Let this empire burn and 50+ flags fly freely. May these profligates see their wealth evaporate and never be returned for contempt of their weakness, corruption, and stupidity should ensure their inevitable and violent deaths.

I think both are true. When the media is controlled and the populace is spoon fed bullshit for a long enough period of time, people who lack critical thinking skills eat it up and vote against their own self interests. People are also very unlikely to take responsibility for their own actions and find it much easier to blame others for their own shortcomings, which leads to tribalism and racism among other things. The other major issue is the giant wealth disparity causing a huge imbalance of power and influence. Couple that with the inability to have politicians not beholden to that power and money (citizens united) and you have the perfect storm of bullshit and corruption.

I really think the quote from Agent K in MIB really sums it up.

A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals, and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you’ll know tomorrow.

Don’t get me wrong, there are people who are just trolls and assholes who are beyond saving. But I continue to believe they are exceptions rather than the norm.