I think democracy is the most revolutionary thing in the world. Far more revolutionary than socialist ideas, or anybody else’s idea. Because if you have power, you use it to meet the needs of your community. And this idea of choice which capital talks about, “you’ve got to have a choice,” choice depends on the freedom to choose. If you’re shackled with debt, you don’t have a freedom to choose.

It seems it benefits the system if the average person is shackled with debt.

People in debt become hopeless, and hopeless people don’t vote. They always say everyone should vote, but I think if the poor in Britain or the United States voted for people who represented their interests, it would be a real democratic revolution. So they don’t want it to happen.

So keeping people hopeless and pessimistic…

See, I think there are two ways in which people are controlled. First of all, frighten people, and secondly, demoralize them. An educated, healthy and confident nation is harder to govern. And I think there’s an element in the thinking of some people: “We don’t want people to be educated, healthy and confident, because they would get out of control.” The top 1 % of the world’s population own 80% of the world’s wealth. It’s incredible that people put up with it, but they’re poor, they’re demoralized, they’re frightened. And therefore, they think perhaps the safest thing to do is to take orders and hope for the best.

And hope for the best is what we do. Right from the moment we’re born. We’ve got the worst infant mortality rate in the western world. A baby born in El Salvador has a better chance of surviving than a baby born in Detroit. But it gets better when we go to school. No wonder the majority of our adults can’t find Britain on a map. But that’s OK. There’s always college. By the time we graduate. Our ass is so in hock. We’re in debt before our first job. You’ll be the employee they’re looking for - one who needs this job. 3,904, 3,905… What employer wouldn’t employ someone thousands of dollars in debt. Because they won’t cause any trouble? In addition to paying off your college debt. You need a job with health insurance. It would be horrible to lose that job. Wouldn’t it? You can always quit, you know. If that one job doesn’t pay all the bills. Don’t worry. You can get another one. And another one. And another one.

(woman) I work three jobs, and I feel like I contribute.
(g. w. bush) You work three jobs?
(woman) Three jobs, yes.
(g. w. bush) Uniquely American, isn’t it? I mean, that is fantastic that you’re doing that. Get any sleep?

If you’re not sleeping, take pharmaceuticals.

(tv ad 10) You’re tired all the time. You feel sad.
(tv ad 8) If you suffer from excessive worry…
(tv ad 9) Generalized anxiety disorder.
(tv ad 10) It could be adult ADD.
(tv ad 11) Ask your doctor.
(tv ad 11) Ask your doctor.

Yes. Ask your doctor. And ask him for more drugs. That should keep you doped up until it’s time to retire. Did I say retire? (laughs) If you make it to 80. Your pension will still be there. Unlike the new employees for these companies. Who’ll never see a pension. But I’m sure our kids will take care of us. Considering the great life we’ve given ‘em. Remember. Let’s defeat the terrorists over there so we don’t have to fight them here.