Spence wrote:The problem isn't IQ it is focus.
Therein lies the cruxt of the problem. For better or worse, many Americans are lazy when it comes to involvement in politics. They are more than happy to be spoon fed their politics through ads than do any real research on what is true or not true. If the ad in question fits thier current political paradigm then all the better, regardless of whether or not it is baseless propoganda.
In every election that I have participated in since the advent of the internet (thank you Al Gore
) I have done tremendous amounts of research on all the issues that I will be voting on, regardless of whether they will directly effect me, or perhaps my limited interest in the topic. Unfortunately, you will not find that type of commitment by most Americans.
As for Presidents affecting much change, or state govenors for that matter...just doesn't happen much anymore. The real power lies with the legislatures. Replacing the President or Govenor might make you feel good at the time, but then the disillusion sets in, as one realizes how little power for change they actually wield. The state of California stands crippled due to our legilature, not Arnold, and it will make no difference who we put in office, republican or democrat (well, the dems will just get to spend more money we don't have, so I guess it makes some difference), if we do not replace the folks who are really impeding positive change...the legislatures. I could go on and on...just my two cents.