Republicans Remind Us: Never Let the Devil Out

[@sunyavadin]

The price of freedom, as they say, is eternal vigilance.

[@Karla_Marie]

Amen.

[@nickbell8353]

Or, as a great man once said, "Vigilance, Mr. Worf. That is the price we must continually pay."

[@awesomesause]

It's starting to seem like the price for freedom is your freedom...

[@shacharh5470]

what freedom?

[@BobbyvilleMan]

@@nickbell8353beat me to it!

[@bryonstump8115]

I am in Iowa right now and I am thoroughly ashamed of my state and its people. We were one of the first states to legalize interracial marriage and gay marriage. We are no longer that state.

[@scorinth]

Unfortunately, it was only after I moved to Iowa that I learned Iowa voters recalled the judges who ruled in favor of same sex marriage *as soon as they could.* That ruling was a fluke that obviously did not reflect the will of the stupid, bigoted voting population around here.

[@jasonsmith530]

Florida is similar

[@knowbody5292]

...ashamed of Texas.

[@kentesdall308]

It is a year later and Iowa still wants to be the most restrictive state in the country, run by one of the worst individuals, governor Kim Reynolds, her bigotry is legendary.

[@ShovelChef]

I was JUST thinking about Clarence Thomas for some reason. Who's his wife again? Has he ever been to Iowa? 🤔

[@ericapelz260]

As one of the people some Republicans want to execute simply for existing, THANK YOU, STEVE!

[@samanthalacroix2687]

I am right there with you. At this point I just consider it a badge of honor for each of the many reasons they want to kill me.

[@psomething]

My Mum always used to say “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for the good to do nothing,” it's happening all over the world. So the UK isn't far behind the US.

[@kanedNunable]

im in england, i think we are doing worse right now. we dont have the religious nutters but our fascists are running the country into the ground. they are also doing 'scorched earth' tactics of leaving the country in as big a mess as possible to screw up labour or whoever wins.

[@tinaperez7393]

That's a famous quote attributed to Edmund Burke in 1770 and John Stuart Mill in 1867.

[@ttintagel]

I've been saying for so long, we can never take progress for granted. I also fear that as we lose more and more of the people who lived through WWII, we're going to lose the cultural memory of just how bad fascism can get.

[@Theomite]

What scares me is if we have to be in the position the Germans were in 1932, will we have to do what they didn't? Because the kind of thing we say they should've done was illegal then and is illegal now and for good reason. That's the weird moral limbo we're drifting towards.

[@zmanjace1364]

In my mind this is similar to when people stop taking an anti biotic when their symptoms stop. "Well i don't feel sick anymore. I don't need to take the pills!" Then we start developing anti biotic resistant strains. Hopefully we can start taking our pills again before this bacteria gets too entrenched.

[@zmanjace1364]

A vaccine analogy might have been better... eh. Not retyping it.

[@the_stray_cat]

@@zmanjace1364 na , i think your first analogy is better. after all you need to get vaxxed annually regardless of sickness, and is more of a preventative mesure, while antibiotics are taken to cure the problem.

[@tonyagibbs1963]

Such a great analogy. We needed to keep codifying more freedoms on a regular basis. Universities are now removing DEI statements as if they're no longer needed. They're codifying legislation to try to take us back and keep us from going forward.

[@ateamfan42]

Remember all the parents that stopped getting their young children the measles vaccine because "measles isn't a problem anymore"? And then huge measles outbreaks stated happening in colleges?

[@ericapelz260]

This is perfectly stated!

[@willrbsnb9]

“Mr. Worf, villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged." "I think, after yesterday, people will not be so ready to trust her." "Maybe. But she or someone like her will always be with us, waiting for the right climate in which to flourish - spreading fear in the name of righteousness. Vigilance, Mr. Worf. That is the price we have to continually pay."

[@ReaverLordTonus]

"That plug in the bottom of the boat was put there to prevent the boat from sinking. The boat hasn't sank for decades since then, so we don't need the plug anymore."

[@kanedNunable]

excellent analogy my friend.

[@Jikkuryuu]

"I feel better now, so I don't need to take my mental health pills anymore."

[@Book-em_media]

This is the best thing I ever listened to on KZbin. Thanks Steve!

[@Sarixis]

Four videos in and you sir have convinced me to sub. As a bisexual man in a loving relationship with another guy, I feel a constant need to be vigilant of the Republican party's relentless efforts to harm anyone who isn't a straight, CIS, white man of wealth. The over turning of Roe v. Wade was a terrifying day because as you said, that domino falling has opened the floodgate to go after LGBT people again.

[@dragonvliss2426]

As a 78-year-old Lesbian in a 40+-year relationship that I consider a marriage -- I and my partner are on the line. Luckily, I live in a blue state, but that is no guarantee it will remain blue, or we will be safe even here. I remember how Germany in the 1920's had the Institute of Magnus Hirschfeld and a thriving gay culture with media representation as well, and the LGBT people thought it would remain safe for them. Then they were crushed and many put in concentration camps when the N@zis came into power. Yes, it COULD happen here. My partner and I have never married legally, because that makes us vulnerable if things change. Are we paranoid? No, I think just aware.

[@spacepiratecaptainrush1237]

"meet me in the middle" says the unjust man, you take a step forward, they take a step back, "meet me in the middle" says the unjust man. I know the history, it can always happen here and it can always happen again.

[@ShovelChef]

That's a good one.

[@HaroldElbowmanIV]

The difference between this and that episode of the Twilight Zone is that the traveler acted out of honest compassion and rational skepticism. If he were a semi-secret acolyte of the devil (Roberts' record on voting has been consistently pants) that'd be a better fit. Alas, reality is darker than twilight.

[@cindersenpai3898]

I think the traveler in that episode is meant to represent common people feeling sympathy for fascism and fascists. When a person doesn't know the horrific things a monster has done, they may feel sympathy when they hear it's pleas for help. A person who doesn't fully understand what fascism is may argue, "We shouldn't silence an entire group of people just because we don't like them. Sure they might have some bad ideas, but what if they have good ideas too?" or, "But what harm could they really do? They aren't Hitler. Maybe we should hear them out."

[@williamblakehall5566]

It stopped raining, therefore we don't need umbrellas anymore.

[@John73John]

More like "It's STILL raining but my umbrella has kept me dry so far, therefore I don't need it any more."

[@rgemail]

It may be raining outside, but *we're* all inside right now, so we don't need these umbrellas, and when the sun comes out we can take off the roof.

[@r.j.grayson6899]

Every winter where I'm from it gets cold AF at least once for longer than a week. During this time it's usually dark for very long periods of time (no, we don't live on the Tundra but our summers are still quite bright). And every winter during these cold snaps we hear idjits being all: "Tell me more about global warming?" Our city nearly burned down in 2016 due to flash fires. Not quite 3 years later flooding in the valley. It hadn't been that bad since I was a kid. But these people are incapable of seeing how both of these things are related to global warming. Even though the forest fire was so hot it was causing trees to explode- a rare occurrence needing extreme heat. Even though the poles melting leads to higher water levels and flooding. They don't comprehend how it's all connected. Just like they don't see how extremists will find a way to come for them, the things they do or the people they love eventually.

[@lovellup]

I think it's important to note that in the story letting the Devil out caused WWII.

[@stevemcallister4965]

Seems appropriate, as in both then and today "the Devil" is actually fascism.

[@fad23]

That's as I remember it in the Beaumont story. I can't remember how clear it is in the Twilight Zone episode.

[@cryofpaine]

1780 - Revolutionary War +80 1860 - Civil War +80 1940 - WWII +80 2020 We're on a cycle. It's getting old.

[@DrewLSsix]

​@cryofpaine you are picking arbitrary events in history and trying to assign weight to them that they don't have. Why ignore the many many wars that happened between those points? Why only count wars involving America? But not all our wars?

[@knavishknight]

@@cryofpaine Have you been reading Strauss & Howe? You forgot the Great War (1914 -1918).

[@literaterose6731]

I was born in 1961. I used to have conversations with my kids (all born in the 1980s) about the various kinds of discrimination and oppression I & many folks I knew experienced-in my case, connected to being afab, nonconforming (as it turned out, nb & trans), neuroatypical, queer, and Jewish (among other things). My childhood through young adulthood was spent in heavily segregated parts of New York and various parts of the south and southwest. My kids grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and could not relate to most of my stories when they were younger. They were tales of the past, instructive but not really relevant…or so they thought and I got lulled into accepting too. I don’t talk like that anymore. They, we, don’t feel safe anymore. Even those of us who still live in relatively progressive areas (we all left the Bay Area years ago) are cautious and unnerved. I’ve resigned myself to dying in a society rife with hate, fear and violent oppression. I do hope my kids and grandkids come through to a time of meaningful progress (and a survivable environment…) someday. But I feel tragically certain it will get worse, possibly much worse, before it gets better. Thank you Steve, as always, for not pulling any punches in sounding the alarm. And boy, Rod Serling really hits the nail on the head quite a lot, doesn’t he?

[@Immudzen]

Sadly I think that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better. We have politicians bragging about getting rid of worker protections and minimum wage laws so that workers have a choice of working horrible jobs or starving to death. I think that cruelty has become the point of this stuff and there are too many people that really seem to support this cruelty. When you confront family members about this they will say they just supported the republicans for tax reasons and none of the other stuff. They will keep justifying how they did not support evil and they don't like that stuff but they will also never say anything in public against it.

[@Swordsage]

Americans constantly remind me of a line from a game I played years ago called "Mark of Kri"... "But men are mortal. And time can be the enemy of fear. All too soon we forget how the bee will sting and the fire will burn." That's pretty much how I feel about Americans these days. Scratch that: privileged Americans. Those under the boot tend not to forget.

[@JonasGreenFethr]

The biggest mistake of my generation (Gen X) was the believing that ALL ideas have merit. ‘You need to hear both sides.’ was repeated often (even by me). It was a position taken in good faith: if I’m open and honest I can change someone’s mind. It came from a failed mind set: that EVERYONE was open and honest to change, that society had moved past the negatives of the past (we’d all learned that in school). In giving every opinion the same weight, lots of shit bubbled back into the light, lots of devils were allowed to roam free… It was a hard learned lesson of the last (how many now?) years. Not everyone *wants* to have an even field and they’ll make a deal with whatever lives behind any door to get what they want.

[@Theomite]

I was always of the opinion that hearing both sides was more due diligence than argument. You had to be sure you knew what was going on before you made a decision or took an action. I always felt that it was an adaptation to an entire century of knee-jerk reactions and catastrophic results. But I never thought that hearing both sides meant that everyone was right: it just meant that it would be easier to see who was WRRRRRRRRRRONG.

[@wesleywyndam-pryce5305]

I still see dumbasses say this. I now just assume anyone who says "both sides" is either politically illiterate or is saying so in bad faith, because i can't see a third option.

[@ryanmackenzie6109]

​@@TheomiteI sincerely wish that has been the case. But I'm in my 20s, and the people who benefit from 'both sides being heard' over the years have now twisted it not only into "every argument has merit" but guilt of "you HAVE to listen to me, or you're worse than me." We don't get taught that you need to listen to know who's wrong. Nor do we really get taught that every idea has some merit. Instead, the people with bad intentions say that you're evil if you _don't_ hear them. And they use that to gaslight and recruit teenagers who don't know better. I was one of them

[@Dalekzilla]

Let me say, as an ACTUAL Christian, that comparing these people to The Devil is SO appropriate and accurate. Their "religion" is simply worshiping the rich and despising their enemies ( which includes Democrats, "libs", scientists, LGBTQ people, minorities, migrants, atheists, etc. etc. etc.). Christ is merely a figurehead to justify their hate and greed. Using The Howling Man to illustrate the point was genius, by the way.

[@chrissonofpear1384]

Okay (but still awaiting John 14:13 here, @Granville Simmons ) Sorry, could not resist. Legitimacy is a much contested topic.

[@sneakyskunk1]

We have gone so far backward. At this point I wouldn't be surprised if the signs go back up at water fountains and the back of the bus is no longer the place where the cool kids sit. I love my country, but I fear my government.

[@ryanedwards7487]

I don't fear my government....I fear the dullards that have spent 40 years letting themselves be turned into raving Fascists by conservative lies. I have spent my life watching my family turn from "live and let live" into "It's MA COUNTRY YA HEATHEN, LIBTARD DEMON NEPHEW OF MINE!"

[@MLBlue30]

I fear both.

[@bryna7]

Fear the people...

[@dereksherwood3794]

The government is nothing without the people. Fear the people.

[@TheBlackberryKing308]

The only fearful thing is people who think like this. Do you live in the internet? The biggest problem with politics is all these generalities. “Republicans are racist and homophobic”, “Democrats want to make our children gay”. Anybody who actually believes any of these generalities needs to go touch some grass, it’s genuinely concerning.

[@patrickmccartney2418]

As I explained to my children: Every generation must fight the fight; otherwise, injustice will definitely take over.

[@Be_Harris]

Steve. Of all the content you provide on your Channel, this is, by far, the most important message. I thank you.

[@formerx]

Very insightful, my man. My partner of 25 years and I rejoiced when we were able to marry... just like REAL Americans. But I wonder if/when our union will be nullified. I wish those on the far-right would have to worry about their marriages being undone. It's a fear they will never have to deal with.🌈

[@PhineasPhule]

I've maintained for a long time that the real target is Brown vs. Board of Education.

[@alistairmackintosh9412]

I think you're right. The legal reasoning will probably follow the Shelby decision as "Brown vs. Board was decided wrongly, because the idea of separate but equal was correct, but the decision was an overreaction because it removed the states' right to determine and enforce equality".

[@coolblue32q]

The best explanation of the Republican party I've ever heard. And how liberals always mess up when dealing with them.

[@allendean9807]

What gets me is, congress can override scotus. And yet, they never do…

[@johanobesusfatjohn5836]

It depends on the issue. If the Court rules that _x_ is unconstitutional, then Congress cannot enact _x._ In the case he's talking about the Court overturned part of a Congressional act. There are two ways the other branches can definitively override the SCOTUS without relying on two-thirds of the states to go along. One, they can pack the court. If Dobbs v. Jackson didn't convince Biden and Senate democrats to expand the Court, I don't know what will. The other option is to follow the precedent set by Andrew Jackson and simply ignore Supreme Court decisions they disagree with. I can see Republicans doing that if somehow we get a majority again, but the Democrats don't have the stomach for it. Mind, I agree with your basic point. In fact, if I remember correctly, Shelby Co. v. Holder found that preclearance was unconstitutional because it was only required for certain states. If the VRA were amended to require preclearance for all states, that issue would be resolved. Of course conservatives would come up with another specious rationalization for allowing states to suppress the vote of "undesirables," but it's upsetting that the Democrats won't even entertain the idea of restoring preclearance, or enacting any major institutional reforms to fight back against the Fascist march.

[@geraldknight4212]

Because many so called DEMOCRATICS actually agree with the GOP! Are you listening joe manchin!!??

[@geraldknight4212]

​@@johanobesusfatjohn5836 the Dems will never pack the supreme Court! They're cowards ! They sure won't ignore the supreme Court! Both parties are corporate crooks! Biden is just like a little worse than Obama! They both serve the same master! White supremacy and money

[@andrewgreenwood9068]

Why does the supreme court even have the option of changing its former rulings without some difference in law or fact. That seems dangerously close to enacting their own laws which is a massive breach of the seperation of power.

[@rgemail]

Because congress is, almost perpetually, 50% GOP, and 60% Democratic is the MINIMUM votes needed to override anything. When America wakes up enough to vote in 60% Democrats, as has only happened for 72 days in the last what, 30 years? then things can really get done. It's good to remember that this moment in time 14 years ago now was the start of the GOP's block everything no matter what era, which continues to this day to the extent that they literally have stopped even proposing serious legislation. They do nothing but fearmonger and block progress, a parasitic entity that weighs literally half of the government.

[@nickbell8353]

There is an Anglican Priest that I follow; and he was talking about Roe's overturning, and he sent out a warning to conservatives; this isn't the victory they think it is. They have unleashed a beast that won't just stop at devouring the people they don't like. This beast is ravenous and insatiable. And it will eventually come for them.

[@harryborsalino1276]

For a similar analogy, i remember back in the 80s or early 90s, there was a short-lived TV series based on the 1950s George Pal film version of The War of the Worlds, set in what was then the present day. The premise was that after a few decades, maybe 30-40 years, practically everyone in the world had forgotten about how close the human race came to actual annihilation, and the few people who remembered weren't taken seriously when they spoke up about the renewed threat. It seems the bodies of the "dead" Martians were stored like toxic waste in facilities that over time became poorly maintained and just as poorly guarded. Well, you can see where this is going. Here again, the point is that the devil (whatever one thinks that means) doesn't die and must always be contained and controlled, and watched, to the greatest extent possible. Otherwise, laxity loses liberty.

[@seraphonica]

as someone who works in medicine, this reminds me of something I commonly see: maladherence in seizure patients. the medication works, but it dulls their senses. it works very well. so well, that the patient thinks "I don't need medication any more" and then they get found unconscious on the sidewalk, twitching, with three chipped teeth from falling face first.

[@RusTsea196T]

You can be sure "303 Creative" was not an end unto itself, but a strategic stepping stone for further LGBTQ discrimination including reversing Obergefel.

[@patty4349]

What I found interesting was that Thomas' list of "bad" cases did not include Loving v Virginia, even though it was decided on the same basic reasoning, probably because he benefitted from that one.

[@cryofpaine]

That's the Republican way - power for me, oppression for you. I just do not understand how he can't see that they would absolutely lynch him if he weren't useful to them.

[@seed_drill7135]

I wouldn’t exactly call being married to Ginny a benefit.

[@StormsparkPegasus]

@@cryofpaine He's a boomerang bigot. He's a white supremecist, he's just as racist as the rest of them.

[@jamesbarr8218]

@@aguysomewhere8277 but he’s an advocate for the jaguars, why should he be concerned about them eating his face?

[@thomasley4006]

And yet he would overturn it without hesitation since that would only endanger future marriages. He’s against affirmative action as well - even though he profited from it. These people only see their own end. They will always close the door behind them.

[@jacquespoulemer3577]

Steve you hit the nail on the head AGAIN. Ironically the religious right think they are working for a merciful loving god when with everything they yearn for, they work for 'the other guy' Thanks for the twilight zone shout out. All the best to you and my abused home country Jim, Oaxaca Mexico

[@ryanedwards7487]

They don't believe in a merciful, loving god. Whatever lies the pastor tells you from the pulpit on a livestream hides the insidious, institutional evil of most every protestant denomination. Say what you will about the Catholic church. By and large they let you know what they think and where they stand at the moment.

[@gaffawebber]

The religious right are the folks the Bible warns about in Matthew 6:5 & 7:15

[@kurisu7885]

Not hard to see when often enough higher ups in the church are more often than not VERY guilty of every sing they preach against, especially avarice.

[@geraldknight4212]

Well said,. The gop are simply using the same exact playbook the Nazis used in the beginning! Go after the press! Go after the gay community! Go after immigrants! And create that white nationalist state!

[@aceg81]

This is beautifully put (even if the subject matter is very ugly). I wish I could show this video to every liberal, progressive, independent, and anyone who cares about individual liberty.

[@Little_Lepus]

This really needed to be said, and I'm glad a man like you said it. My federally protected right to bodily autonomy was taken from me earlier this year. I desprately wish people would wake the hell up and look around.

[@barryrobertson1620]

The Republican party didn't fall because they let the devil out. It fell because they let the devil in.

[@TasTheWatcher]

The Republicans * are * the devil

[@anare3050]

God bless America! No matter how bad it’s gets here, I can always say ‘at least I’m not American’.

[@FULLNinja69]

Thanks for the video. Another thing I would add about the Twilight zone episode is when the main character decides to listen to his compassion and let the devil out. He goes to the gate and he notices that what's holding him in is just a simple lover. There is no actual lock holding the devil in. The devil could simply just lift the lever and let himself out. The man asked the devil why couldn't he just lift the lever and let himself out.

[@ThoroughbredofSin]

It's that Damn "Wedge Strategy" laid out in the "Wedge Memo" being plaid out. I don't know why anyone is surprised when they told us, and still tell us, exactly who they are.

[@ttthecat]

Simply brilliant analogy. It gives me hope to hear your sane, intelligent and compassionate analysis.

[@deanallen927]

Is the house all cooled down? Well let's just remove that air conditioner - we don't need it now.

[@allanolley4874]

The point about the continuing aspect of the struggle for civil rights etc. reminds me of the saying that fighting for social justice is like taking a bath, you have to do it every day to stay clean.

[@timladig9406]

You deserve a larger platform.

[@topknightwolf]

Well explained thank you for taking the time to exposing this hypocrisy that many still don't get ..

[@WWZenaDo]

Excellent video, and a timely warning.

[@silvermainecoons3269]

Wow. That was amazing. I’m glad this was the first video I watched of Steve’s. He stated what’s happening with such clarity and compassion. I’m terrified of where this country is headed right now. If you thought things were bad under Trump imagine what they’d be like with the fascist Ron DeSantis. He’s doing his best to mold Florida into a Gilead-like (Handmaids Tale) so imagine if he’s given the power to do it to the whole nation. I shudder to think on it. Thanks Steve, I can’t wait to check out your other videos.

[@pinstripe4254]

I recently started watching you and immediately got a vibe that you were kind and understanding. While I haven’t watched the video yet, reading these comments I’m glad to see that I was right. Regardless of the labels we put on ourselves, whether you are Republican, Democrat, or something in between. We all need to live on this Earth. So let’s be kind to one another and not actively spread hate based on uninformed opinions.

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

Wherever I am on New Year’s Eve I try to find and rewatch this very episode of TZ. Never gets irrelevant or boring. 😎

[@ThymeLost]

I’m blown away with this video, but thought you were going to go somewhere else with “not letting the Devil out”. I’ve heard plenty of religious people use that language to justify why they oppress people. They have to oppress people or bad things will happen. I find it scary how on point you can be with your video, while someone else could change very little and use the same logic to justify the exact opposite of your video. Which I think is part of the reason the struggle will never be over. Those who want oppression see themselves in the right, just as much as you and myself think we are in the right to oppose oppression. Your video was great, I wanted to make that clear.

[@SidheKnight]

- Optimus: _"We don't have to do this, Megatron. There has been peace between Maximals and Predacons for centuries. Why start this up again?"_ - Megatron: _"Peace perhaps on your side, Maximal scum. Yesss. But not on ours. Permit me to inform you that _*_an enemy which appears to be peaceful may in fact be merely biding its time._*_ "_ From _Beast Wars Season 1, Episode 1:_ "Beast Wars (Part 1)" Republicans never really changed with the times, as society progressed. They simply bit their lips and held their tongues, slowly chipping at what progressives built, until the time was ripe to strike. Now it makes sense why they always complain about having being silenced. It's not that there are laws banning their speech, it's just that what they _really_ want to say is in no way socially acceptable.

[@marthaldyer]

Thank you for articulating so clearly what I’ve been thinking.

[@KoRntech]

Thank you for making an easy to understand analogy for the masses.

[@SteveShives]

And thank YOU!

[@ericespiritu1468]

The American people do not have rights, we have temporary privileges.

[@alistairmackintosh9412]

That's an inherent flaw in the constitution. It grants rights to the states first, then the federal government, and as an afterthought, the people.

[@Awdreejahslin]

Carlin said that too and he’s spot on…. His show on that topic, look it up, if you haven’t seen it. So good. It’s shocking we don’t see this stuff coming miles away.

[@wesleywyndam-pryce5305]

thats not just americans

[@Blezner]

Part of the challenge here is that the the other side thinks they too are trying to lock the devil up again as well.

[@Detson404]

Well yeah, nobody wakes up and goes forth intending to do evil. Most aggression is couched as self-defense. Did you have a deeper point?

[@John73John]

The problem is that their "devil" includes things like consenting adults being able to have the relationship they both want, hurting absolutely nobody.

[@TheSuperRatt]

@@Detson404 Did you? Other than to be snide?

[@angie99656]

No actually they know they're wrong and they know what they're doing is horrible and evil. They just don't care. The number of hypocrites on the right who are doing exactly what they're saying we shouldn't do is proof.

[@jimfranklin2613]

When people show you who they are, believe them.

[@andrewm3210]

Came for the Star Trek, stayed for the profound wisdom of Steve Shives.

[@auranos9504]

The only thing I don't like is using the Devil as the epitome of evil. It has and probably always will be religion and their zealots.

[@megascopsasio2015]

Thank you for always sharing your incisive, articulate, and often inspiring perspectives that originate from a place of compassion. This was really powerful!

[@theblackjubalharshaw]

20 seconds in and already referencing one of my favorite twilight zone episodes. Love this channal!

[@shoresean1237]

I'm not sure where it fits in to this real life example you gave, but the thing that gets me about that episode is the closer: The traveler has done it - recaptured the Devil - and damned if the maid/caretaker he hired isn't letting him out even sooner and with less debate than he himself ever had. Like, didn't he vet her? Maybe try to find someone with religious belief, or open to what seems like an out-there idea? That is my fear for this scenario - that it won't be decades - we'll win, and someone will let down their guard like a bad plot point in the SW Sequel Trilogy.

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

That's why we've gotta keep an eye out and keep fighting this shit where we see it, like the New Republic did in Legends wherever they saw Imperial remnants.

[@shoresean1237]

@@Rad-Dude63andathird 'Somehow Trump Returned'

[@danblanks3190]

Excellent as always, Mr. Shives. And we remember how that particular episode of TTZ ended with the Devil about to get out again.

[@MaggieDanger]

Not too recently, I remember seeing right wingers actively try to restrict womens right to vote again... even decades of progress dont seem enough time to root out some of our darker and more terrible ideas.

[@paulhammond6978]

I think there's some point to Steve's saying that these darker parts of us are part of human nature, and we have to learn to live with and control them rather than ever be complacent we've can ever root them out entirely. I mean, we also have to try not empowering people who gain power by pandering to those dark sides and inflaming our worse tendencies.

[@wesleywyndam-pryce5305]

@@paulhammond6978 "human nature" as a concept is just not actually a thing. we have no inherent "nature" to being a human. which is why there's many different cultures and types of people, the similarities are born from similar worldly pressures.

[@kanedNunable]

plenty of them want to raise voting age to 25 too. both in USA and UK. because they know younger are generally more left/liberal

[@SkySong6161]

It's a combination of reglion (99% of which comprise of institutions by men for men to cater to men's interests, the ones that *don't* say men are inherently superior to women and should dominate them are fringe at best and toothless) and the fact that it's men's best interest to enslave women. Oh, it's terrible for the women, and their children, but for men? Having access to an entire caste of people - half the population - that they can do whatever they want to with impunity and wherein even the most slackjawed and useless man can have access to at least one woman who can't tell him no? It's *great* for men. If human history is anything to go by, this is one fight that will go on for perpetuity - and one women will spend most of the time losing. I'm just gateful I decided to not have children myself. The thought of it horrifies me - knowing my sons would be abusers and my daughters victims and that will be determined less by me no matter how I raised them and more by the tide of culture and history.

[@bkayser05]

As an Iowan, I am always depressed at how extreme my state has become. Considering we had legalized same-sex marriage in 2009 and now this is where we are. Very depressing but we will keep fighting.

[@SiriusMined]

So many people on our side of the political fence were told, and didn't think it mattered. We told them.

[@christophermockford1502]

Depending on the day you watch this video you hear about another domino falling. "Child labor laws overturned"

[@mesdecent8051]

Nobody in the USA practices slavery anymore, so things have gotten better. It's the 13th amendment still necesary states wide? I know it's a very exagerated comparison to the point of fallacy. But I think that at this point we must expect the absolute worst of the Republicans just in case.

[@Kartissa]

Actually, a lot of people in the USA do still practice slavery - notably the entire penal system. Unfortunately this is supported by the wording of the 13th Amendment: "except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted"

[@marocat4749]

Well prisoners are still legally ok to be used legally as slaves. And wage slavery is , dunno And yeah illegal imigrants are easy to be used that way.

[@spaceballs44]

When Clarence Thomas and Mitch McConnell dies which isn’t that long from now that’s when they might consider revisiting Loving vs. Virginia when they will go after interracial marriage.

[@alananimus9145]

Thank you. Just thank you.

[@LittleNala]

In the UK, Thatcher mocked and attacked unions - her justification was that companies are so much more humane now, workers didn't need protection from unions any more. So that worked out well.

[@oldreprobate2748]

Thank you for this video Steve.

[@deathangel7335]

Saying we don't need those protections to our rights as citizens - as people - because "it's better now" is like saying we don't need modern medicine anymore because so many fewer people die from sickness and injury now. How does anyone think it "got better" to begin with? People who want to get rid of rules that are working are either too stupid to understand cause and effect, or don't like that the rule is working. Or they're too stupid to understand that when some people start taking other peoples' rights away, they aren't going to just stop with one group of people or one type of right. As the poem goes "...Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me."

[@JamesMiller-ce1df]

Exceptionally well said, thank you.

[@christiankrueger8048]

Thank you!

[@colemcnight5056]

I know it's not easy to put yourself out there like this and voice your opinions. I watch for your "other" videos I just wanted to voice my support for you and weither I agree with you or not I want to say thank you for the hard work you put into your videos and wish you nothing but further success

[@jpboursaw4469]

Your Twilight Zone analogy is quite apt. Made me think of another well known episode that somewhat explains how we even got to the point of letting the Devil out, or even having one(s) to set loose to begin with. The Monster Are Due On Maple Street. We didn’t learn our lesson then, however far back, and we haven’t still.

[@cherenkov_blue]

In 2015, the decision of Obergefell v. Hodges federally recognized same-sex marriage. About four years later, I realized that I myself was gay. I dread to think that it could take the same amount of time for the right I now depend on to be taken away.

[@mizzmaddieUTube]

Right on, Steve.

[@JGARCIA2012FULL]

The work of a religious fanatic is never done, he is always looking for his next victim!!

[@RKabasaC]

I like your videos a lot. A lot of good thought. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathleenbren1523]

Oh my God. How spot on.

[@lkeke35]

The Paradox of the Tolerance of Intolerance: If everyone is tolerant of every idea, then intolerant ideas will emerge. Tolerant people will tolerate this intolerance, and the intolerant people will not tolerate the tolerant people.

[@jonathanrayne]

I love that episode. Its always been one of my favorites.

[@Mulberrysmile]

I’m an older person who went to college in my 40’s. The younger females seriously took everything gained since the 60’s as just ho hum normal, and were blind to the efforts being waged and won to undo the rights the young women were taking for granted. They thought I was nuts for warning them to pay attention, and protect their rights. For every step of progress, there is a backlash. If you don’t stand arm in arm against it, it will roll right over you. Freedom is not free.

[@gordonhaire9206]

I was a moderate conservative in the 60s & 70s. I didn't realize I was wrong until 1980 and the Reagan revolution. The 60s-70s revolution ended with the end of the Vietnam atrocity and Nixon's resignation. Hippies became yuppies. They became what they had fought against: socially acceptable "responsible" citizens. They became their parents.

[@cassiedevereaux-smith3890]

"The never-ending battle". Yeah, we always knew they were coming for us. They never stopped.

[@marthaknox6466]

When you talked about the withered howling pathetic man, I couldn't help but keep picturing Jordan Peterson from interviews when his voice cracks and he starts crying. I know so many people who think what he represents is harmless and silly, but it's not.

[@Auffinaugh]

No right taken was ever given freely.

[@cyberius7042]

An apt metaphor. As an Iowa progressive, it feels like we're now the ones in the locked room. When I first became old enough to vote, Iowa was a very blue state. In fact, we were one of the first states to explicitly legalize same-sex marriage. Now we're one of the most MAGA states in the country.

[@nathanielmonroe3057]

Wasn’t part of that episode’s themes the futility of trapping the devil? Dunno, but thinking back to it, remembering that. But for certain, the moment we forget that every inch given to reactionaries will result in miles of lost ground, is the moment we lose. This video is a good reminder of that.

[@robertrinehart9036]

That was powerful. Thanks.

[@bobsnow4890]

The Hateful and The Rich cost society dearly.

[@Karla_Marie]

Thank you for this.

[@lornenoland8098]

As one who generally doesn’t like slippery slope arguments, I have to admit that sometimes it’s true

[@THATBOISHAD]

As long as there are lawyers and courts, the slippery slope analogy is always appropriate.

[@threeofeight197]

The “states rights” argument is so outdated. We have planes and cars and the internet. It’s not like when we were founded and it took months to travel from one end of the country to the other. In that case I get it, but now?

[@jimcat68]

Steve, you are a good man. Our country needs more people like you.

[@TalShiar69]

Well said!

[@dotter8]

"Mr. Jefferson, the great apostle of human rights, has told us that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance." -- _Richmond Enquirer, December 30, 1834_ Eternal means forever.

[@MultiTomcat67]

This same story hit me too; (author Charles Beaumont). I found it in "The Fantastic World War II", ©1990 It also now reminds me of one of the few "Memory verses" I use (thx to the religious Wrong): "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do they may trample them under their feet and then turn and tear you to pieces." Matthew 7:6 (NIV) Anyone else get a Jan 6 vibe from that last part?

[@twitchew]

the dog caught the car, and now it sees there are more cars and paid no price.

[@saml302]

thank you for the content, Steve

[@John73John]

"I'm not currently wet, time to throw away my umbrella even though it's pouring rain." -- Republicans, I would assume

[@Insightfill]

Ah, yes. "Throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

[@Insightfill]

This actually reminds me of the mindset of many people about even traditional vaccines. "Nobody gets MEASLES any more! Who needs that shot anyway?!" Bam. That's how you get measles.

[@ajweiwill]

I would say the court let the devil out with the Citizens United decision.

[@hokutoulrik7345]

What was that one?

[@mbessey]

@@hokutoulrik7345 unlimited private money in elections.

[@janto58]

@Hokuto Ulrik That large corporations had the same 1st Amendment Rights as individuals.