Education

No Democracy works without an educated populace.

No system of government that focuses on the opinion of the people can function if the people's opinions are built on sensationalism, hearsay, and dubious reporting. Logic is not the sole savior, nor is decency, nor is philosophy – the salvation of the individual is the individual's business, but can only be found through study.

I say “study.” Not lecture, not one person's interpretation of events, not a charismatic leader's words, but the long-sought searching and deciding on a path based on all one can learn of morality and understanding of that which is beyond the self.

How can someone make a correct decision without understanding the full ramifications of their actions?

How can someone make a large choice without research?

We sit in one of the most interesting election years in history. The sheer amount of data available is staggering. Speeches are recorded and reported immediately after delivery. If an individual missed Wright's influential and inflammatory remarks, Youtube can set you up. The Wikipedia page about the Dems' delegates and their status is updated as soon as information is released. The average American can look up McCain's voting history to see where his support has been given in order to help that average person make a judgment.

One of my coworkers claimed that she didn't think Obama would make a good candidate, since America is not ready for a Muslim President. All this possible knowledge up for grabs, and she makes a snap-judgment on religion based on our current president's continuous use of his middle name.

Bradbury's prediction of politics in Fahrenheit 451 was scary – choice of a candidate based on name, appearance, or party name. The Outs lost every time, and their short, stuttering candidate could not hold up in an election to President Winston Noble. Though this is an exaggeration, the average voter might not necessarily know how to search for information on the candidate that is best for the job. Though the internet makes for excellent potential for information exchange, what kind of tool is it when the primary uses of such a great tool are porn and gaming?