I listen to no media, newpapers, or television, I read the Economist as my chief source of news. I've lived through all of what you refer to and more, and learned that both democrats and republicans represent themselves and their own interests, not the people they were elected to represent or people that are self reliant. I'm also veteran and through my own efforts and fiscal discipline have managed to accumulate wealth and retire at a relatively early age. Most of the masses listen to the media and are consistently mis-informed. In the last presidential election I voted for Darryl Castle, the constitution candidate, as the alternatives, Clinton and Trump made me sick to my stomach. So I voted for Mr. Castle, so my consience would be clear. Perhaps you should start reading the Economist, although the average reader is a 45 year old male, so you may not be old enough to understand it yet.