We often view mob rule as being at the opposite end of the social spectrum as democracy. Yet, both forms of social control involve the "will" of the masses being dominant. As the singer notes, "what is right is right if you got the votes, in a democratic land that is called control".

The values of a democracy can only be as good as the will of the masses, or in most cases the ethics of the politicians who represent the masses. In Mob Rule we focus on the ways our politicians are marketed and packaged, and how their handlers seduce us into adapting their agenda into our ideals.

"The people's man keeps shaking hands, plays the crowd like a slick magician"

The debate between the two parties reduces our world of possibilities down to a choice between Coke and Pepsi, while all the otter potential flavors are ignored or viewed as being toxic. While the battles between political adversaries are usually heated, in the end both candidates say "words meant to please everybody", and always center around "comfortable change".

While the lyrics were written over two decades ago, they could have been written today. The emphasis on presentation over political substance has only increased over the last two decades, as has the desire for our political leaders to enflame our intolerance of others through fear and hatred. The passionate divisions between Democrats and Republicans which appear completely irreconcilable on domestic issues can vanish in an instant when
the us versus them switches to Americans versus some foreign entity.

How is it possible that our loyalties and hatreds are so situationally dependent? The speed in which a person can switch from one allegiance or affiliation to another is mind boggling. But what is even more incredible is how one can express such vehement hatred towards an opposing group, and within moments incorporate that same person into a favored group deserving our greatest respect and admiration. The very same individual can within instants go from a person we hate and to whom we wish harm, to an individual whom we would have our children die to protect.

During election season people including politicians talk about how often politicians lie, deceive, and avoid being upfront and honest. Yet, once they are elected, in international disputes, they are always telling the truth and leaders of other nations are always lying.

"My life keeps reaching away from storm, but who's that teaching a hateful scorn?"

Our political system has found it more convenient and practical to pander to our baser instincts rather than appeal to our care and compassion.