The last 3 elections have each gotten more and more depressing.

[marions ghost]

6. A lot of working people

don't have the time, energy or inclination to research everything they read, verify it, delve, get beyond the spin. They have little time to consume news and information. I don't blame them for just checking out, and even for choosing the wrong candidates.

I don't think the average American is lazy or incurious. I think they are overwhelmed by the complexity of it all and tend to make quick decisions based on their gut feelings, heavily influenced by TV soundbites. Not all of them are rabid tea-baggers. Many cannot devote more time to holding up the world. They just want to live with some degree of trust in their government and continuity in their lives. For God's sake, you have to do endless research just to make sure you won't get cheated in some product or service you buy. Research Insurance companies, etc and now they want to issue vouchers for healthcare. There are NO consumer protections. Little time left over to Save America--y'know?

You seem to think everybody should be like you, college educated with plenty of time and interest in research. You/we have more of a burden to do something about what we see. We see the big picture. But I don't expect the average working American to follow politics closely. Great if some do, but the majority have to make a living and raise families.

I save my blame for the big fish who are exploiting them.