Despite what we post sometimes, I believe that most of us (maybe even 90% compared to the 51% who vote and the 25% of voters who actual elect our leaders) believe pretty much the same thing. It's a danger yes and Hitlers can come to power. However, times are different. Communication, albeit not perfect, is better. People, even the masses and unwashed like myself <ggg>, are able to digest and form our own opinions.
I think things have changed so much since 1963 - JFK and VietNam that scandals are discovered that would not be before and lies are outed. It would be impossible for the JFK coverup today. This is good and bad, good because information helps prevent Hitlers and bad because titilation and power grubbers can use this to paralyze the government. The prime example of this was Starr chamber hounding Clinton when most polls said that Clinton was admired and would get a 3d term if possible. The people didn't want $60 million spent on his sex life. We all knew he would be getting a head on the side even before Monica surfaced. If you investigated the Pope or even Saints with $60 million, I bet you could find some stuff that would make the Enquirer.
Each of us gets a hair across our posterior and posts something in reaction. However, that same 90% knows that Clinton didn't let Osama go and that Bush did not do 9/11. Incompetence in government may have prevented Osama from being taken and 9/11 but people in government make mistakes. Government by definition is inefficient, patronage as opposed to merit based, and now CYA is the rule rather than the exception.
I would like to see message boards become a force for change. So long as it is dominated by far out whacky conspiracy theorists, the message will not get through. Just my opinion. |
