do you think we can do to get our country back to being concerned about what our politicians are doing?
2007-03-17 10:28:30 · 12 answers · asked by Hans B 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It's not that people don't care. But most don't know that they can make a difference--so they don't try.
Stop and think:
> most schools no longer teach civics--nor have done so for many years.
> when I was in school, one project we had was that each child in our class wrote a letter to a politician (I think it was to our Congressman). And he answered. (Yeah, of course it was a quick note typed by a sectretary)--but imagine the lifelong impact of knowing that these people actually will listen! I've never forgotten tat--and I've always made sure my representatives know what I thik--and sometimes I get real answers--not jsut the form letters.
>How many people even know how public hearings in their community work--or how many decisions are made based on a handful of people who speak out at such hearings?
Want to get people active? Teach them how--most don't know. And--the best way to do that is by example.
2007-03-17 10:42:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
In talking with people, I have learned that in truth, most Americans don't care. It's not that they are distracted, they just feel that politics do not matter and do not affect them. Most people do not become active in politics, aside from voting (and even then that's not many), until there is an issue that affects them personally, or someone close to them. That is when a person begins to follow politics, and it's simply the way we are raised in this nation, to care about ourselves. I can't rightly say if it's human nature or not, I don't have the credentials to make such a bold claim, but I would lean towards it being that, most people won't care until they can tangibly see there is a stake in it for them, and you won't be able to convince them that ideals or anything else like that are about them, it's too big for most people to absorb and care about.
2007-03-17 19:50:30 · answer #2 · answered by Captain Chaos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a suburban mom in a nice community. I'm very focused on politics, and it constantly surprises me how little my friends know about politics. I get crazed about issues that they are unaware of.
After spending a few weeks on this site and seeing some of the outrageous responses and questions, I wonder whether or not I'm really the smart one for staying informed. It doesn't deter me, but good question, I do wonder how much our fellow citizens keep track of the facts vs. getting caught up in sound bites.
2007-03-17 17:51:29 · answer #3 · answered by Apachecat 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they are too distracted but they also know that once they vote (if they vote) there's little if anything they can do to change anything until the next election. They also know that US politics is mostly a bunch of BS that they have no control over so why should they waste their time trying to change it? The only way to get a lot Americans interested in politics is to raise taxes. That gets everyone interested in politics.
2007-03-17 17:44:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the average American is disgusted with partisan politics. IT'S REALLY OLD HEARING I HATE YOU, NO I HATE YOU. This is whats wrong right now and if the Dems and Republicans don't figure this out we will have the smallest turnout for an election ever and contrary to polling, this benefits no one. Only when everyone participates is this a true democracy.
2007-03-17 17:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
We've become a nation of ADD - anything longer than 30 seconds and we can't stay focused. It's PATHETIC.
People complain that the govt doesn't listen to the people - I say good God! Why would you *want* the govt to listen to "the people" when "the people" worry more about Britney Spears and Anna-Nicole than they to their own govt?!?
2007-03-17 17:43:07 · answer #6 · answered by Jadis 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Americans only think about politics during a 4 months span when we elect a president.
2007-03-17 17:31:21 · answer #7 · answered by infobrokernate 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Most don't care enough to get to know what the issues are and actually research them. Instead they get their information in sound bites off the tv and by misguided people spouting off their opinions and not actually using facts.
Too bad its that way.
2007-03-17 17:33:27 · answer #8 · answered by meathookcook 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I can't add anymore, crabby and Alacheca have prety much covered it all for my thoughts on the subject.
2007-03-17 18:21:34 · answer #9 · answered by a person of interest 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the concern is there, but there is also a huge lack of power now.
2007-03-17 17:31:35 · answer #10 · answered by littlechrismary 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋