It did seem clear to me originally, but your first reply to me makes me think you are seeing it very differently than I do, and I'd like to understand what you are seeing. It sounds like I fell into the trap of thinking that even without adding analysis the words and images would have the same literal meaning to all.

You're obviously under no obligation to respond but maybe my question will be more clear if I am explicit in what the most literal interpretation is to me. I'll include the text in the meme because you have mentioned it.

The Ratchet Effect How you are being duped by the fake two party system

I read this as an introduction to the image below, and that the image intended to demonstrate how the two party system is not what it seems.

Democrats block movement back to the left (Image of a pawl)

Democrats are the force that prevent the policy of the government from moving left.

Republicans turn everything to the right (Image of a ratchet gear)

Republicans are the force that drive movement of government policy to the right.

My most literal interpretation is that this meme is describing the two parties as different. A pawl and a ratchet gear serve different functions. They are not the same thing. Driving policy to the right is not the same as preventing policy from moving back left. This is what I meant when I said "both sides are the same" is not the most literal meaning.

The next thing I am going to say is an interpretation of the implied meaning of the heading, so it's no longer literal.

How you are being duped by the fake two party system

Taken with the images below I understand this to be implying that people may believe that the two party system is intended to move policy in either direction depending on which group is in power. The meme is saying this isn't accurate and describes the way the system works.