by David Giza

Created on: July 06, 2007

I hate to answer in the affirmative regarding this question but I must be honest with myself and the fellow readers of this article. Americans are dumb and uninformed when it comes to politics. Many people don't even know the names of their state's governors and their individual State representatives and Senators let alone their Congressperson or national Senator. A lot of it is apathy but many people are so busy working two or three jobs to make ends meet for their families that they just don't have the time to tune in regarding local, state and national politics. Many people also consider politics boring and don't believe that the politicians listen to their concerns. It's true that most politicians listen to and follow the will of the special interest lobbyists rather than the wishes of the average, ordinary, taxpaying American.

I also blame the news media in a sense for this collective dumbness. News has become increasingly of the tabloid variety. We don't have serious analysis and discussion of complex political issues. Both sides have their screaming talking heads where there is plenty of heat and hot air but not much light. Also everything today is rushed. Commercials are more important than ever when it comes to television and radio. Americans know more about funny commercials than politics. We prefer to be entertained rather than informed.

Learn more about this author, David Giza.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.