Lions led by Sheep -

Oct 30 2008

Are Americans too Dumb to Vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?

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62 Responses to “Are Americans too Dumb to Vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?”

1. # Arletteon 30 Oct 2008 at 10:09 pm

   Thank you Steve for your engagement ! It is so hard to find a truth and once you found one, there are still millions of different points of view to be considered, weighed, understood. I still think that since good old Caesar in Rome, nothing on earth ever changed. There are Kings and Slaves, still as it was for the entire history of humenhood, just with a different face and of course a cellphone today. Peace to all.

2. # Margaret Hartleyon 30 Oct 2008 at 11:06 pm

   The only way to break the mold is start a small rebellion that spreads from one person to another until finally there are enough voices-that when they are raised-create a small tremor that grows until the very foundations are shaking.

   We have to believe-without question-that what we know and say and believe in DOES make a difference even if it convinces only one person at a time. We have to offer hope and change and a different agenda to combat the run of the mill garbage we are being fed. Develop some principles and stick with them- no matter what. Otherwise- we are lost and Steve is right.

3. # Derekon 30 Oct 2008 at 11:45 pm

   I’m with you on this…

   You’ve got some guts to say it…

4. # Joycey Berryon 31 Oct 2008 at 12:18 am

   I will be at the polls on November 4th.

5. # MARY SUSAN HARRINGTONon 31 Oct 2008 at 1:07 am

   I AGREE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT, AND IT IS PATHETIC. I WILL BE VOTING TO DEFINATELY MAKE MY MESSAGE!

6. # Pommawolf/Wolfweep'Son 31 Oct 2008 at 3:39 am

   I agree wholeheartedly for the most part…*S* I also believe that the American people are in so much denial that they think things will work themselves without their participation. That someone else is going to fix everything. They go about their daily life not even worrying that tomorrow is going to get worse long before it gets better. No consequences for “their lack of action or giving a damn” attitude.
   I also believe to many people are self medicating with alcohol and all kinds of over the counter and illegal drugs, and thats not even counting the millions on anti-depression medication. Most of the people I know are on these drugs, or their children are as well. Doesn’t anyone care that people aren’t paying attention because they have been medicated out of theirdaily lives?

7. # Wai Minon 31 Oct 2008 at 6:05 am

   Hello..

   I don’t know much about American politics, but I think it was a great post.

   And btw, Happy Hallowen!

   Spook spook!

   Have a great weekend, Steve!

   Wai Min

8. # Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 6:12 am

   Steve, you are so right on the money. The sad thing is that most countries operate that way. Keep the population stupid and fleece them as much as possible. Yes, it’s time for a great awakening. I don’t know what it will take but, even the “Recession/Depression” we are in, is not mobilizing the sheep. We are still asleep, hypnotized by our leaders and smooth talking would be leaders. Is there not one person on this planet who could lead an uprising? I am a sheep, I admit, so someone will have to rise up and lead the awakening. How about it, Steve!!!

9. # Steve N. Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 11:44 am

   Yes, it’s scary isn’t it, Arlette, that the years fly by, we develop new medicines, new technologies, new art - all to enrich our lives - and yet at the most basic of levels, we’re still slaves to the system with little or no real control over our fate.

   Thanks for reminding us that this is far from a new problem we find ourselves stuck with!

   Thanks, Derek. As for guts? Well, you shouldn’t need guts to tell the truth, should you? That’s shows what a sad state the world is in!

   Thanks for stopping by.

   You’re right, Margaret - it has to start at grass roots level and work up. Like a virus. Once it does start, there’ll be no stopping it. The problem is that initial impetus. There are many of us trying to spread the word but so far our voices are still barely a whisper let alone a shout, aren’t they? Still, as long as there isn’t silence, there’s the glimmer of hope we need.

   Thanks, Margaret.
   Steve

10. # Steve N. Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 11:45 am

    I’m glad you enjoyed my post, Mary. Yes, it is pathetic. And very sad.

    The medication situation is sad, Pommawolf. We have people addicted to anti-depressants in Britain too, though not on the scale the the US suffers.

    Apathy. Yep, that’s a great reason for the world to go to hell, isn’t it? Why is it that so many people expect everyone else to do all the work, even things to benefit them personally? It’s beyond laziness, it’s verging on the criminal the way so many just opt out seriously believing it isn’t their problem.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    And Happy Halloween to you too, Wai Min. Thank you.

    Don’t worry, you don’t need to know about American politics as I’m sure you suffer the same problems in Malaysia as we all do in the West.

    Thanks for dropping in.

    Have a great weekend everyone,
    Steve

11. # Steve N. Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 11:46 am

    Are you offering me a job, Lee? ;-)

    Yes, it’s scary that so many people haven’t a clue about what’s going on in the world. And even scarier that so many do but choose to turn a blind eye.

    After Katrina/New Orleans, after Iraq, after the bailout, it does make you wonder what it’s going to take for the American people to stand up and shout “ENOUGH!”. Those in control must be absolutely wetting themselves laughing at what they get away with. They probably even have bets with each other - “Hey, I bet you $2 you can’t let a hurricane destroy a major first world city and then do nothing about the devastation.” (Note the $2 - it’s fun, it’s entertaining, it’s exciting, but we don’t want to go crazy and throw money away senselessly, do we!?)

    Thanks for commenting, Lee.

    I know your heart is in the right place, Joycey, so let’s hope your vote makes a real difference.

    Steve

12. # miguel de sousaon 31 Oct 2008 at 12:54 pm

    Hi Steve and all,

    I like the post and enjoyed very much both the tone and humour of the delivery.

    The truth, which I think you hint at but veil, is that its not so much plebeians are too dumb to vote; its that they are too dumb - intentionally - to realise long term best interest, and instead are led into a false sense of confidence about their world view because it is affirmed on many sides by political rhetoric, media complicity and its insistence on sound byte driven journalism and ever escalating crises (usually completely misrepresented), and the ever growing need amongst urban populations of the western world to congregate with people of a like disposition and lifestyle (that includes everybody! gays hang out with gays, hicks hang out with hicks, wall street fraudsters hang out with wall street fraudsters, et al).

    This is a terrible feedback loop, it never broken.

    So the revolution we need is not the one most posters seem to proclaiming, we need a cultural revolution where people start taking personal accountability and public probity ( not that we should be prudes or censorial as such, but that we should respect that many things are offensive in public context because they likely to generate discomfort in others, and its discomfort that is not necessarily meant and if we are intentionally to ignore others discomfort we are not being very intelligent. Of course those taking offense have to realise it is not they’re world only, and must accept apologies when earnestly meant)

    Its not coming anytime soon sorry.

13. # Kim aka LadyMysticWolfon 31 Oct 2008 at 2:25 pm

    At first I was offended, particularly but the comment that if people don’t travel they are uneducated about cultures etc. I can not afford to travel however, I read and research about different cultures so the only knowledge I actually lack is in ‘living’ in those cultures.
    However, I must admit that the rest of your post is accurate. Bitingly so. During several elections I did not vote because I refused to vote between the lesser of two evils as I did not care for either candidate.
    We are severely in need of a wake up call. I’ve heard so many people say ‘the gas prices are going down so our economy is doing better’. How surprised they will be when after the election is over, the prices will quickly rise again.
    I won’t say we are dumb as the term ‘dumb’ implicates that we are unable to learn. I say we are totaly and 100% uneducated about our lives and government.
    Rebellion? Won’t ever happen in my lifetime. Although, I will say that the next generation IS more involved with politics and American issues than mine was. Even though it seems they are odd because of their individualism. I also know that the drop out rate is much higher than it was in my day, I see it all around me because I am classed as low income. Which btw, it seems neither candidate has discussed at length the ‘low income, poor, homeless and hungry’.
    Or the amount of food and milk that go to waste in America that could feed millions. But alas, as you stated, THEY are in control.
    Great post! Two thumbs up!

14. # Larson 31 Oct 2008 at 3:33 pm

    Yes, we are dumb. And brainwashed to ignore what the crooked political figures are doing. Wrong doing all the time and none of them gets in any serious trouble for it. We’ve been brainwashed and distracted by many things, i.e., tv (the worst), cell phones and text messaging, video games, fwd jokes on the internet, and there are many more. Just look around you, you will see them.
    Here’s a good video that can make you wonder…, and I suggest you do before it’s too late (might already be); Zeitgeist: Addendum http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7065205277695921912
    WAKE UP AMERICA!

15. # Steve N. Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 3:47 pm

    That’s a great comment, Miquel. You make an excellent point which I’ll illustrate by way of example so others can see the truth in it. Two British celebrities are dominating the British media this week after a on-air radio prank phone call received 30,000 complaints. I won’t go into detail except it involved a message about who was sleeping with who being left on another celebrities answering machine. It has upset the entire nation to such an extent that the Prime Minister himself has slammed it as a disgrace.

    Okay, it was disrespectful, unpleasant, and unprofessional. But is it going to bring on a recession? Is it going to melt the icecaps? Is it going to push species into extinction?

    Only the other week we were all outraged about the banks and the bailout. Can you imagine how ecstatic those in control are that these celebrities have come along to distract the populace from the real issues?

    My God, the whole nation is outraged, is it?!!! If celebrity gossip its biggest concern, the whole nation deserves gassing. And for those who think I’m often too hard on America, that’s my homeland I’m taking about euthanizing!

    Yes, you’re right. As I said to Kim, it’s not a bloody revolution we need it is one where accountability and responsibility become hip terms instead of dirty ones to be avoided at all costs. I’ve spoken about this before, but people have to take responsibility for their actions, stop believing the hype they’re fed and actually contribute to society instead of merely being a leach upon it.

    Thanks, Miguel.

    Kim, don’t worry, the travel/education idea was merely that - an idea to convey the concepts that need to be put over. I know many people aren’t as travelled as they would like to be - me included! Very few of us are lucky enough to be able to jet off to exotic places and really soak up both its natural wonders and cultural marvels. (Sadly, those with the money to do so rarely appreciate the experience or the opportunity.) That said, for every one like you who delves into literature to grow as a person there must be 100 who delve into nothing more than a bottle of Bud and the game!

    Rebellion? Yes, what shape will change come in? I don’t think there’ll be blood running in the streets of Washington, London, Paris… Not that it’s that kind of revolution we need. (It’s an intellectual and cultural revolution that’s necessary.) But it must come. We simply can’t go on using resources the way we are and abusing the world and its people for too much longer as, well, everything is going to run out! Oil, water, food - any one could be the catalyst that finally pushes the Western world over the edge.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kim.

    Brainwashed is the only word for it, isn’t it, Lars? I don’t know why people can’t see it. Especially when it’s pointed out to them. I think it’s a whole ‘I’m not weak’ thing. They believe they are far too intelligent and far too savvy to ever fall for anything but the solid, 100%, bluechip truth. Which creates a vicious circle - if they believe something it must be the truth, therefore they believe it all the more strongly and encourage others to do likewise.

    Thanks for the link which I check out later.

    Have a great weekend everyone,
    Steve

16. # eekon 31 Oct 2008 at 9:53 pm

    I have to disagree with this…

    “A gigantic 70% of Americans never leave America. If they show such little interest in acquiring new knowledge, in gaining new experiences, in broadening their horizons, you have to ask how well-educated they are.

    Education implies a hunger of knowledge; no hunger, therefore, implies no education.”

    This is a far stretched conclusion. While I do agree that an experience in another culture cannot compete with reading about it in a book that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a hunger for knowledge. To imply that citizens have no interest in acquiring new knowledge because they don’t leave the country is awfully rash and incorrect.

    I also feel that using the term “dumb” doesn’t feel fitting for your message. To imply that a woman that is a victim of domestic abuse is dumb is completely wrong. She is a VICTIM and frankly I feel that those you speak of may not fit your ideals of “educated” but they certainly aren’t dumb.

    In fact to make these extreme rationalizations to prove an individual is dumb frankly seems a playground tactic and judgment of a culture that exists within our nation and frankly gets us no where. Each individual in this nation has something to contribute and if we keep casting these judgments on others we are just as guilty as the next evil politician who manipulates them.

    I do agree with most of your points but the package you deliver them in is inappropriate and false. I say that with confidence because I am from a small town in Nebraska and there are plenty of individuals there that know more about the markets and economy than you give them credit for. And yes most have not gone to college or left the country but by no means are these individuals DUMB.

17. # Steve N. Leeon 31 Oct 2008 at 10:13 pm

    Thanks for commenting, Eek.

    I know what you’re getting at, but you have to appreciate a number of things. Firstly, that I’m restricted to 800-1000 words - much longer and a lot of people are simply put off and won’t read.

    Secondly, there will always be exceptions to the rule, but what you have to ask yourself is - “If the American people are so clued up on what’s really going on in the world, then how do your politicians get away with what they do?”

    Thirdly - that last line of the post speaks volumes. Just because I talk about Americans at the start of the post, doesn’t mean this is a post solely about Americans. Because of the title and main body of the post, I can understand a certain level of defensiveness, but I’m talking about Europeans just as much as Americans here.

    Finally, anyone who reads my posts regularly will tell you that you shouldn’t take every single word I write so literally. I write the way I do simply to make people think, not purely to deliver facts. It is the concepts my posts contain, the greater world views, the over all picture, that are of paramount importance, not the individual paragraphs or basic word choice.

    Personally, I don’t know that many ‘dumb’ Europeans, but that doesn’t mean Europe is a Utopia governed by omnipotent, compassionate, empathetic philanthropists. We’ve just as f*cked up as you are! (Well, okay, not quite!)

    Finally, just because someone is a victim doesn’t mean they aren’t stupid. We are all victims of the present corrupt, greedy government - does that mean we can simply wash our hands of the responsibility associated with it? I hope not!

    Thanks for sharing, Eek.
    Steve

18. # Kathy Thompsonon 01 Nov 2008 at 2:53 am

    Steve, you just don’t know how happy I am to have found your blog! I’m really not the only one who thinks this way, in fact if all these comments are any indication there must be a WHOLE LOT of us! Am going to print this one out and leave it lying around at work…..hopefully someone will pull their head out of the TV for long enough to start to think.

    You know I’m sure, that Voltaire came up with the idea of controlling the education in order to control the people. I’m starting to realise just what “groomed for the presidency” really means, I’m sure a study of not only Voltaire but also Machiavelle (sp?) and Hitler. It has come to the point that even those of us who do vote, after doing our level best to educate ourselves, still don’t really know what we have voted for, and that’s just the way our government wants it!

19. # Dianeon 01 Nov 2008 at 5:02 am

    An interesting slant on things Steve ! Thankyou for the insight. I shall share it around. We have been hearing heaps about the American election here in Australia. Your financial crisis has effected us greatly. I DO hope only the very WISE will vote and vote with thought. Thanks again ***

20. # Elaineon 01 Nov 2008 at 7:38 am

    Voting is like taking responsibility for all the freedoms we have.

    I look forward to voting; I vote for the best candidate in my view - and hope others vote for theirs. That is what freedom is about.

21. # Jacobon 01 Nov 2008 at 10:12 am

    This is a great post. However, after reading the post, I started looking at some of the blogs. Some of these people have backed your article up without even knowing it. It is pathetic. I have a good idea, instead of an “uprising” to overthrow the government, people should start doing research about their candidate instead of listening to everything they have to say.Candidates use the classic art of telling only “half the truth”. We have the ability to change things ourselves, but we are to dumb to realize it. Try voting smart for once. All of those who want an “uprising”, please look at the history books. Start with American Civil War, then start checking on other civil wars that have occured in the past century around the world. You will find they are not to successful, except for ripping a country apart. Besides, I thought we had advanced a little bit from 18th century “negotiations”. We could always make it legal to have showdowns again also.LOL.

22. # Steve N. Leeon 01 Nov 2008 at 12:11 pm

    Glad you liked my post, Kathy. And glad you’re heartened to find there are others who think as you do there are a lot, just not enough yet).

    It’s probably the caveman who came up with controlling people through education - stories around a campfire aren’t just for entertainment but for information and guidance. Sadly, where the moral to a story of running from a bear is sound advice, the whole concept has been twisted and refined in modern times to such a degree that such lessons are little more than brainwashing.

    Have fun seeing the reactions of people at your work (do tell us how you got on!).

    Thanks for commenting.

    Thanks for dropping by, Diane. Glad you found my post interesting.

    Yes, do share it around. We really do need to raise awareness of what’s happening to the world and in our own backyards.

    As for the wise? When there’s so little choice, a wise man has as much chance of making a difference with his vote as a monkey! But, once in office, who’s to say the new president won’t gradually learn the value of empathy, compassion, and philanthropy?

    Thanks again.

    In theory, yes, I agree with you, Elaine. Sadly, those in control only have their best interests at heart, not ours. Our freedoms are only those that they allow us, not those that our constituions and democray intend. The system is rotting from within at the highest levels. I fear a vote for anyone will only be a vote for more of the same.

    But, as I said to Diane, there is always hope that things will change.

    Thanks, Elaine.

    Enjoy your weekend everyone,
    Steve

23. # Steve N. Leeon 01 Nov 2008 at 12:12 pm

    I’m pleased you appreciated the post, Jacob.

    Yes, some readers skim and miss important aspects, others read the title, first paragraphy, then skip to the end… It’s always the same. You’d be amazed at the of the comments I receive that are obviously from people who haven’t bothered to read my work but still felt compelled to give me the benefit of the wisdom! (If it’s polite and not too far off the mark, I don’t usually mind, but if they make moronic comments… well, let’s just say they soon discover I have teeth!)

    I’ve commented above that a bloody revolution isn’t the solution. I don’t really think that many people believe it is, or at least I hope that’s the case. What we need is an awakening at grassroots level and a ground swell of opinion so large and so powerful that our leaders have no choice but to accept taking the world in a new direction.

    It’s a lot to ask for. But, as the earth’s resources will eventually run out if we continue on our present path, it’s either that or mass cullings of the population!

    Thanks, Jacob. Have a great weekend,
    Steve

24. # Kent Butleron 01 Nov 2008 at 1:12 pm

    Although some of your logic is faulty, Steve, you largely speak the truth. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s going to matter much longer: You’re probably aware of the new Federal identification program, to start next spring, making it much easier to get into the US from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Just one more step toward the North American Union - coming soon to a continent near you!

    As the levels of BS increase (hard to imagine, but coming), our uninformed votes will matter even less than they do now. (Uninformed because we are constantly and consistently lied to.)

    Oh, I’m a “conspiracy theorist”? Nope, just an observer.

25. # Steve N. Leeon 01 Nov 2008 at 2:25 pm

    Good comment, Kent. Not least because you touch on a subject that constantly worries me with regards to my posts - will people dismiss them off hand as the ravings of some luny ‘conspiracy theorist’?

    I don’t go a bundle of conspiracies (despite being a thriller/mystery writer!) and yet I can easily see how people could misread my work and put all manner of weird and wonderful connotations together to explain away everything I say. So, I know just what you mean about being an ‘observer’ as opposed to anything else.

    Don’t worry, I know all about opening the gates for easier entry - we’ve done all that with the European Union. Supposedly there wasn’t going to be mass economic exodus from some of the poorer countries. Supposedly it wouldn’t impact upon our health and social security infrastructure. Supposedly it would only benefit the country.

    In some ways it has been a benefit. But in many others it’s been a nightmare. Not least in that some of the poor nations have lost virtually an entire generation of workers as the young have migrated to richer countries to make their fortune.

    Yes, uninformed, and it’s only going to get worse. But there must come a point where we hit bottom and start to make our way back up. Just whose lifetime will it be in!?

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kent.
    Steve

26. # Faithon 01 Nov 2008 at 3:12 pm

    Agreed with U however our last 2 elections have been stolen and their is proof over and beyond so why wasn’t anything done?
    the reasons are listed above

27. # Steve N. Leeon 01 Nov 2008 at 7:41 pm

    Yes, Faith, let’s hope whoever does win this time around wins by a substantial margin so voters can at least have faith in the system with regards to vote counting (even if the choices aren’t up to much). That said, there’s all the controversy over who’s actually getting a vote and who isn’t, so the count will raise questions in that respect anyway.

    Thanks for adding to the conversation, Faith.
    Steve

28. # eekon 01 Nov 2008 at 8:04 pm

    Hey Steve,

    I just wanted to respond a bit more.

    To this:
    “If the American people are so clued up on what’s really going on in the world, then how do your politicians get away with what they do?”

    Kent Butler put it best:
    “Uninformed because we are constantly and consistently lied to.”
    This is what I was getting at… that “dumb” may not be the best term. Unfortunately modern media tactics don’t always allow citizens access to the real story. They are uninformed because information is falsified and then vote for these politicians based on that information. Politicians getting away with what they do isn’t because we are or aren’t clued up on the world it’s the fact that politicians abuse their power and manipulate people.

    And:
    “Just because I talk about Americans at the start of the post, doesn’t mean this is a post solely about Americans. Because of the title and main body of the post, I can understand a certain level of defensiveness, but I’m talking about Europeans just as much as Americans here.”

    The way you wrote the article definitely made me believe the subject was America (you reference it quite a bit). But sure, if it was your intention to place these criticisms on Europe as well, great.

    And:
    “Finally, anyone who reads my posts regularly will tell you that you shouldn’t take every single word I write so literally. I write the way I do simply to make people think, not purely to deliver facts.”

    Really?? I thought I was discussing your use of the term “dumb” which is the meat of this article and used in almost every statement. That by no means in my eye is taking every single word literally..it’s a main focus of your article is it not? That Americans (people in general) are too dumb to vote in the U.S. Presidential Election?

    And If you aren’t here to deliver facts that is your prerogative. I feel it just adds to the problem and not the solution but what do I know.

29. # Diane Glennonon 01 Nov 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Excellant Post!
    I do want to say I have spoken to people on this issue of election! I get some of the strangest rumors that they have read or heard..When I ask if they have checked them out, answer is NO! It seems that some will believe anything that is read, comes by way of interent, news, etc.. and take it as gospel, without questions? This is do not understand, is it being lazy, I don’t care, or just downright “stupidity?
    This election is so important, You need to know ALL the facts about each one running for office.. I say DO THE RESEARCH, KNOW THE TRUE FACTS, REMEBER OUR FOUGHT FOR FREEDOMS ARE AT STAKE HERE! OUR WELFARE, OUR CHILDRENS, I say get with it and know who your voting for!
    I just Pray that the right person gets in office! If not, then GOD help Us!

    Keep up the great work Steve,

30. # MOONon 02 Nov 2008 at 2:56 am

    HI STEVE–ANOTHER GOOD ONE!! I HAVE SAID FOR MANY YEARS, IF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON’T WAKE-UP AND DO SOMETHING–”LIKE VOTE”–PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING ON AND BEING SAID ABOUT OUR SORRY @SS GOV.–IF THE PEOPLE DON’T HAVE A GUT FULL OF THE CRAP WE BEEN FED FOR SO MANY YEARS–BY NOW–WHAT THE HELL IS IT GOING TO TAKE?? THERE ARE MORE CITIZENS THAN GOV. OFFICIALS AND IT’S TIME OUR VOICE & THOUGHTS BE HEARD–WAY PAST TIME!! OUR COUNTRY HAS “GONE TO HELL IN A HAND BASKET”!! THE RICH GOT RICHER & THE CITIZENS GOT SCREWED!!

31. # Deniseon 02 Nov 2008 at 6:30 am

    I agree with you on this, except for the passport part. Like me, not everyone can afford to travel outside the US. I only have one because I needed it for a trip I won for a Greenpeace contest, as we would be in international waters.

32. # Kent Butleron 02 Nov 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Trying to verify the crap the media feed us is pretty near impossible most of the time.

    I am reminded of an email acquaintance who will, and does, readily accept anonymous emails as fact. She vehemently rejects my references to Snopes that say this item is not true, because she rejects “experts” and “authorities”, neither of which Snopes claims to be.

    Did I mention she is a professional with a string of degrees?

    Pretty scary what people accept as “true”…

33. # Steve N. Leeon 02 Nov 2008 at 2:31 pm

    Yes, verifying news is difficult, Kent, which is why most people don’t bother trying. (In fact, it is near impossible with some things.) But when you know you’re being lied to on a regular basis then why believe anything you can’t verify? Why give them the benefit of the doubt instead of calling them on it and demanding they prove their statement. But, that’s a vicious circle as then you have to verify the proof!

    Kent, that is very scary about your friend. Luckily, I don’t know anyone like that. I’m afraid I simply wouldn’t be able to take them seriously as an individual or a professional.

    Oh, by the way, did I tell you I’m a Nigerian Prince and due to my father’s exile I’m having problems shifting $25,000,000 from my secret bank account. If your friend would be so kind as to forward me just $100,000 to help with this transaction, I’ll gladly send her a ‘thank you’ check for $5,000,000 in a few days time!

    ;-)

    Don’t worry about the passport part, Denise. The post used sweeping generalization simply to make a point and make people think about the predicament we find ourselves in.

    Hope the Greenpeace trip was interesting - it sounds intriguing!

    Glad you appreciated the post, Moon. Yes, after decades of lies, manipulation, corruption, and disappoinment, you do have to wonder just what it is going to take for our governments to start treating us with the respect we deserve, don’t you?

    Yet, year after year, election after election, we go through the same tired old routine - and believe all those same tired old promises!

    So, as you say, what the hell is it going to take?

    Thanks for sharing, Moon.

    Thanks everyone,
    Steve

34. # Steve N. Leeon 02 Nov 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Eek, I VERY clearly was not talking solely about Americans.

    Firstly, if you’d read the entire post, you’d have noticed that midway through it stops talking in the Third Person, i.e. ‘Americans’, ‘they’, ‘their’, and starts talking in the First Person Plural, i.e. ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’.

    Secondly, in answer to the lead question, ‘Are Americans too dumb to vote?’ the last two sentences, which I referenced in my last reply to you, say “Yes. Just like all the rest of us.” I really don’t know what more readers want. If you choose to skim the post or don’t read every last word right up to the last, you really can’t blame me if you misinterpret it.

    ‘Dumb’? I honestly can’t see why you are fixating on this word, not to mention why you think it’s bad word choice. My dictionary lists one definition as ’stupid’, which is good enough for me.

    As for being clued up? If they aren’t aware of the manipulation, they aren’t clued up! Simple.

    Facts? If you want to read nothing but facts that have been copied from other sources and simply regurgitated without any other thought, then look elsewhere.

    I provide facts, but my main intent is to provide ORIGINAL content, and to make that content as thought provoking as possible. Ideas are totally different to facts.

    Thanks.

    Diane, that’s the problem, isn’t it? The majority of people don’t want all the ‘hassle’ of thinking, of working things out for themselves, so just believe any old drivel they’re fed.

    Sadly, I don’t feel knowing all the facts about this election’s candidates is really going to make that much of a difference in the long run - they come from the same tired, corrupt, manipulative lineage!

    Let’s hope I’m wrong.

    Thanks for commenting, Diane.
    Steve

35. # Kathy Thompsonon 02 Nov 2008 at 6:17 pm

    Hi Steve! All has been strangely silent at work, even though I don’t find my printout lying about anymore. Most of the people I work with are just out of college and will spend the next year volunteering at the homeless shelter where I am one of two paid employees—I would have thought someone would have something to say…..maybe it will come up at staff meeting on Tuesday.
    I do think our educational system is geared toward stifling any critical thinking: it seems that among the highly educated (and therefore more specialized) of us, ignorance truly is bliss. My father used to say TV was the best tool the devil ever invented. We as children practically rolled on the floor over that statement, but I now see exactly what he was saying in his own way. I haven’t owned one for over 40 years and have plenty of time to research, and think! Thank you again for seeing a lot of the same things I have been seeing, most people just don’t!

36. # Steve N. Leeon 02 Nov 2008 at 6:57 pm

    Yes, I know what you mean about ignorance and the educated, Kathy. When there are so many well educated people in our communities, and yet still so little is done to improve things, do you think it’s that these people are ignorant or simply choose to be ignorant as it’s less hassle? I do wonder about the relative percentages sometimes.

    And I do like your father’s comment. Very true. And a real pity. In the right hands, just think of the good such technology could spread. (I do have a TV and I do watch and enjoy it - but then I don’t tend to watch a lot of current affairs programs as they simply make me too angry!)

    That is one good thing about the internet - while it’s policed and there is a wealth of manipulative/propaganda based garbage on it, there is still room for people raise awareness of issues that we should all be concerned about. (I hear that even China has removed some of it’s internet censorship, though I’m not sure to what extent!)

    Be sure to let us know if there are any remarks at your staff meeting!

    Thanks for coming back to add to your earlier comment, Kathy.
    Steve

37. # Pamelaon 03 Nov 2008 at 2:49 am

    I lived in the US for a year, and i totally agree with you in many points, but the one i realize when i was over there is they are totally ignorants about the other countries in the world, is like latin america ends in mexico, when they asked me where i was from and i said Chile, 90% of them didn’t know where it was, some said in Europe, Asia, even in Africa.
    Another one was their lack of interest for different cultures, and also the total support to president Bush without even asking “Why”

38. # Kathy Thompsonon 03 Nov 2008 at 3:24 am

    Pamela, a good many people in the US actually think the president is the boss, which in and of itself serves to make it so. They don’t teach kids in school any more that the president ’s job is to lead the people where we want to go!
    And as for geographical locations, I’m not surprised there either. I have discarded many “friends” this past year over their view that the only good people are either “Americans” or Europeans. As if the US was the only part of the world that is America…….As I have friends from many parts of South America and Mexico as well as Canada, Germany, India, Russia, and Spain, the hatred that many US citizens spit out just doesn’t make any sense to me at all!

    Steve, I think that many people are so focused on their own field that they tend to leave government to those “experts” and just not worry about it, yah because it’s easier. It becomes really worrisome when I think back to the time that I caught a nuclear physicist putting jumper cables backward on his battery, the time I had to explain to an electrical engineer why the batteries in her camera melted, and even told a CPA he better just go tend to the bottom line and let the people who know how to work do that after he nearly cut off his leg with a chain saw. This adds personal responsibility and excessive specialization to the whole mix! It just is mind boggling!

39. # Steve N. Leeon 03 Nov 2008 at 11:58 am

    And for those readers who don’t know, Chile is actually a little island off the Eastern coast of Austria, which is part of Australasia. It’s said that on a clear day, from Chile’s highest peak, you can actually see the Great Wall of China. (The clue is in the name: CHI-le CHI-na - get it?)

    Thanks for sharing your personal experiences, Pamela. You’ll be both pleased and dismayed to learn that you aren’t the first person to tell me such a tale. It really is frightening how ignorant some people are, isn’t it?

    As for your ‘why’ point? You’re right - I do keep plugging away at that very issue myself.

    Thanks for adding to the conversation.

    Oh, I’ve known my share of people like that, Kathy, don’t worry. Like my university room mate who I found on all fours with a lit match, peering under his fire to see if he could find a gas leak!

    Yep, makes you wonder how civilization ever reached this level of sophistication, doesn’t it?

    Thanks for coming back with more info, and for confirming Pamela’s observations as I’m sure many people won’t believe it.

    Steve
    P.S. If you really don’t know where Chile is, get an atlas and see how fun it is to actually learn something!

40. # Kent Butleron 03 Nov 2008 at 2:18 pm

    Not “friend”, email acquaintance - and I don’t take her seriously at all… I’ve finally given up trying to reason with her.

    As for believing what the government says, as the level of officialdom goes up, the level of credibility goes down: It is still possible to discover the truth, sometimes, on a local basis (county, small town) and make one or more government types face it. By the time you reach the Federal circus, forget it.

    The same is essentially true of the media. A local newspaper editor or radio/tv type who can be buttonholed at a local restaurant is more likely to have a nodding relationship with the truth. A large market (NY, DC, LA, etc.) media person likely thinks truth is a novel but impractical concept. Discuss it from time to time, but generally avoid using it.

41. # Steve N. Leeon 03 Nov 2008 at 5:00 pm

    “truth is a novel but impractical concept” for way too many, damn right it is, Kent! And your comment on officialdom hits the mark, too. It’s all a big game to them, and playing it, so they climb higher and higher and can grab more and more for themselves, is all that matters. The truth isn’t just impractical, it’s a downright nuisance!”

    Just big kids playing little games. (You should see our politicians ‘working’ in our Parliament - it’s like a damn chimps’ tea party!) If only they’d grow up.

    Thanks for coming back with more thoughts, Kent.
    Steve

42. # Steve N. Leeon 04 Nov 2008 at 9:08 am

    test test test test test test test test test test

43. # Gingeron 04 Nov 2008 at 1:57 pm

    I especially agree when you said dumb people won’t think for themselves & like to be spoon-fed everything. Boy is that ever true!!! I know many, too many, people like this & they drive me crazy. I could go on forever about this, but I won’t. I’ll just say that I’ll be at polls. I always am.

44. # Steve N. Leeon 04 Nov 2008 at 4:05 pm

    The problem is there are more and more such people, isn’t there, Ginger? As you can see by the comments above, we’re not alone in thinking this. But what’s it going to take to force people to think about what they are doing, what’s happening in the world.

    Thanks for dropping in.
    Steve

45. # Bonnieon 05 Nov 2008 at 3:57 am

    Excellent as always Steve. What truly amazes me is that despite the whining, complaining and vocal criticisms so many citizens make concerning issues such as gas prices, inadequate and over priced medical care, the aged, the homeless, poverty levels, being taxed to death, the list is endless…. no one wants to leap forth, step up, stick their neck on the line and FIGHT BACK. Much easier to whine and sit in the arm chair with the attitude that someone else can be brave. Manipulated, you bet. Brainwashed…at birth. We all need to step up and shout…Enough is enough….It is an extreme insult to my own intelligence that those powers in government would think me stupid enough to believe ANYthing that comes out of their mouths. Power begets Power, and just like it is the hard working lil guy that keeps the big corporations profitable through personal sweat and blood, it is the citizens of any country that keep the politicians in power through their votes. Thing is…if you don’t vote, don’t bitch about who gets elected. Before you vote Poll each candidate on the issues that are most important to you as a singular voter. If they even have the courtesy to respond count yourself lucky. No one buys a pair of shoes without trying them on first, or invests in a new home without getting the facts on mortgage rates, type of neighborhood, taxes, previous repairs, required repairs etc…one gets prepared by doing their research first. Brainwashed at birth into complacency…the perfect formula for a lifetime of deception. People are beginning the “big wake up” and government all over the world are in a terrible state of fright and confusion because of that. Truth hurts..you bet it does, the people have power only when they acknowledge the truth, that power then threatens every government in every land. Way to go as usual Steve, keep it up.

46. # Steve N. Leeon 05 Nov 2008 at 10:41 am

    Glad you enjoyed the post, Bonnie. And thanks for such a well put together comment.

    I always think that people’s whining about the state of the world is just like the whining you get after a bad meal in a restaurant - you whine to those you’re dining with, whine to your friends later, whine to your colleagues at work and tell everyone who’ll listen what an absolutely diabolical time you had at ABC restaurant. But… whilst at the restaurant, eating that awful meal, when the waiter came around and asked if everything was to their satisfaction, how many of these whiners smiled and said how wonderful everything was instead of actually having the nerve to say what they truly felt to the one person who could change things?

    Luckily, I come from a great line of complainers! If something isn’t right, I question why it isn’t and what those responsible are going to do about it. Unfortunately, I find myself having to do that more and more these days as I’m in the minority so everywhere you go and everything you do you’re met with bad service because people know they can get away with it. And that goes straight to the top of society too. Why should politicians make themselves accountable when most people don’t seem to be bothered if they are or not?

    You’re right about shoes. It’s so simple and logical. Why can’t so many people see that about those who have the most influence on their lives?

    Thanks, Bonnie. Hope your week’s going well,
    Steve

47. # Peter Mon 07 Nov 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Why pick on Americans ? Are Brits ? (For an easy answer go out into the street, stop the first person you see, and ask for the name of the Home Secretary).

    Anyway, Americans have now proved that they are too dumb. I’m not saying that the black Irishman, Bollock O’Barmy, wasn’t a better choice (a rabid pitt-bull would have been), but the sensible thing would have been to vote the incumbent Mafia back into power, forcing them to clean up after themselves (an impossible task, which O’Barmy can only fail at).

    When they stole power, Billy Blowjob had left them with a huge surplus, which they emptied into their own pockets. Then they flattened any part of the earth which had anything they could make a profit from (killing thousands of innocent people, and alienating the world). They then attacked the banks, not only in the US, but globally, leaving a deficit with numbers too large to imagine).

    Who could clean that mess up ? Who in the world will ever trust Americans again ?

    I’ll be long dead before it happens.

48. # Leeon 07 Nov 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Steve, with your way with words and your keen mind you could probably mobilize quite a lot of sheep worldwide and lead them out of their fog, into action.
    I bet you $2 as well, that the Americans can. They did it with NewYork, it was devastated and rebuilt in no time. Hurricane Katrina, well that is totally different. First, it affected mostly black folks and is not as important as NewYork. You see, NewYork makes money, and lot’s of it. The donations were probably mishandled by the instituitions who led them and the government rather spent the money on Iraq instead of Katrina victims. Whe are they not rising up, demanding what was promised? Fear? Apathy? Americans and the world as a whole have been browbeaten so often, by their governments, I think they can’t get up without help anymore.
    Governments and ALL it’s employees,should have to be accountable for their actions to an independent tribunal. Maybe that would cut back on all the corruption and lies. A world tribunal for irresponsible governments and it’s employees. Utopia.

49. # Peter Mon 08 Nov 2008 at 12:02 am

    You don’t need a worldwide tribunal, just an acceptance that any and every statement made by anyone standing for or holding public office is under oath. That way their lies become perjury, and punishable by large fines and/or imprisonment. That would help control the muck.

50. # Nikolas Karmanon 08 Nov 2008 at 6:52 am

    We have two types of people on earth at this point in time. They are Sovereign Man and Slaves.

    Sovereign Man asks questions and gives direction.

    Slaves answer questions and take direction.

    The human race will go to any length no matter how absurd it may appear, to avoid looking at themselves. By doing this they fail to see what is in their face and therefore fail to see and the truth.

51. # Deborah Walkeron 08 Nov 2008 at 7:36 am

    I am an American, and, sadly, must agree with much of what you wrote. I must insist, though, that I am not too stupid. After all, I agree with you, so that must tell you something. Right? Our government is very screwed up over here. I do have my hopes, however uncertain they are, that this president is something different. For once, it isn’t someone who was born into an already known family. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth. I may be totally stupid for saying this, but I feel something special from this one. Or should I say “that one”? Time will tell. I also find insult with your thoughts on passports. Just because a person doesn’t have a passport, that doesn’t mean the person does not care to see or learn about the rest of the world. I happen to be disabled. And, having been born into a poor family, I don’t have the means to travel. If I did, you can bet you butt I would have seen half of the world by now. I am very interested in other peoples and cultures. Thank God for the internet, where even a poor cripple like me can at least get some information, and even meet and talk to people from all over. But I agree that many Americans are ignorant and so sure of their own superiority that they don’t have a clue what the rest of the world is like. Nor do they care. It’s sad. We are all on this planet together, and no matter where we live, or who we are, we DO affect each other in more ways than we care to admit. If people could, and would, get to know more about the rest of the world and the people on it, I think it could be a much better place. I am so thirsty for knowledge of other people and places. I love to spend time reading about and talking to other people, and, if given the chance, will one day get to visit some of them. For now, I will just learn and dream.

52. # Steve N. Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 12:01 pm

    Peter, I didn’t pick on Americans. As I pointed out to Eek above, if you read the entire post you’ll see that it is NOT only directed at Americans, but everyone.

    As for making those who made the mess clean it up? That works in some circumstances, but in others isn’t that like giving a cancer patient another tumour to fight those they already have?

    Finally, though I’m not offended by your choice of wording (nor entertained either for that matter), some of my readers might be. Please select your vocabulary with that in mind in future.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
    Steve

53. # Steve N. Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 12:02 pm

    Lee, you should read the rousing rhetoric I wrote for my book! The Presidential Election plays quite a part in the plot, so I had a whale of a time writing speeches for that. For the sake of brevity and to keep the action flowing, most of the speeches were cut by at least 50% if not more, though. Maybe I should write to Obama and offer my services!

    A world tribunal sounds great. Theoretically, it could do all we’d ever hope for, but, in practice, it would be either impotent or riddled with as much corruption as any government you care to mention or simply overwhelmed by the task in hand. And don’t forget all the paperwork involved - it would be a bureaucratic nightmare!
    Katrina? What can you say? It’s just a joke - except for the people suffering it - how the US has handled that.

    Thanks for sharing more thoughts, Lee.

    That’s a novel solution, Peter. The problem is it’s hard getting a straight to a simple question from a politician as it is, so imagine how they’d beat around the bush and say absolutely nothing if their money or freedom was at stake.

    Nice idea, though. Thanks, Peter.

    You’re right, Nikolas - people will go to any length to avoid facing the truth, especially about themselves. How sad it is that we’ve come to such a situation when we and our civilization are supposed to be so developed!

    Thanks for commenting.
    Steve

54. # Steve N. Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Deborah, please don’t read my posts too literally. As I pointed out to Eek - my posts are about the overall idea with some of the points being generalizations that merely support that idea yet bear little merit in and of themselves to many.

    That said, the passport concept is very representative of many people, I’m sorry to say. For example, if you look deeper into the idea behind that one point, i.e. learning more of the world, - did you know Sarah Palin didn’t even know Africa was a continent? The potential president of the strongest nation on earth didn’t know that!

    You’re right about learning - if people took the time to learn of other cultures, they’d be far more willing to do something about the state of the world. After all, you’re far more likely to help someone who isn’t a complete stranger in every sense of the word, aren’t you? That’s one of the ideas behind my blog - to make people curious, to get them asking questions.

    I’m glad you have a thirst of knowledge, Deborah, and hope you one day have the finances to indulge yourself and travel to some of the exotic places you’ve only read about.

    Thanks for sharing with us,
    Steve

55. # Peter Mon 10 Nov 2008 at 2:26 pm

    I don’t appreciate having my vocabulary criticized by you. I always think very carefully about its use. Its purpose is to convey an idea my way, not to massage your pretentious sensibilities.

    As for politicians “beating around the bush” , what does the idea that the question “Are Americans Too Dumb To Vote In The U.S.Presidential Elections ?” refers not just to Americans, but everyone, sound to you ?

    The question asks about American’s suitability to do something which only Americans can do (vote in U.S. elections).

    Still wriggling ? Answer under oath.

56. # Steve Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Peter, everyone is welcome here, whether they agree with my views or not, as long as they make intelligent remarks that are on subject and do not offend others. If that’s too much for you to cope with, then I suggest you go and offend a whole other group of blog readers.

    But, and I’d listen to this to avoid wasting your time, if you don’t want your vocabulary criticizing then don’t use language others may find offensive, don’t post your thoughts in arenas open to public debate, and don’t comment on a blog whose author has teeth and isn’t afraid to bare them!

    Steve

57. # Peter Mon 10 Nov 2008 at 4:22 pm

    Quote: “I’m not offended by your choice of wording ”

    So clearly, I’m not the one being offensive here. On the other hand, your crude attempt at censorship is offensive to me. Choose your words more carefully.

    Bare teeth don’t impress me (nor do I disagree with your views - just your sense of superiority). In case you think I’m upset because I’m an American - I’m not. I’m Danish, but I have the same right as you to use the English language as I see fit.

    Even I can see that the title of this is intended as an offence to Americans, not to “everyone”.

58. # Steve Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 4:33 pm

    Peter, my request that you refrain from using sexual slang or crude names of body parts is not censorship. If you don’t believe some readers will find your choice of words offensive, then you are deluding yourself.

    I’m not arguing with you. Accept my rules on my blog or go elsewhere. It’s that simple. End of story.

    Steve

59. # Peter Mon 10 Nov 2008 at 6:05 pm

    Quote: “my request that you refrain from using sexual slang or crude names of body parts is not censorship.”

    Oxford English Dictionary - “Censor…….ban anything considered to be offensive……”

    I mistakenly thought you were intelligent.

    It’s okay, I’ll leave your self-important totalitarian blog rules. Just one last shot

    “Are you too dumb to work FOR freedom of expression, instead of AGAINST it ?”

60. # Steve N. Leeon 10 Nov 2008 at 7:03 pm

    I’ve been polite, professional, and as reasonable as possible, but you’ve left me no alternative - you’re banned, Peter.

    I can’t even be bothered engaging with you to show you just how ridiculous your statements are.

    But then I don’t have to - every single reader can see exactly what the problem is here and who has it.

    Steve

61. # Matthew Son 05 Nov 2009 at 10:16 am

    So many good points in there, im from New Zealand and although the situation is very different here i still completly agree with you. People vote of the most stupid issues and really have no idea whats going on.
    Thanks for pointing it out.

62. # Steve N. Leeon 05 Nov 2009 at 12:29 pm

    Hi Matthew,

    Glad you liked it. Sadly, it’s likely to get even worse in Britain now as ‘we’ have decided that ‘we’ want a European president. Yep, fantastic - someone who’ll be even more out of touch with what we actually do want and need.

    Apart from stunning scenery and a great standard of living, I know little about NZ. I do hope to visit one day - if I can persuade Ania, my partner, to suffer the flight. I take it from your phrasing that, your situation different in a good way. Nice to know someone is getting it right!

    Thanks for stopping by,
    Steve

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