the most effective tool? this should be a good forum. There are so many, as mentioned above, but i would have to say taxes, propaganda, using fearing & intimidation etc.... I could go on and on.........
I'm mildly surprised that no one has yet to mention the role of organized religion. Or for that matter, any organization that enjoys a legal status.
"What Is the Government's Biggest Tool of Oppression?" Allowing corporations and lobby groups to run this country at the expense of the working man and in general the middle class... But really, why is this question being asked here at ET? Hard to imagine traders are the most oppressed group in America...
Well according to the French sociologist Althusser the Repressive State Apparatus (RSO)is the executive government, the police mental institutions and/or the (threat) of imprisonment. Ideological State Apparatus (ISO) is the education system, the media, religion, 'popular culture' etc Aren't we supposed to be chatting about stocks and stuff or girls? What about Britney's new wig?
This debate will lead to nowhere. Since the dawn of history, small minority had most of wealth and power. There is no work around at current human development stage. Even in USSR, it was the same, only called in different terms. The current solution is be brave enough to try to get into that minority via political or wealth creation means. Anyone who complains about current western life (any major developed country) does not realize how good we have it. When was the last time you had no money to buy bread or milk, or seeing your children suffer from hunger? Just ask these few questions, and all government manipulation does not seem too bad, does it? Regards, redduke
Allowing corporations and lobby groups to run this country at the expense of the working man and in general the middle class... You know why ZZZzzzzzz? Because, as I said before, we are all capitalists in our hearts, even "public servants". Actually they are the worst!!! It has been this way since civilization started and it'll be the same way long after we die!