jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Is the American population too stupid to choose its leaders? I'm afraid the answer to this question is Yes. As a population, we are more and more likely to reject facts in favor of opinion. We hear a politician say something, and we believe it without checking the facts. Something inflammatory appears online, and we spread it around without checking to see if it's true. The more outrageous the claim, the more likely we are to believe it. As a result, we make stupid decisions - like preferring to be sick, rather than healthy, or electing someone who says he is going to do something that we know will be bad for us.

The other side of the coin is fear. We have become a nation of frightened people, and politicians feed on that. "We are in great danger. Elect me, and I will protect you." Yet politicians don't seem to be trying to get the American population educated, nor are they working to keep us healthy. We are way down the line compared with other countries in both education and health care.

This will probably be moved to the Attic because it will become a partisan name-calling thread.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

I have to agree with you Jerry. It is not just the USA that is following the trend outlined in your post. We Canadians are following your country’s lead as are the citizens of Great Britain, France and Germany. Just my opinion but I fear you are correct.
However, my real fear is for my children and grandchildren as they will suffer the consequences of our decisions and actions.
All the best Jerry, Garth

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

Yep!

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

I read the article yesterday.
The United States elected a politically inexperienced, indecent con-man with no moral compass as their leader.
No doubt, Max Boot asked a question that was answered with the results of the 2016 election.
To the Attic we go, but Thank You Jerry for initiating the thread.
The point is well-taken.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Jerry, the electorate may be ..aaaa .... intellectually and reading challenged, but they have smartphones: "phone who should I vote for Mayor Pete who speaks 5 languages, is a veteran, and has governing experience or the Trump Putin ticket. Puzzled the phone asks... Trump Putin... and the deed is done

Xanadu Loc: Clay County FL

"Yet politicians don't seem to be trying to get the American population educated, nor are they working to keep us healthy." The American population should be working to stay healthy and acquire an education. Relying on politicians to do so is a recipe for disaster.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Unfortunately.....

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

I don't want a "Daddy"like you seem to want. I allready had one. I want a president who gets the job done like the current one.

rplain1 Loc: Dayton, Oh.

Exactly! When did we all stop being self-reliant. Only you can push yourself away from the table and only you can read a book.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

Why do you want the nanny state to do everything for you? Are you helpless? It's not the governments job to educate you or keep you healthy. Grow up.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

What are you talking about with this “Daddy” stuff?

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

The Department of Health, Education and Welfare was a government Agency, replaced with newly named agencies designed for the same end.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

I guess I'm talking about you wanting some sainted father figure who has no moral failings at all to take care of them.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

You just proved my point. You want the government to take care of you and provide for you.

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

If you have a mind, Use it Think for your self, don't rely on the media to make your decisions for you. The future of America is in our hands Don't fumble. Look at our economy, look at the disrespect for our judicial system and the deaths of police. When you really do your homework believe in what YOU see and understand.
Don