Are the ignorant better off?

[Atticus]

We've all heard that "Ignorance is bliss" line and "What you don't know won't hurt you". But, I, for one, always thought that was just a justification for ignorance; a lighthearted excuse for those who just couldn't be bothered to stay informed. But, now-----I just don't know.

I used to think that when someone violated a law in a way that cost thousands of lives and then, not only admitted it, but boasted about it, that our system of justice would---well, see that justice was done.

I now know better.

I used to assume that if a public figure was actually proven to have lied to the American people about something truly significant, that that person's career would be over and they would be too ashamed to seek any publicity for at least a decade or so.

I've now been shown that isn't true.

I used to believe that, if someone in an advisory capacity to the President of the United States was shown to be terribly and totally wrong on numerous issues, that person's opinion would no longer be sought.

How stupid of me.

And, I used to believe---actually, I thought I KNEW---that, come hell or high water, the Democratic Party---MY party---if called upon to choose between a benefit for corporations or a benefit for working families and the unemployed, could be counted on to line up with US.

Not.

All I have left to contemplate is whether I really WANT to be blissful if that is the price.

[RKP5637]

1. Well said!!! n/t

[stray cat]

2. Ignorance knows no political boundaries

[polichick]

3. The need to know is something that brings a lot of anxiety...

...when what you end up knowing is beyond your ability to change.

Right now there is little justice in the United States - and an enormous amount of fraud and corruption at all levels.

In the last month I've read a bunch of books that really brought that home to me. I could use a break from information.

[TheKentuckian]

4. Ignorance often comes with heavy tolls. The mileage surely varies.

[True_Blue]

5. K&R

I want to know exactly how this bill will benefit Americans. Passing a right-winged bill to simply appeal to the center in the next election, just isn't a good enough reason for me. I wish he would at least throw a few crumbs our way occasionally.

[gmoney]

6. being oblivious to politics does have its upside

a friend of mine completely tunes out politics and most current events, claiming she's much happier (at least happier than me) because she's not worried, outraged, concerned, pissed about a bunch of stuff neither of us have the slightest bit of control or influence over. The government will do what it does, the corporations will do what they do, and all any one of us can do is try to navigate the path as well as we can and overcome our own personal obstacles and challenges.

It has a definite appeal, that notion.

[MuseRider]

7. The only thing that keeps me engaged

is the desire to see it coming when it does. I have my lines in the sand that I will not cross and when that time comes I want to be ready. I wish I could hide my head in the sand, I really do. I don't like living with this stress and worry and anger but when my lines come up I will be ready.

[jwirr]

8. I've got adult kids who spend their time watching Dancing with Stars

and UFC (fights) instead of listen to anything else. The closest they have to wanting to know anything about what is really going on is reading my daughters union newsletter. I have offered them books - "we don't read anymore". I try to talk to my daughter but she is as frustrated as me. They just do not want to know. I often wonder how they stay so liberal.

They are happy as long as things are not hitting them directly - but they are going to be very upset when they failed to prepare for any of the problems that are coming. Fortunately, these same kids got to know my father when they were teens and he was a true survivalist in the sense that he wanted to be a self-sufficient as he could be. They are trying to be like him without knowing why he did it.

I never want to be in the dark. Tell me the truth and give me a chance to fight back.

[lapislzi]

9. There are days, there are days

When I wish I had taken the Blue Pill. But we of sentient nature aren't actually offered that choice. Sometimes I feel like my eyelids have been sewn open and my hands unable to cover my ears. It is not to be. Not for you, dear Atticus, not for me. More the pity.