic or protestant athiest"

[@xhagast]

Be VERY scared, in the Spanish Civil War each side was made up of half a dozen factions. Both tried to suppress or absorb all the factions into one. Franco, in the "conservative" side, succeeded peacefully. And when he won he crushed the other side. The other side probably lost because of the infighting. What matters is that the Spanish scenario could be applied to the US. There were no clear lines like in the American Civil War. There was total chaos and for a year the war was fought by militias armed by the respective governments. It could happen in the US. It started with a failed coup.

[@robertlyman9789]

If everyone followed the bill of rights and the Constitution, and got away from the 2 tiers of justice, we would probably be just fine!

[@keihan5]

Exactly. Whether you are liberal or conservative. The bill of rights pretty much spells it out. Unfortunately, neither side seems to grasp it and the right seems to, specifically, diverge from it entirely.

[@dougvalmore1450]

...which is why I love Bill Maher. I don't agree with ALL he says (but I do agree with MOST he says). But he always speaks the truth - like a Martini, with a twist - of humor!

[@dontvoteforanybody3715]

No, he doesn't. E.g. even in this segment, all of the stupid people are Republicans. FFS, Bill, you can't plead for unity while trash-talking.

[@williamadams4843]

Yeah he has his corporate masters talking points down pat. My advice learn mandarin you're going to need it.

[@joewaters5828]

James Bond does not approve.

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

​​​​@@williamadams4843 Mandarin is beautiful vs the language that neo-Nazis speak.

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

​@@williamadams4843 Like those dudes on Capitol Hill who yelled outlandish stuff

[@TheGavric]

It's true, you can't even talk with "those people"; people who are emotionally dug in, unable to reason and consider facts, and who don't listen but shout over others and interrupt. They're on both sides of every conflict. They always have been. Unfortunately, their numbers have swelled and they are emboldened. Somehow they took the driver's seat and now we're headed for the edge. I share your fears about what may come. Alas, "those people" aren't listening to the likes of you and they can't accept the message regardless. America doesn't need a divorce. It needs national anger management and therapy.

[@dsula2146]

america needs pride in its culture and heritage. Instead of bending over backward to every loony that comes along to scream "victim".

[@TheBolligerMabillardLover]

Definitely anger management and therapy. Just look at how people drive and react when honked at for doing something reckless. No taking personal responsibility and holding yourself accountable for how your selfish and bad driving habits put other people's lives at risk while they are driving. Those are the circumstances that cause me to honk at people, I don't do it randomly.

[@GnarledSage]

The message of the video will be understood by very few. Instead it will be taken and transform into a message of more division. Because tbf when you call for union, but, still call the “others” idiots, and it’s all about us and them. That’s the only part that most will take and will do it literally. Until we understand that throwing money and laws to silence anyone, and telling others how they should or shouldn’t live while claiming absolute truths. We won’t accomplish anything. So much division will explode at some point. And we’re are testing the limits everyday. We need balance, not left or right. Just a middle point. The world is not black or white. It’s all shades or gray.

[@bluegold21]

@@GnarledSage The maga's have taken over this comment page. It is clearly only the right wing that is invoking violent discourse. The argument that those types of people are on both sides is a completely disproportionate representation. The right wing possesses all the xenophobes and bigots. The right-wing allows people like Green and Boebert to encourage conflict. The right wing regularly speaks in tongues to manipulate the perception of events. The lies and scandals coming out of the Repugnants side have caused an avalanche of litigation and criminal investigations. The ultra-liberals who use left-wing ideology to platform themselves can be really bitchy but they aren't systematically doing villainy. And they are a very small, hardly ever heard part of the left. Those are the people Bill is referring to but again it is a disproportionate representation which only panders to the core right-wing that, whether they know it or not, are clearly supportive of fascist leadership. And just to note, there are far-right infiltrators purposefully stirring s**t up within left-wing circles. A divide-and-conquer philosophy which has always been a mainstay of despots. Ergo; a Bill Maher comment page that is full of non-disclosed magats/fascists agreeing with him as if they are part of the left-wing clique. The propaganda is working but a lot of left-wing pundits seem either dumb to the notion or refuse to accept that such cohesion can work on them without them realising.

[@dparky1627]

@@GnarledSage, “we need balance.” Amen sir or ma’am. But unfortunately in this two-party system that has dominated the American political landscape for centuries it’s hard to find that balance. And it doesn’t look like it’ll change anytime soon. I’d love to have a true centrist third party. Or multiple parties actually. But will the two that we have now ever let go of their grip on power? Me thinks no. Does that mean that that dream is impossible? No. If the American public wants it it’ll happen. But I fear it’ll be an uphill battle.

[@patrickk6331]

Whoever writes his speaches deserves on hell of a raise. Very well said

[@m.elainebates7931]

This rant reminds me of a MAD magazine primer from back in the day. It was describing different people. One of the drawings was of a so-called "patriot." It said this: A patriot is somebody who loves his country 100% while hating 99% of the people in it. We're all Americans & just need to listen to each other w/o fighting when somebody disagrees with you. Thx, Bill...I do appreciate the funny "Wokoklahoma" reference. Some would if they could👀 (Im from OK)

[@shannonroche1182]

Amen bill lol ...growing up I never even knew what party my grandparents or parents even voted for and they did every year . They said my ballot is mine and secret . Not one word was ever spoken after any election .

[@MarklovesAngels]

Yes, to this day, I don't know how my elders voted or what party they belonged to. They worked tirelessly and were proud to live here.

[@deesfreespirityoga4945]

I'm impressed!

[@Hollowsmith]

"Our hatred should make us feel bad about ourselves. We shouldn't like that feeling. Do you know why people hate? I'll tell you. People hate because something hurt them. When you see someone filled with hate, they're also filled with hurt. When we meet people that are different than us, sometimes we hate them to try to scare them away, because we're worried they might hurt us. But most people don't want to hurt you. Most people just want to know you love them. Love is how we work out our differences." - Fred Rodgers, 1981

[@ThatSingingGuy]

Sweet, but naive. Some differences are irreconcilable. In the political sphere, I can find no productively common ground with jihadists and theocrats. Their idea of love and happiness is antithetical to my own.

[@Hollowsmith]

@@ThatSingingGuy You should be able to find common ground with anyone not actively planning to kill you. Don't disregard rules simply because exceptions exist. I could say "Going for a walk outside each day is good for you." And you could say "Sweet but naive. There's serial killers on the loose at all times. We never know where they are. You could die out there. Etc." Yes. There's exceptions to a walk outside being good for you. But, it's the rule. The rule with hatred, is that we do it far too easily. And we are far too proud of ourselves for it. And we are far too slow to question what happens when we begin defining our social circles with those who have our shared hatreds. Ironically to your comment, it's this very "path of most hatred reenforcement" that ends in things like a jihadist organization.

[@Hollowsmith]

@Edward Hate the action, not the person.

[@Hollowsmith]

@Edward Actions aren't sentient. Beings are. Hating an action does not cause hurt. Hating a being does. And then that being normalizes being met with hatred as the way they'll meet others.

[@ian59]

@Edward Every person has lied at least once in their life, do you hate all humans? At some point we have to acknowledge that we too are flawed and capable of immoral actions and that the forgiveness that we hope to receive from others when we do something "evil" needs to also be reciprocated by us for their mistakes.

[@muradbabaniyazov81]

The key to being united is leaving people some options. You know what's limiting options for people nowadays? Trying to regulate everything on a federal level. "I don't like ******, so we need to make sure nobody in the entire country has access to it"....yeah, good luck uniting people with that outlook. Limit federal government's involvement and people will be a lot less divided....not completely united, but it's the first step.

[@Patrick_3751]

A few states tried a national divorce in 1860-61. It didn't end well....

[@THR33STEP]

DAMN!!! That was some brilliant writing!! Beautiful speech ending with an incredible last thought!

[@christhomson7669]

Growing up, I never knew how my teachers voted. Hell, I still don't know how my grandparents voted. I really miss that world were people didn't discuss politics at thr dinner table. That's the America I want back.

[@terryhutchings7701]

Me too!

[@frednicholson]

But I thought diversity was our strength?

[@joewaters5828]

If you didn't know how your grandparents voted, then maybe recollect as to how they thought and acted. This isn't a troll. I'm just in the same boat as you

[@briangulley6027]

True but that was way before 24 hours news / opinion shows and way way way before social media. In those days they didn't have the issues we have today, no one heard about trans people, and no one ever thought of men using women's restrooms much less men in women's sports. Today's world in nothing like the mid 20th century. I'm 63 and the world has changed a lot in my lifetime, and I don't like most of it.

[@thomasmichael2766]

@@frednicholson It is, but a large part of that is the whole learning how to work together thing we've all seemed to have forgotten.

[@vengenceismine]

DO NOT GO TO KISS THE BLARNEY STONE, the locals piss on it on the regular.

[@curleed85]

There are always jerks on both sides of the line and it’s not so much the religion or the political party as it is the individual. Bill Maher is also right in that people are always going to disagree with one another, so we need to put our differences aside for the sake of unity. Which is what I make of this, anyway.

[@laskatz3626]

Your Ireland comparison is so good. I wish it could be aired on every tv station. We all need to see it. Thank you so much for your reasonable perspective.

[@JanetPlanetTube]

He made a point, but he was wrong in saying "the troubles" were between Catholics and Protestants. It was never about religion. It was about money and UK colonization. Not going to give a history lesson here, but isn't always about money and power?

[@k.p.c7779]

​@Janet Shaughnessy theology usually comes with a lot of acquisition and realloccation of resources.

[@fbenbow2197]

His sentiment was OK but his understanding and his comparison were wrong. Never mind

[@tomogden2432]

@@JanetPlanetTube - "the Troubles" weren't about religion per se, but the warring factions were divided by religion; Catholics wanted Northern Ireland to become a part of the Irish Republic, while Protestants wanted it to remain a part of the UK.

[@vsedai]

Well because it was NOT about religion it was about self-determination. Religion was in the mix only because the ethnic Irish were/are Catholics and the English are famously Protestant.

[@MissCarlyJoy]

Honestly waiting tables and bartending has helped me so much over the years with not only tolerating, but embracing all kinds of people. Whether it’s a dude in rebel flag shirt or a trans lady or a Mennonite family or immigrants with no English or a white girl just like me, we can find things to connect us. It’s surprisingly easy. If you can’t find something you both like, you can certainly find something you both hate to bond over. Lol. America is fucking awesome.

[@lesleyjohnson8488]

you are awesome

[@Cagliostro81]

Okay, I would LOVE to hear about the Mennonite family that came into a bar or restaurant!

[@dtagshustle5660]

America should have a mandatory period of waiting tables the way Israel has mandatory service. For exactly the reasons you described and just to make people less of a dick to service industry folks in general.

[@bluelady549]

You rock! I worked with people from all around the world when I was in manufacturing. It was such a pleasure to meet them and get to know their stories, some of which were horrific. We all have things in common if only we'd take the time to discover them. Even as you said, things we both hate. You're on a good path to a fulfilling life. Keep going!

[@MissCarlyJoy]

@@Cagliostro81 I work in Branson, MO and we get TONS of mennonites and even Amish. They’re notoriously terrible tippers, but always kind. They drink tea and lemonade but one time, I kid you not, a Mennonite man ordered a Sex on the Beach.

[@BigAL0074]

No one in Britain thinks NK is part of England, you should be able to do better than this Bill.

[@raymondhaigneyiiddsfacs2648]

Bill, as you talk about getting along, you then mock those you don’t agree with

[@83btm]

Yes. He makes some good points, but then he goes on to call people who don't agree with killing unborn human beings, the "bad ones." Then, he runs his nauseatingly cheesy laugh track, insinuating that it's ridiculous to disagree with this viewpoint.

[@theketaminekid1241]

​@@83btm There's no laugh track bud, that's a libe studio audience.

[@83btm]

@@theketaminekid1241 I'll take your word for it. Whether it's a track, or a live, coached, and directed audience, my original point stands.

[@drgunnwilliams8239]

Well said Bill Maher. As a Canadian growing up in 70's, I seen this country divided over language. The FLQ crises, Murder by terrorist from within our own borders, of a British diplomat, Rise of seperatist political party into power and declaration of War Measures Act. Having worked in USA for year's I am firmly convinced America as a united country would not survive if that was to happen over left & right lines. As a Canadian I suppose I should cheer it on. After the dust settled, now divided into at least 5 countries,Canada would become North America's Super economy. We would having absorbed several northern neighbor states into our fold. Would mean I could retire further south! (the important part)

[@hmanuel7138]

😅Sorry' we'll drag you into it also. You Canadians can't hide forever.

[@kingjbird92]

What do people not get about the “united” part of the “United States of America?” Brilliant Maher!

[@scottsledgister1877]

The left want to lead this country off a cliff and into slavery to the state. Only a fool would be "United" with those who seek to destroy everything you hold dear. I want the divorce so both side can build the lives they want. I'm tired of the endless stalemate where neither gets the way of life they desire.

[@michaelstone2340]

The US united to fight off a British invasion. It was collective security. Ideologically, the country was never united.

[@ginsuthegreat]

I never thought I’d see the day Bill Maher was the most patriotic American. Seriously he continues to express the most American ideal of in this togetherness.

[@jrl4907]

No he isn't - He's still slagging the right. Same old same old....

[@chadwickerman]

@@jrl4907 "Slagging the right" doesn't mean unpatriotic. You should rewatch the video and listen this time.

[@Caleb983]

The most American ideal is life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Gtfo with this "togetherness" cult mentality

[@imainfidel7185]

😂👉TDS

[@bedcech]

By shitting on half the country within the first minute of his dialog?

[@RobertBullock]

Or we could have, say, 50 different little ones. Lets call them 'states'.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

ROFLMMFAO.. Jesusippi... oh damn, that is just _so, so, sooooo_ hilarious.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Every new state name he mentioned is pure platinum. AMERICA, FUCK YEAH!

[@SG-es2hf]

See this is why I love Bill...putting in to words the ridiculousness of politicians. Thank you 💚

[@curbozerboomer1773]

Both of his politicians on the panel were inadequate...but Bill was very adequate.

[@arnefredriksen7822]

For outsiders it is not politics which has replaced religion in USA, it is money. Same as in many other countries

[@nagyee15]

by far the best episode imo. such great subjects and arguments w great guests. lot of teenagers and up should watch this episode only

[@yannaleyva4554]

i repeat: "it's just politics, why can't we get along" says white man Bill Maher whose very existence and future isn't threatened by said politics like every woman in this nation and almost every single minority group, let alone the entire island of Puerto Rico suffering due to 'it's just politics' thinking, lmfao. You become more boomer with every passing week, and then you wonder why the youth despise your thinking and laugh at your show. A judge just struck down the requirement for insurance companies to cover preventative care costs without copays and you want to talk about how people like me and most of my generation want to let all the republicans form their own shithole country and rot away from us. You want to hold onto land as a dying generation and are mad the youth are doing what is necessary for us to survive lmfaooo

[@JackWeaver]

Good message, but the very fact this kind of thing is being discussed is because people have lost sight of what it means to be part of a system of government based on Federalism. Instead, every problem in America is seen as a lack of a solution at the national level. When things become compulsory at the federal level, you leave individuals and states with little or no option. Contentious issues need to be State issues, and people need to be free to pick and choose based on their individual believes and value systems. The Federal government will govern within the confines detailed in the Constitution, and everything else is left up to the States. If we stop bloating and increasing the power at the Federal level, you'll find more or less people are OK leaving each other alone, and this idea of a split union wouldn't be popular. Instead, everything is crammed down on everyone from the federal level, regardless of how contentious the issue is. It's no wonder people want to "divorce".

[@LucAnderssen]

George Carlin once said: "America prays to God to destroy our enemies, our enemies pray to God to destroy us. Someones got to be disapointed. Someones are wasting their fucking time. Could It be.... everyone?"

[@lennonacid]

People also assume that George Carlin was a staunch liberal and Democrat. Indeed, he adhered to no specific political party. He even said so himself.

[@williamadams4843]

Well now that we buy all our medicine, metal,electronics,transportation,food from other countries instead of making them here. I am sure we are doing so much better than then

[@zer0_d0wn45]

its almost as if this keeps happening every so often. heh human brilliance is a cycle that ends in eradication.... and if u sub and follow i have even darker jokes.... but honestly i love that quote and was about to berate it before i noticed u claimed it was carlin.. which i dont remember the line from... sigh. but either way im thankful for it. #comedymothership get on while theres still room.

[@murrismiller2312]

g.carlin was a dumb atheist...dont quote him as if he was a saviour from insanity.

[@anaibarangan4908]

Yes, because God is in control over all. Believing that our Creator fascilitates understanding why.. I understand that maybe have to be me to see how much that's true, but it's definitely true.

[@spockhozzer7207]

You'd be surprised how centrist and moderate most of the country can be if you literally eliminate the extremes

[@markwalker8374]

Seems like they have replaced the previous canned laughter track and binned the whoopers. Well done. Much more watchable

[@AnthonyJMurph]

This is what Makes America Great. We can disagree on nearly everything, but still remain together.

[@pamelacass9642]

Really?!?!?

[@tommyhinzo7]

If only our politicians would be committed to these ideals...

[@trishalamb138]

Unfortunately they thrive on the discord- it brings more money into their coffers, and for many of them that’s all that matters 😒

[@Paul_C]

Shouldn't that be: 'if only all politicians were committed in an asylum'?

[@alexfortin7209]

“Oh Jesus, Thanks Batman” 🤣 The image of Donald Trump dressed as Batman can never be erased from my mind 🦇

[@LamarrKee]

You Could hope to be blessed with amnesia, I suppose... No-one deserves to have That image with them forever.

[@jimbob3030]

Trump is nothing like batman and everything like Bane, and the Bane face mask would fit his personality perfectly.

[@BeverlyMcGhee]

Bill you never fail to hit the nail on the head. I am more middle than left or right but care more about people than guns. Thanks for challenging us to be more tolerant and less critical of others. I believe we should live in a free society and let people live their own lives, as long as they don't impose their values on anyone else!

[@toddlincoln4026]

THANK YOU BILL WELL SAID

[@jiiicrowelle]

I don’t agree with Bill a lot of the time but this speech makes the most sense and I’m proud he said this stuff!

[@cstuartdc]

Whenever a (R) suggests divorce I always rebut with. . ."Okay, we get the dollar and you take 60% of the national debt with you since you caused it." That usually shuts them up. Obviously, none of them have actually EXPERIENCED divorce where you split up assets and liabilities.

[@dshepherd107]

Agreed

[@javiersilva1577]

How can you compare bombings and snipings during the IRA, to America? It’s not comparable not even close. How ignorant are you?

[@Bubbles99718]

Disagree. Ever try and talk to flat earther or creationist? Same thing with magascum, there is no discussion to be had and in the meantime they will destroy everything, literally everything.

[@classa21]

@@cstuartdc You're the problem right there. "Whenever the (R)" Look at your own party. They refuse to talk to the "other". They refuse to work with the "other". They demand you comply with same thing or you're the "other". You keep to your thought and they change now you're the "other". I'll also point to a number of the Hollywood "elites" that he's part of demanding it. I'll also point to the democrats who war gammed if Trump won 2020 the west coast should leave. Democrats have pushed and pushed for it and now some republicans are saying ok they're crazy and starting civil war. Sorry but Bill is just some loser with a talk show that does 0 research on anything and just walks on set and reads what his writers have told him to say.

[@cod-the-creator]

The most I've agreed with Bill Maher in a long time.

[@devinmcmanus]

The "United" part is what makes America great.

[@lincoln5016]

The current state of division in the country is far more dangerous than any one party or political leader. We need to come together as Americans and embrace our differences.

[@blackblake3658]

Easy for white people to say. The right is full of KKK types. How do people of color ignore this?

[@roballen8431]

That will not happen.

[@smythsonianisback4190]

No.

[@smithologist5272]

Absolutely not

[@1492tomato]

This "comedian" has become more of a Voice of Reason than government, media and academia combined.

[@ellecampbell3271]

Bill has an entire team of writers who craft the stuff he says. Just FYI.

[@sudhirnair]

Fabulous! Well said Bill!

[@tommaguire5244]

I've been reading some of the articles at Foreign Affairs about Iraq, and also rereading a book entitled " Alicia, my story", by Alicia Appleman-Jurman, the autobiography of a woman who survived the Holocaust. It's appalling how bad societies can get when people cooperate with excuses for seeing other people - and treating other people - with contempt. This may seem like an obvious or even banal comment, but I think the reminder is worthwhile, and I appreciate moderates like Bill Maher. Hopefully his acerbic wit can help the US hold on to it's sanity.

[@Kteeee]

We need more people talking like this or the country is gonna fall apart and that’s what our adversaries want

[@onamattapeeya]

You disagree with me? As long as you cut your grass and pay your taxes and don't let your dog poop in my yard we can disagree all day, because we're adults, we're not going to agree on everything, we're not meant to agree on everything, but when you have people on both sides that have to have their way, compromise cannot be achieved

[@smokeyhoodoo]

I dont have adversaries

[@sasha-stone]

Really no. In typical fashion he only takes hits at MAGA. So all that does is perpetuate the war.

[@8-bitavatar696]

@@onamattapeeya I don't feel like cutting my grass, I don't pay my taxes and my dog can poop anywhere she likes thank you very much. You can't have it your way. Can we compromise?

[@jameshannagan4256]

@@smokeyhoodoo But as a nation we actually do if you think China or the Soviets mean us well do a little reading on the subject they have been trying to spread discord for many years and I say that as a white 58 year old fairly left leaning person it is a fact.

[@cryhavoc6106]

People should read George Washington's presidential farewell letter to the people. Everything he warns us about has come to fruition.

[@xhagast]

Be VERY scared, in the Spanish Civil War each side was made up of half a dozen factions. Both tried to suppress or absorb all the factions into one. Franco, in the "conservative" side, succeeded peacefully. And when he won he crushed the other side. The other side probably lost because of the infighting. What matters is that the Spanish scenario could be applied to the US. There were no clear lines like in the American Civil War. There was total chaos and for a year the war was fought by militias armed by the respective governments. It could happen in the US. It started with a failed coup.

[@jameslindsay24601]

Stick with the one- no division. We can all get along if we try

[@MesaFalcon]

This was a brilliant piece, and one that is desperately needed. Thanks to Bill and his team for reminding us all to have a little perspective and to think carefully about - and call out - the nonsense that too often passes for politics-- not just in the U.S. but in many Western countries.

[@jenniferstephens1649]

As always Bill Maher is a genius

[@redomega24]

No. I will not to consent to be ruled by people who I share zero intrinsic values with.

[@onamattapeeya]

​@@redomega24 good luck with that Karen, I guess you don't realize you've been ruled by people that don't share your values for your entire life and you're just now figuring it out?

[@lbazemore585]

Time to move.

[@redomega24]

@@lbazemore585 correction: time to decentralize

[@VacationImpossible]

"I am your justice" says the guy facing more lawsuits as a defendant than I can count

[@warofnoise5394]

very rarely have those panned out

[@VacationImpossible]

@The Rotten💯 as a Canadian I reserve the right to throw spitballs from the back of the class...and apologize later 😜

[@anthonyr587]

and Biden would be right there with him if the DOJ wasn't under the payroll.

[@jjrockjaw]

As an American, I can say Canada is a lost cause. Fix your own toilet before u crap in our house.

[@saltyandthebeefcracker4863]

How much do can you count?

[@xyz9b]

Go Bill!! Although I confess that the thought of living in my own little sliver of Balkanized America sure does feel good at times.

[@JK_JK_JK]

What is the Covid-related mortality for non-elderly persons with no comorbidities?

[@user-wl1uz5sb9f]

Brilliant! Needed more than ever Bill!

[@a120068020]

A lot of Americans use England and UK interchangeably. They are not the same. To quote Wikipedia: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands within the British Isles.

[@gc3k]

A lot of countries refer to UK as England

[@irish7summits]

Ohhhh you got so close there. But right at the end you used a term that doesn't exist anymore and doesn't include Ireland. The 'British Isles' term is as relevant nowadays as Prussia. Ireland is not a British Isle nor has it been part of that reference for 101 years now. You've had a century to figure that out. High time to retire that reference, not least because Ireland doesn't recognise it and it is disrespectful to Irish people to refer to their country using it. Also Isle of Man isn't part of the UK so not all islands around GB are part of UK.

[@JohnCooper-gm6mn]

​@@irish7summits If you're going to try and correct someone then you should make sure you know what you're talking about first. OP never said that all the islands in the British Isles are part of the UK, so your "what about the Isle of Mann" bit was totally pointless. Also, the term "British Isles" is a geographical one, used to refer to the archipelago off the northwest of continental Europe, and is most definitely still in use. The island of Éire is the second largest of the islands in this archipelago, on which you will find the countries of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

[@doublehelix3952]

Is that "The Isle of Aimee Mann" or "The Isle of Thomas Mann"? (What was that about ". . . you should make sure you know what you're talking about first"?

[@Philotus]

@@irish7summitsBritish Isles is a geographical term. You don’t have to use it. The French don’t call the English Channel the English Channel. Btw where is the Isle of Man?

[@dolliscrawford280]

Ranked choice voting. Let's encourage more diversification.

[@PoopiteeScoop]

One side wants to get government out of my life, the other is cruel, demanding, and power hungry. Nah, I'm good...

[@corycardwell]

you are referring to republicans in the latter part right?? They want government making medical decisions for women, the want government to decide what books people can read in libraries, they want government to tell parents that they cant support their lgbt child, they want government to ban free lgbt speech, they want government to tell teachers to not recognize the history of our nation's racial past.... yeah I hope you are talking about the republicans.

[@jonboll2066]

We are so divided because of the media. If they would just report the damn news and let people form their own opinions then every one won't be so pissed off at people they will never have to deal with

[@roberthunt1540]

Yep. That's Fox News' motto: "We report, you decide". It's working out great!

[@MisterCaution]

My guess is more social media taking people further down rabbit holes and reinforcing their bubbles with anonymous comments from likeminded randoms.

[@brandonmay7873]

@@roberthunt1540 let me guess, you think it’s only fox…not msnbc, cnn, nbc, etc

[@lancemanyon7645]

@@brandonmay7873 well to be fair only one of those you lost has been caught red handed and under oath cooperating with the biggest lie in our lifetime which basically called into question the very fabric of democracy for financial gain. Do yourself a favor if you are up early like I am and live on the east coast watch the morning news channels on mute just reading headlines. That’s how I see it while doing cardio and you will see a noticeable difference between Fox and Friends compared to CBS, ABC to name a few. It’s alarming how Fox for example blames everything on everyone else and and uses trigger words like “woke”. MSNBC and CNN focus way too much on Trump but it’s 1 person not every GOP person, now they do sprinkle in the stupidity of MTG, Gaetz, Boebert and Jordan but only when they say something so stupid like MTG yelling about under Biden the US has seized more Fentanyl in the last 2 years around the border which is true and actually praising current admin but she apparently doesn’t know what seized means. They still tell you when someone like AOC does something completely wrong too and are critical or question the decision of Biden admin.

[@erickolb8581]

if it didn't make profit, they wouldn't do it. Telling all of them to report the news as unbiased as possible is a lot like telling them to dislike money at this point. Good luck!

[@howlinhobbit]

I don’t always agree with Bill, but that’s why I like him. he gives me something to think about. as it happens, in this case I agree 100%.

[@brwi1]

People who have nothing in common and hate each other have no business sharing a country.

[@xhagast]

Be VERY scared, in the Spanish Civil War each side was made up of half a dozen factions. Both tried to suppress or absorb all the factions into one. Franco, in the "conservative" side, succeeded peacefully. And when he won he crushed the other side. The other side probably lost because of the infighting. What matters is that the Spanish scenario could be applied to the US. There were no clear lines like in the American Civil War. There was total chaos and for a year the war was fought by militias armed by the respective governments. It could happen in the US. It started with a failed coup.

[@brwi1]

@@xhagast we don’t have to fight. Just peacefully depart and go our separate ways

[@xhagast]

@@brwi1 Sigh. How to say it without insulting you? Lets say your state is by the Colorado. The states above are taking too much water. Those below say YOU are taking too much water. There you have reasons for war. Lincoln was asked were was the evil on letting the South go? What reason would there be for fighting? Lincoln answered that there would be the same reasons the states of Europe have to fight each other. Peacefully DEPARTING is not the problem. Tomorrow is the problem. The US took land from Mexico until all the good land was taken. It TRIED to take Canada and failed. It isn't worth it anyway. Jesusippi would want a sea port in the Gulf. Others would want other things.

[@brwi1]

@@xhagast no worries, I can’t be insulted by that rambling mess of a reply

[@danielroher3605]

AWESOME AGAIN !!!

[@dancollins3467]

Thanks Bill! Keep this message going and keep pointing out the absurdities wherever you see them, whether they’re right, left, or center.

[@georgeriszko]

He is not at all even handed. I suppose he has to play up to his very partisan audience for commercial reasons. I do understand, but I tire of his independent posture presence.

[@Rasarel]

Haha, there is no center in the USA. In Europe each country has 5-6 parties. USA has 2... That's the recipe for a catastrophe. Republicans are half brain dead and democrats are crazy and you don't have a single normal party to vote for. I guess that episode about Americans being stupid explains it all...

[@reynardthefox]

great insight Bill and the biggest. problem in America is our 'disunion' .. get it together,people

[@harbs_cantina]

America's National Leprechaun...that name for her is now sticking for me :)

[@batprime1177]

This is my favorite episode

[@thevoxdeus]

The United States has a pretty good system to allow regional differences. It's called Federalism. Unfortunately the United States has become more and more centralized, both in structure and in mentality, so that people in one state feel threatened by the possibility that someone in a different state with different circumstances is "doing it wrong."

[@brendancurtis7848]

One of Maher’s best takes! Bravo👏👏

[@VadulTharys]

except it was filled with hypocrisy and the same hate he was supposedly commenting on. Notice he failed to mention the 63 murders of republicans since 2016 by democrats who all stated they "were riding the nations of evil fascists Trumpsters" One an 18 year old boy ran over while walking home. Another a young man standing in front of his door, then the Black Street Preacher who was a Trump supporter, the 17 year old campaign volunteer, the 23 year old single mother, the 65 year old Mexican man who was wearing a Trump hat - who was not even a US citizen but a green card holder. the 52 year old Hasidic Jew murdered by "anti fascists", A black and openly gay police officer murdered for speaking at a free speech rally. Then there are the over 18k violent assaults against anyone not a democrat. Compare that to the 87 assaults by centrists and right leaning people all of who after trial were found to be defending themselves and only 3 were convicted, for using excessive force. I do not care to list all of them but in that same time one person was killed by a now convicted mentally ill man who was too mentally and intellectually challenged to understand he was supporting white supremacists in Charlottesville. The person was not even killed by a republican or Trump supporter, but the left never stops screaming about that.

[@pauls5096]

Blame social media.

[@MrJacobrabbit]

Talk radio doesn't help either

[@ExaValkur]

If any American wants the states to be cohesive, they need to embrace the ideas of federalism, states rights, and the 9th & 10th Amendments. Let the states do their thing and stop trying to tell people how to live their lives.

[@redmondrecords2196]

Hitting it out of the ballpark there!!! Bill Maher Legend!

[@imainfidel7185]

😂👉📺🐑🐑🐑🐑🐑

[@rocketmanrogers8723]

I visited the Czech Republic and Slovakia a few years ago. I asked some of the locals, in both countries, why Czechoslovakia was no more. They both said roughly the same thing: “We’re still friends, but we believed in doing things differently”.

[@drsnova7313]

They were a multi-ethnic state from the beginning - uniting czechs and slovaks after WW1 in one nation was a new idea. So it already started with a strong divide between czechs - who saw themselves as superior, better educated, more industrious, and as protectors of their "dumb little brothers" - and the slovaks. Obviously there was also a lot of prejudice the otherway around - slovaks saw Czechs as arrogant, bureacratic assholes that deliberately held back their progress to be farmers for the czechs. It's not really comparable to political squabbles in the US. Imagine the US and Canada having been forced to be one nation for some reason. And that subsequent split a few decades later might also go as smoothly.

[@pashapasovski5860]

That's bullshit that ruined my country Yugoslavia that was beautiful because people who were different lived together, until NGOs started tearing people apart

[@AnthonyJMurph]

Yes. Czechoslovakia wasn't really built to last the long haul. They brought two countries together and tried to have them get along. Kind of like Austria and (fill in the blank country). The Czech and Slovaks saw the writing on the wall and split peacefully. They also never fully integrated like the US.

[@pete_lind]

Those 8 state that still have Confederate heroes day , TX , FL ,MS , AL , NC , SC , KY and TN can form their dream land and do things as they want . Thats the 100% of all hurricanes hit me states , so after few years all their infra is ruined , houses blown apart , when they were thinking that hurricane aid was free money from Jesus ... 8 welfare states , NC get 8 times more money from federal government that it pays in , they would finally need to pull themself up by the bootstraps .

[@criticaljacques2237]

​@@drsnova7313 The so-called Velvet Divorce is a great example of peaceful self-determination. There is no reason for beef, they get along fine. There's no longer any potential for political distortion based on cultural or linguistic preferences ("we want one of our own leading the country" type thinking)... sometimes splitting is the right way to go. It doesn't apply to the USA, though.

[@DirtBagTelevision]

There is a big difference between states rights within a republic and and invasion from another country.

[@cmontes7961]

We are sticking with the one. You can't leave but you can disagree.

[@brendahull4910]

Love it that you call us all to be (United) Americans!

[@KennethDuda]

So much to love here. Thank you Bill for your combination of sanity, integrity, intelligence, and humor.

[@AP-ym1lo]

I know, that is a rarity from him for the last decade or so.

[@wesnerdan]

Dang. That was a powerful monologue. 👏

[@aholguin618]

Welp, once again Bill fucking nailed it. Absolutely brilliant piece. Thank you, sir.

[@WilliamDavidPrichard]

Come on Bill. Northern Ireland isn't part of England 😅

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

This hits so hard.