The Shitstem is a vampire: How Once Noble Systems Have Devolved into a Corrupt Bloodsucking Machine

…we once believed that politics and government were noble pursuits aimed at the betterment of society. However, as we peer into the swampy depths of modern government, it becomes painfully clear that the political shitstem is a vampire, sucking the lifeblood from the poor while transforming others into minions, all under the facade of serving the public good. Welcome to the political shitstem—where corruption, exploitation, and moral decay reign supreme.

Consider the characteristics of a vampire: alluring, charismatic, and often presenting themselves as saviors. Beneath the charming exterior lies a ruthless bloodsucker. The modern political shitstem fits this vampire label perfectly, especially regarding socioeconomic disparity.

A 2022 report from Oxfam reveals that the richest 1% of the world’s population owns more than 45% of global wealth, while the bottom half owns less than 1%. This stark inequality reflects a shitstem that has become parasitic, where the wealth and resources of the many are siphoned off to feed the few. Like a vampire, the political elite thrive on the economic lifeblood—namely, the workforce of the less fortunate—maintaining their power through systematic exploitation.

The true horror of this political system lies not just in the direct exploitation of the poor but also in its ability to transform citizens into creatures of its own making. By perpetuating a cycle of dependence and disillusionment, the shitstem effectively creates “vampires” out of ordinary individuals.

Take, for instance, the phenomenon of lobbying. A 2021 report from the Center for Responsive Politics revealed that over $3.5 billion was spent on lobbying in the United States alone. This expenditure typically translates into laws and regulations that favor corporate interests, creating a scenario where citizens are pitted against one another in a never-ending struggle for resources. Those who once sought to improve their communities may find themselves aligning with powerful entities, perpetuating a system that drains their moral compass in exchange for financial gain.

Sociologically speaking, this transformation can be explained through Robert Merton’s Strain Theory, which posits that societal structures can pressure citizens to commit deviant acts when they cannot achieve culturally approved goals through legitimate means. Faced with an increasingly corrupt system, individuals often resort to unethical behavior to survive or succeed, becoming complicit in the very system they once opposed.

From a philosophical perspective, Michel Foucault argued that power operates through discourse and knowledge, shaping our understanding of the world. As political rhetoric becomes increasingly devoid of substance and filled with platitudes, citizens are left in a state of confusion and vulnerability. The vampire thrives in such an environment, preying on the disenfranchised and transforming them into willing participants in their own exploitation.

Unfortunately, historical systems of governance have often devolved into corruption, but the pace of this transformation seems to have accelerated in recent decades. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent rise of neoliberalism shifted the focus from public good to private profit. The 2008 financial crisis further exposed the fragility of the system; yet instead of reform, we saw a consolidation of power among the elites, much like a vampire gathering strength after a feeding frenzy.

Current news reports frequently highlight scandals, from political bribes to corporate malfeasance, adding fuel to the fire of public disillusionment. Recent revelations surrounding the “Pandora Papers” illustrated how global elites exploit loopholes to hide their wealth, reinforcing the image of a political class detached from the needs of the populace.

However, the system does not have to end in despair. Just as folklore suggests that vampires can be vanquished by light, so too can the oppressive systems of governance be dismantled through transparency, accountability, and grassroots activism.

Movements and organizations like Black Lives Matter, the climate justice initiative, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the Polaris Project, and Ocean Clean, spearheaded by young activists, demonstrate that ordinary citizens can rally together to demand change. By harnessing the power of collective action and utilizing technology to hold our leaders accountable, we can begin to reclaim our agency and ensure that the political system reclaims its noble heritage by serving the many rather than the few.

The future doesn’t have to be one of perpetual servitude to the political elite. Instead, we can foster a new era of ethical leadership, where the lifeblood of society is uplifted rather than drained.

So, let us sharpen our stakes, shine some light on the dark corners of our political system, and work together to create a society where everyone can thrive—because the best way to defeat a vampire is not just to expose it but to build a community strong enough to withstand its influence.