We are ruled by stupid, spiteful assholes,

[tomp]

15. shining city on a hill...I don't think so.

the u.s. has been an imperialist country since at least the turn of the 20th century. we have contributed to, if not dictated, the horrible conditions in countries around the world. and while we started out as one among many imperialist countries, we have risen to the top of the imperialist exploitation game. this indisputable phenomenon has given rise to hatred of u.s. imperialism (and not necessarily the u.s. or it's people per se, but the imperialist policies of the u.s. ruling class). so why do people want to emigrate here? exactly because of the terrible conditions imperialist policies have created, and because in order not to be overthrown at home, the imperialists must throw some bones and crumbs to its people from its plunder from abroad, must allow at least a superficial modicum of freedom to appear, relatively, like a mythical shining city.

it's too late in the game to be naive about our history and current dilemma. the fundamental state of the u.s. is not different under trump. trump is the logical extension of imperialism. it's like Zappa said about the stage being cleared of props when they're tired of the charade. the fundamental issue is our stance to our imperialist/corporatocracy.