Considering the definition of democracy, should public opinion influence public policy or should our policy makers make ALL the decisions? AND, consider, how informed is the public?
2007-07-08 18:49:21 · 5 answers · asked by iHEARTjuicy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Well of course the people should be an influence - however, the people should be an informed citizenry not an ignorant mob. There's the rub. Today the mass media is owned by corporate interests who censor or "align" news to suit their interests. Of course, they are free to do this, but when the national mass media is owned by fewer and fewer people, then problems can arrise.
For instance - Rupurt Murdoch, an Australian, owns much of our (USA) mass media. Mr Murdoch is a close friend and supporter of GW Bush. therefore many people only get Bush's point of view as expressed through Murdoch media.
Today, we have the internet to help offset the corporate media's narrow view of the world. In order to be an informed citizenry it is our responsibility to dig for information from the left and the right in order to make informed judgements. From there we can apply pressure through groups on government to respond to an informed people (who often make better judgements than a government) motivated by greed or some narrow philosophy.
the NeoCon movement did this by using religion to organize congregations to think Liberals were bad and Conservatives were good. It was quite effective until the Jack Abramoff scandal revealed than many Christian leaders were on the "take" from the powerful lobbyists reperesenting corpoarate interests. Now many relgious groups that supported the NeoCons are rethinking their religious priorities and even working with so-called liberal groups to protect the planet.
Democracy is not a clean or effiecent method of governance - but I think it is the best - IF - the citizens are informed by Truth no matter how sweet or terrible.
2007-07-08 19:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by Larry A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As we are supposed to be a Country governed Of, By, and FOR the People- I believe public opinion SHOULD play a significant role in how policy is crafted. Afterall, a majority vote- HIRES a person to "serve" us. Any politician that ignores the Will of the people who put him/her in Office- and governs solely on the basis of what she/he thinks is "best", -may WELL BE commiting treason...
2007-07-08 19:09:33 · answer #2 · answered by Joseph, II 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe public opinion are highly influential when it comes to public policy/ies. How the opinion/s are expressed would be the weight represented for any of our policy makers to debate consideration/s. The public is as informed, as they choose to be, when it comes to democracy. That's just my opinion, thanks for asking.
2007-07-08 19:14:17 · answer #3 · answered by lostrebelchild 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a true democracy where everyone participates in every decision would be pretty unworkable at a national level. in a republic to vote in a leader and then you're stuck with there bad judgement.
2007-07-08 19:27:58 · answer #4 · answered by bdbbdb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vox populi, vox dei. Did you go to school?
2016-05-17 09:17:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋