Saturday, September 19, 2009

9.12 Project

I just started reading a book by Rick Shenkman, Just How Stupid Are We? Facing the Truth About the American Voter. It's interesting and frightening. He basically makes the point that we Americans are just too ignorant for democracy. He believes that we'll fall for any myth put out there by media, members of government, churches, etc.

During George Washington's farewell address he spoke about the need for education in a democracy. He said,
"Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."
In other words, in order for a government "of the people, by the people, for the people" to succeed - it ought to in the very least be an informed people.

The people in this video are really upset about something, but I'm confused at exactly what it is.

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