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In 1982, ‘Blade Runner’ introduced us to a bleak vision of what the year 2019 might look like: evil corporations rule the world, the planet is polluted beyond repair, and people suffer in destitute conditions.

But although 2019 passed without any androids running amok, we still live in a world not far from that idea. And it seems that this dystopic future has arrived sooner than expected.

Bored Panda has found the perfect subreddit that shows us examples of how we are living in this strange reality. r/ABoringDystopia holds a mirror up to our society and makes us feel uneasy over the influence of capitalism on our lives.

We’ve allowed these disturbing issues to happen without us realizing it, almost to the point that it’s become predictable. And this is where the term ‘boring dystopia’ comes from. You can read more about it from Bored Panda here and here

Read on to see my interview with John A. Lancaster and his expert take on the current state of the economy and the situation with COVID-19.

#1

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

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Nizzle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

america is a failed state. they took democracy but forgot the part where they're supposed to look after each other.

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The posts shared here emphasize how greed and a lack of empathy affect the daily lives of people worldwide. With the cost of living seemingly out of reach for the everyday person, we have to ask ourselves: how did things get so bad?

I asked John A. Lancaster what we should expect from the economy in the near future. Being a political commentator who gives straightforward and concise takes on the most controversial issues, John told Bored Panda, "Assuming there won't be any more lockdowns, a significant issue to worry about is the return of 'Industry Policy', which is basically the government subsidizing certain industries in hopes of spurring development and innovation in those industries."

He explained further about the issues that 'Industry Policy' can produce: "This means that vast amounts of funds can be (and practically always are) squandered on economically unpromising projects with little to no consequences to the government officials. These officials are going to get reimbursed with tax revenue regardless of how their subsides pan out financially."

John considers that 'Industrial Policy' is: "an extremely inefficient way to boost innovation that wastes immense amount of money and resources that would have been best left up to private firms."

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He also drives home the point about where the control of money lies. John notes that: "It's important to note that government funds come from the tax paying public. Whenever there is a push to 'stimulate' new jobs, money is being taken from the public and directed as bureaucrats and elected officials see fit. When this happens wealth is not being created, but redistributed."

#3

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

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#4

Pretty Weird...

Pretty Weird...

ProGamer14719 Report

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carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, pumping money in to banks and corporations for what? jobs? pfffft they fired their people and a bonus was paid to .... drum roll ...

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So businesses under the 'Industry Policy' profited massively, whilst the people that needed help the most, struggled to survive and make ends meet.

Regarding the government's control of the finances, John also raised an important question: "If the general public would've preferred to spend their money in different ways than the government, then how beneficial are the government ventures and what was potentially sacrificed for those ventures?"

You can see from the ‘boring dystopia’ subreddit exactly how people across the globe have been affected. There’s the illogical ideas put forward by these businesses that are meant to help people, but do anything but that. And astounding hypocrisy of the rich and powerful.

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#6

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

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jmscargill avatar
Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The president America should have had. At least he gives a s**t.

danielshadowdrakken avatar
Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone voting on a bill should be REQURIED to read it in its entirety. It's their f'ing job!

galinatsoneva avatar
SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of people reacting on articles, just by reading the titles and not bothering with reading the actual publication.

master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Joking about someone who actually does their job. Wow. Also...Bernie should have been president since the last time...he wasn't even given a chance to run. I think maybe solely due to his socialist stance. He's such a great guy and politician.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because more often than not those bills also include things that you actually do not want. Here's a bill to drastically improve public transportation. On a side note, you also approve that oil companies can destroy nature reserves at will.

ocdrobot avatar
OCDRobot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's pretty telling that they make jokes about the one guy actually doing his job. Reminds me of High school.

aliquida avatar
Aliquid A
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a bigger deal than you think. Those things aren't just long, they are torture to read. Imagine the most boring and poorly written text-book you have ever had to read. Where you have to re-read every paragraph because "what they hell was that actually saying?"..., and then go 10x worse.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine actually reading something for which you are responsible to the people of your country, so you understand the issues and can vote accordingly. Just imagine.

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New law: All laws have to be easily summed up in less than 10 words, take up no more than 100 words in the "books". Stuff like: "Premeditated murder is illegal, you will go to jail for life if you are convicted". Or "If you destroy the economy, your assets will be seized to the last safety pin." Or "If you call it part-time at 30 hours a week, to avoid giving benefits/etc., you will be fined one MILLION dollars per such part-time employee and that money given to the person you said works "part-time" for you. Part-time is 20 hours or less a week. The end.".... .....

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately those bills often get altered along their trail to getting voted on. As for Mr. Sanders, all I can say is the guy is genuine and dedicated. The only politician older than 45 that I truly like

niksmom2001 avatar
Sandra Givens
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many bills are hundreds of pages long so reading each and every page of each and every bill would be a huge feat, and very time-consuming. This is what a good staff is for, to wade through these things and give you a summary of all the points covered. You can then go deeper into the bill and examine problematic areas yourself. Most members of Congress don't have the background to understand what is involved in each clause of a bill, so again, staff with the relevant degrees and experience is often essential. Just as important to know is who actually wrote the bill. There are plenty of them that are actually written by special interest groups and lobbyists, and a member simply presents it for a vote when it is done. These bills for sure need a very close reading. But good on Bernie if he actually does read all of them himself.

clayslady2003 avatar
AMaureen Dance
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are the same people who think not reading a contract voids all the parts they don't like.

angelwingsyt avatar
AngelWingsYT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So Simpsons WAS right (again) "i was elected to lead not read....i pick #3"

carriedehaven avatar
Carrie DeHaven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Senators have legislative staffers who are better informed than senators themselves. The staffers read the bills and advise the senators they work for. Insisting on reading the bill himself, if true, is a show of egotism, not hard work.

swizdom2 avatar
Susan Widomski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having some morons reading what a convoluted monstrosity most of the bills are, does not a good decision make. Bernie has an agenda that verges on Socialism and his enemies want the opposite. How do we ever get out of this mess?

francesm avatar
Frances M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My countries president complained to the government that they were putting too many laws for him to ok just before the holidays as he didn’t have time to read them through fully before the summer break (their break not his). He told them to get their act together and work on the laws and acts in a timely manner rather then leaving them all until the last minute. Got to love him. https://www.thejournal.ie/michael-d-higgins-letter-legislation-5510359-Jul2021

francesm avatar
Frances M
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's why the other legislators use unpaid interns... let them read it & then email an abstract

mark_wkelly avatar
Mark Kelly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should at least pay someone to read it for them and tell them if there’s anything hunky?

bcgrote avatar
Brandy Grote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'd think it would be part of their job, to know what they're doing...

552e0e6bc437a avatar
Rainy Day Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

historically humans don't prefer people who can analyze and ponder on their decisions, people prefer those who can make a quick decisions... sadly

judy_engelke avatar
Judy Engelke
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are suppose to have aids who read x amount of pages each and put it in summary form. A 2700 page report is stupid.

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#7

‘Murica

‘Murica

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are advantages and disadvantages both to socialized healthcare and to simple free market healthcare (though between the two, socialized healthcare wins). The neat thing about the private insurance system is that it combines the flaws of both, which is great if you really hate healthcare.

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It makes you think twice about who’s running the world and if they should really have this much power. These are some of our top selections from the subreddit. These examples are a cautionary reminder to reflect on society, and question what we should consider the norm. We hold the power to make a change to our society, so we should make it a positive one.

#8

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

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#9

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

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#11

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

JunkyDragon Report

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Hugh Willie Mungous
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lenders should be FORCED to factor in the savings in rentals that would result when calculating affordability. It is ridiculous that the monies that will become available when rentals cease are not factored in to the calculation.

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#12

Seems About Right

Seems About Right

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Nannychachi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son works 2 jobs, in a store and on a garbage truck. We live in a small town and STILL had to gift him a small house that we own just so he can live on his own. He couldn't do it otherwise.

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#14

And Call People Back

And Call People Back

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Caroline Nagel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a man from a firm tell me to come do an interview for a job he knew I was not qualified for and I had told him as much. I had to cycle about an hour to get there - no public transport, no car. He told me ' the cycle trip would do me good'. I cycled for an hour, got soaking wet and got told I was not qualified as soon as the interview started. I had to go as refusing could cost me my unemplyment benefit, which I couldn't afford. The power these people think they can wield over the unemployed. Psychopathic is the word I would use for these kind of people.

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#15

The Ruling Class Wins Either Way

The Ruling Class Wins Either Way

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#16

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

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#17

All Too Common

All Too Common

amerpie Report

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Joi Cain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure why white people say black people always play the race card. This is the ultimate race card but the racism is subliminal to whites and GLARING for black folks.

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#18

$280,000,000,000

$280,000,000,000

jdhol67 Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK it is going to Tory party donors, MP's friends etc

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#19

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

BecauseIamBatman1 Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 10 years old I received a birthday present from an aunt of 1 share of McDonalds Corporation (~$12). To this day, the transaction fee for selling that 1 share would cost more than the share is worth, so I just enjoy my quarterly dividend check for $1.19.

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#21

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

hylandzz Report

#22

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

KingMoonLazer Report

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone should agree that this should be illegal. Nothing about this system works.

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#23

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's time to end this horrible trend of making life harder for those whose life is hard enough already. Those are human beings people!

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#24

They Used The Key Word

They Used The Key Word

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renee brack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what astounds me about Americans who don't / won't / haven't travelled to see how good life is in other parts of the world. They cling to ideas that are not true like children told fairytales they believe as real. It's bizarre. And sad for them.

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#25

Billionaires

Billionaires

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Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really people! Do you actually need a new iPhone every 5 minutes? Apple and their upper echelon just get richer and richer because you fall for it. Learn to spend money on needs not wants. Do it now. Because if you keep doing this you may need to learn to do that the hard way. Your not the one accumulating all the money here. They are.

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#26

Look At The Bright Side

Look At The Bright Side

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With all those fires burning down the trees along with over-lumbering and deforestation, I think this is the the beginning of the hottest summers we will experience :(

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#27

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

petratishkovna Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Barnet council in the UK outsourced most of their functions/services to a private company. It has been nothing but a disaster. That's what happens when profit is the main driver.

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#28

The Truth

The Truth

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work more hours, am calmer and significantly more productive since work from home started (March 2020) and has been going on since and is an obvious improvement. Yet the company now (at start of Delta variant, looking fwd to Lambda variant) makes me go to the office at least two days, where I will work 8 hrs (and not a minute more, trust me), will be worried about people coughing on me, will spend two hours in traffic....I can go on

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#29

Casual Price Gouging

Casual Price Gouging

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#30

Which Timeline Is This???

Which Timeline Is This???

"Bruh Walmart has removed nearly all of their stock of video games except for those rated E for Everyone but still has the audacity to keep their entire gun section"

Karnami Report

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