Do you think the American people don't question our govt enough and are allowing the govt to manipulate them?

Question

I think so, Until recently most american people believed that there was a connection between 9/11 and Iran? Hello? And no one questioned the govt about bin ladin?

sorry i meant Iraq. not iran.

Answer 1

Yes. Most American citizens are not performing their civic duty, foremost of which is to keep our government accountable when a citizen believes that something is not right or not representing the people. It is easy to blame the government for not representing us correctly or for manipulating us, but we make it so very easy for the same people we accuse to do wrong by not speaking up when we see an injustice or problem!

People use the expression "democracy" to describe the political system that we have. However, if a majority of the people are not voting and not otherwise engaging in intelligent debate, and if they're not aware of the deeper issues that are facing us as a nation and a world, then we are a democracy in name only. These were all inseparable parts of all democracies of the past (there have been few true democracies).

One thing that I think is vital to the future existence and health of our free society- is to reduce the barriers that the average American feels (or that they give as excuses, at least) prevent them from fully participating in the national life. What are some of the goals to reduce these barriers? I think a few of them are:

*Reducing the apathy and powerlessness that the average person feels regarding civic participation. This could be accomplished most effectively by deciding as a nation that we will not insulate our representatives from public debate and opinion. Anytime a significant number of citizens (whether at the local, state, or national level) feel that adequate representation has not been achieved (mostly from politicians doing what they have not been authorized by the people to carry out!), there should be an Immediate Conference held between the politician(s) involved and the public (whoever wishes to participate). I believe many citizens may have misgivings or criticisms or questions for representatives that, with the current system, they feel could never be adequately addressed or even talked about. Let the public speak directly with their public servants, the politicians!

*There should be much greater emphasis in the media channels on direct civic participation and input, not just media that presents "what's happening" to a passive, non-interacting public. Why should the public just passively observe what's happening in Washington without being offered the opportunity to speak their mind and express concerns and criticisms? Why should the public not be offered the opportunity to express their own views on foreign policy or congressional spending? Why should they not be able to pursue a viable method of debating the issues directly with the public servants? These are all again key features of a democratic society. A democratic society is NOT just the system of government- it is an integral part of the fabric of society, down to every single citizen individually, including debating the issues with each other and with our reps.

*More public awareness of what avenues are available to citizens to find out about issues of importance, bills that have been passed, the focus of a current administration's goals, etc. Most people would develop more interest in such matters if they had more awareness as to how to find out such things in the first place.

*A shift in our language in how we refer to our civic and political life. First of all, in a democratic system the representatives we elect are beholden to us- they are, in effect, our Public Servants. They should be referred to as such always. Also, there should be not only News (what's happening in the world and country) but also a channel completely devoted to PUBLIC debate at all levels. (I don't mean CSPAN- i'm aware of its existence but it only serves again to have the citizens passively oberving the governmental process without directly participating in it.)

Answer 2

To answer your question, Yes, absolutely. The US government does whatever it wants by claiming they are doing what "the American people want." When in actuality, I would guess that 50% of what the US government is doing would be denied if we, the American people, voted on every issue. Also, the government ignores protests and protestors as a minority of malcontents. The politicians usually don't even see them because they divert their motorcade, for "security reasons." So, the only power the American people have is voting and something like 60% of American don't vote. So, the politicians just keep doing what they do, unchecked and drunk with power.

Answer 3

Yes. They should know that it is always unpatriotic NOT to question one's government. When the people become too complacent, governments take advantage. Never stop thinking, researching, seeking the truth.

Answer 4

I dont question them, then again, I dont make overseas phone calls to Alqaeda sleep cells, nor do I give comfort and aid to the enemy. The only people who are worried are liberals, who do not have the same definition of "enemy" that the rest of the country operates on. For some reason they dont see islamic terrorism as a threat, but see "neo-cons" as a threat. It wasnt Mohammed Atta hijacking the plane, it was rove who used his mind powers to hijack the plane. liberalism is a mental disorder. they cant see the enemy when it is staring them straight in the eyes, or cutting their heads off, or hijacking their plane, or crashing planes into their buildings, or shooting at their family members as they serve their country.

Answer 5

I think the question time is over.. it is now time to DEMAND....


Representation for Middle-class Americans
No Amnesty (by any name)
Attrition thru Local, State & Federal Enforcement
Repeal the 14th Amendment

Answer 6

I challenge you to show me where the administration connected Iraq with 9/11. Ditto with Iran. You are clueless.

Answer 7

Guess we are in a different America, cause just from Yahoo answers there are too many questions and the wrong ones.

Answer 8

Yes and yes. By not questioning them, we are allowing them to operate in a vacuum and make decision on what they think, and not what their constituents think.

Answer 9

i think people should question the government as well as the media.
how many times have you heard someone say, "i know its true because i read it in the paper."?
that is sad.

Answer 10

its really difficult to question this govt and really dont know how too, thats the main reason they dont.