A Lot of Americans Are Googling 'What Is Oligarchy?' After Biden's Farewell Speech
gizmodo.com
The outgoing president warned of the growing dominance of a small, monied elite.

Summary

In his farewell speech, President Joe Biden warned of a growing “oligarchy” in the U.S., where extreme wealth and power threaten democracy.

Comparing modern elites to 19th-century robber barons, he called for reforms to hold the wealthy accountable, as done in the past.

Biden also criticized a “tech-industrial complex” concentrating power and spreading disinformation, weakening democracy.

His remarks sparked a surge in Google searches for “oligarchy.”

The speech comes amid rising concerns about policies favoring billionaires, like Trump’s tax cuts and potential cuts to social safety programs.

    • Wahots@pawb.social
      2·
      2 hours ago

      People think that voting either doesn’t matter, or that it’s like choosing to be a fan of a certain football team. They won’t realize their mistake when the rug gets pulled out from underneath them…but they might when they hit the back of their head on the polished concrete floor.

      Unfortunately, we (the world) are paying for their medical bill. Climate change policy will regress. Trade and economic policy, too. Peace will be undermined. And regional wars will flare up and get worse as people fight for water and other resources.

    • pirating@lemmy.world
      16·
      8 hours ago

      To be fair, high school government/civics classes are probably so gutted that I’m happy when people understand the three branches of government.

      • JTskulk@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        5 hours ago

        I still think those classes are a myth, I never heard of anyone taking a civics class when I was in school 20 years ago.