====== Cobra's Political Alignment ======

Josh frequently shares his political views, which are influenced by his interactions with his father, [[characters:Clint Saunders]], who is very socially liberal, and his consumption of right-wing content on YouTube. Cobra's beliefs are not very well-formed and often seem to be a mix of ideas parroted from others, without a coherent overarching ideology.

==== Key Points of Cobra's Political Beliefs ====

=== Independent Thinker ===
Cobra frequently emphasizes his independence from traditional political parties. He criticizes both Democrats and Republicans for their constant finger-pointing and inability to address real issues. Cobra prides himself on thinking for himself and not being swayed by media or societal pressures. However, this self-proclaimed independence often translates to a lack of clear, consistent political positions.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1g0oM4nbak&t=3415s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPwLZjPsFyg&t=826s|YouTube]]

=== Views on Gun Control ===
Cobra leans more right-wing when it comes to gun control. He believes that guns are not the problem; rather, people are. He supports the right to bear arms and criticizes gun control measures, arguing that they do not prevent bad actors from obtaining firearms. Instead, he advocates for better mental health evaluations and counseling as solutions to gun violence.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hInm4UWQ1Xs&t=260s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1g0oM4nbak&t=2394s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6za7RrrwlMg&t=691s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B63FvqJ_26A&t=3990s|YouTube]]

See also: [[beliefs:Guns]]

=== Criticism of Political Parties ===
Cobra often expresses frustration with the divisiveness of American politics. He believes that both major parties use tactics like fear-mongering and misinformation to control the public. Cobra is critical of the extreme elements within both parties, arguing that they contribute to societal division rather than unity.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKD3JuUzNOs&t=301s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kdohv-M80EM&t=174s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL-Pq5jkcYg&t=484s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myCwzfwwrtE&t=138s|YouTube]]

=== Social Issues ===
Cobra's views on social issues are influenced by his socially liberal father. He supports LGBTQ+ rights and often criticizes homophobia and transphobia. However, he also expresses skepticism towards some elements of the LGBTQ+ movement, particularly in the trans movement, which he feels are exploited by individuals for personal gain.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL-Pq5jkcYg&t=484s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23BLnHCGqtA&t=4466s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebVjHS7a2bU&t=1813s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RteGy6lmByE&t=1369s|YouTube]]

See also: [[beliefs:Sickos]]

=== Economic Views ===
Cobra's economic views are less defined but show a mix of skepticism towards both capitalism and socialism. He criticizes corporate greed and the influence of wealthy elites on politics, while also recognizing the importance of personal responsibility and hard work.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBZ2K_xu08&t=1478s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66gWGxv3BF0&t=351s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRHim39hBKo&t=1169s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRtDH7LGaC0&t=961s|YouTube]]

=== Marijuana Legalization ===
One of the few consistent beliefs Cobra holds is his strong support for marijuana legalization. He frequently discusses the economic and social benefits of legalizing cannabis, arguing that it would help boost the economy and reduce crime.
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-SaLV3l6_M&t=775s|YouTube]]
  * Source: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk-_XQTh98o&t=210s|YouTube]]

==== Examples of Cobra's Rants ====

  * Cobra discusses his frustration with the divisiveness in politics:
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKD3JuUzNOs&t=301s|YouTube Link 1]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPwLZjPsFyg&t=826s|YouTube Link 2]]

  * He shares his right-wing views on gun control and critiques gun control measures:
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hInm4UWQ1Xs&t=260s|YouTube Link 3]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1g0oM4nbak&t=2394s|YouTube Link 4]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6za7RrrwlMg&t=691s|YouTube Link 5]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B63FvqJ_26A&t=3990s|YouTube Link 6]]

  * Cobra's thoughts on the exploitation of the LGBTQ+ movement and his support for LGBTQ+ rights:
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL-Pq5jkcYg&t=484s|YouTube Link 7]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23BLnHCGqtA&t=4466s|YouTube Link 8]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebVjHS7a2bU&t=1813s|YouTube Link 9]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RteGy6lmByE&t=1369s|YouTube Link 10]]

  * Critiques of corporate greed and the influence of wealthy elites on politics:
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBZ2K_xu08&t=1478s|YouTube Link 11]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66gWGxv3BF0&t=351s|YouTube Link 12]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRHim39hBKo&t=1169s|YouTube Link 13]]
    * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRtDH7LGaC0&t=961s|YouTube Link 14]]

==== Conclusion ====

Cobra's political stances often lack coherence and seem to be a collection of ideas borrowed from various sources. While he identifies as an independent thinker, much of his rhetoric appears to be parroted from others without a deep understanding or consistent ideology. Beyond his clear support for marijuana legalization, Cobra's views on other political issues are inconsistent and often contradictory.

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