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>and the elections right now seem to indicate most people are ignorant of it and/or don't care. >Interesting times. I feel bad for the American public. I don'
by Grishnakh 11y ago
>and the elections right now seem to indicate most people are ignorant of it and/or don't care.
>Interesting times. I feel bad for the American public.
I don't. As you pointed out, most Americans are happily voting for politicians who push these policies, so we can assume that most Americans are in agreement with these policies. If they didn't agree, they would vote for candidates who don't support these policies (and there are such candidates available). Americans are getting the government they deserve, as usual.
- nitrogen 11y agoPeople are too easily manipulated for this to be a convincing indictment. The authorities manipulate majorities to control minorities. There is no root of power at the people, it's a feedback loop with the powerful cranking it to full volume. In my own state (and even at work) I see powerful interests suppressing ideas and news on a fairly regular basis. This is not just the people "getting the government they deserve".
- Grishnakh 11y agoMaybe, but I see no lack of political discussion in this society at all. Internet blogs and forums like this one are absolutely full of comments from people discussing the candidates, the issues, etc. There is no shortage of people voicing support for the pro-surveillance establishment candidates like Hillary and Rubio.
- nitrogen 11y agoI haven't read this book, but from what I've read about it, the ideas in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manufacturing_Consent would show that a manipulated population might still be having lots of discussion. The discussion will just not be complete.