The New Age of Ignorance

Back in the days, Nero and Caligula both knew that
leaders can always give the people what they want; if you first took care to tell
them what they want. Our politicians have learned this lesson; in hundreds of Coliseums,
the games are afoot any time, day or night. Just name your titillation. Spend your
time submerged in sitcoms and, if your brow arches higher, there is a sea of television
news claiming they are what you want. The facts are brought to you wrapped
in enough interpretations and opinions to neutralize their impact; a satisfying
but pacifying experience. 

The internet with Wikipedia and Google is a wonderful
tool that can get us to the naked facts which bodes well for the future. The
flipside is that the wisdom of the coliseum crowd has reached tidal proportions.
A democracy must reach a critical mass of practical people in order to keep the
ignorant from tearing holes in the social fabric. There are many indications
that the coliseum crowd is winning this battle. Democracy has become scuffed at
the edges and prudent voters are relegated to the back of the hall. The
odor of ignorance is in the air.