A social media outlet recently reposted this interesting graphic from CNN:
All of us here at TPOL are pretty much engineering and science oriented, and that of course, includes math. Even the simple stuff, not just differentials and the like.
At first glance, it appears that Gallup (or CNN) can’t do basic arithmatic. Or perhaps they use the old-party math used in the 2020 election? They seem to have calculated that 101% of Democrats rated the two “conflicting” economic systems in 2010. But in 2025, it appears that 108% of Democrats were surveyed.
Mmmm. Does that mean that it is the media that can’t count and do math? Or is it that various political factions (Democrats but not just them?) have found ways to further contaminate the data and therefore fool more people?
A staffer here points out that maybe there are many Democrats that really do have two minds about political matters? Or reality in general? Mental dissonance, anyone? And so there are Democrats that believe that both capitalism and socialism are to be viewed favorably? Despite their supposed mutual exclusivity and opposition? The question that CNN asked was “which is more appealing?” But maybe they read that as just “which is appealing?”
Dear reader, what are your thoughts?
We here at TPOL refer to the socio-economic system labeled by Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels as “capitalism” instead as a “free market.” But that is too simple for many people and organizations, and capitalism is now used to label a lot of different systems. Including many that have strong elements of socialism – again as defined by Marx and Engels and their disciples.
The Price of Liberty 
Lies, more lies, and really amazing lies
An elderly correspondent shared this with TPOL. It isn’t just “young folks” that get confused:
Now, we admit (that is us, here at TPOL) that not ALL of these folks are government types. But those who are not in government (elected, appointed, or contract) are supported by some people in government. And these days, it seems to be about a 50-50 split in the ranks of government elected officials. (If we are lucky. And no, it is not Dems on one side and GOP types on the other.)
In other words, government agents and decision makers are constantly lying, about big and little things. And supporting those who lie who are not in government.
And sadly, too many Americans in too many States support all of the above. And a little secret: while the above people are liberals and Democrats, the conservatives and GOP have their own share of liars pushing falsehood. And their own share of sycophantic followers who support them.
Which brings to another sad fact of today’s political scene. Another popular lie is the very name given many organizations involved in politics and in regulating people’s lives. NGO’s (Non-Government Organizations) are seldom truly “non-government” (if indeed any are). Rather, they are shills for the government agencies and political organizations in government that fund most of their activities.
Closely related to that is the label of “non-profit” or “not for profit” organizations. While their warped bookkeeping may loudly declare to the IRS, the public, and those whom they solicit for funds that these entities do not “make a profit,” many of them seem to pay their leaders and staff (and contractors) tremendously good amounts.
We do not claim that ALL non-profit companies and related entities do this – or even that a majority of such groups do. But there are many who do: Charity Watch provides a list of many who pay 7-figure sums to the CEO or other key persons. Not that their salaries are that big: but “expenses,” bonuses, and incentives add up. In other words, “perks” rival a good many Fortune 500 compensation schemes.
Of course, that is just one of many lies modern Americans have been conditioned to accept.