• surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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    4 days ago

    That’s not why we built them

    Isn’t it though? The police were created to hunting down escaped slaves. The government was set up to keep the wealthy land owners in charge (only they could vote afterall). Schools were created to meet the needs of growing industry.

    I’m struggling to find anything that was built specifically for the people and not the rich.

    • argon@lemmy.today
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      4 days ago

      The USA didn’t invent the concept of police or government.

      The first police were appointed to investigate and punish minor crimes commited agains civilians.

    • SaltSong@startrek.website
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      4 days ago

      The government gives the working class a way to have their grievances heard and addressed in a way other than starting a rebellion.

      Yes, it serves to keep the powerful in power, but that’s irrelevant to my point. It also serves to make sure the little people get taken care of well enough that we don’t kill the ones in power.

      For a more specific example, see unions. The alternative to unions is plant managers getting killed.

      • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        I think you just made my point. The rich designed a system where they trade complacency for the illusion of control. And they didn’t have to give up any meaningful amount of power.