You’re right. It’s not a FR-unique problem. It’s a structural problem for the reasons you described. (Short, flippant posts.)
There is also a lot of pent-up frustration in people in general. We’re being told the world’s going to end unless we enact top-down socialist programs. Even self-described Republicans and some conservatives can’t resist the seduction of using and growing government for their own means.
That said, one of my frustration is with the 100%ers. These people would be great drill sergeants but not much else. They live in a fantasy world of disconnect between their crystallized ideology and reality. I’m no moderate, but one has to be at least 10% pragmatic or one will get nowhere in life.
You're right. I personally know many people like you describe. I have friends..a married couple. They are very well off. Their property if up for sale right now for almost 3 million bucks. They are as extreme conservative as you can get. BOTH OF THEM ARE ON PERMANENT DISABILITY and receive monthly checks. Obviously, they don't see any hypocracy in that.
The same sorts of things are being said from our side. I remember the whole Clinton is a rapist/murderer/drug-dealer/lying scumbag and if he gets elected or re-elected then we are doomed.
Similar things are starting to be said about Guiliani, McCain, and Romney.
The good news is no matter how bad our leaders our we seem to muddle through. The bad news is that even if by accident we happen to select the best person for the job, he will inevitably be ground down by the system until he is also forced to make stupid mistakes.