[rationalbiker]

Originally Posted by Steve Jordan

Or perhaps

Perhaps, but I disagree. Considering the voting public represents a minority of the potential voting population, I still suggest there is a significant amount of complacency or apathy. Many people just can't be bother with such things as political activism and voting.

The fact that things get done with the political process does not mean the right things get done or that the will of the masses is being served. I think it is perhaps a mistake to think we have any significant variation in political thought of the politicians we have to select from at an election. Are there really only two schools of thought (which become more indistinguishable over time) as to how this country should be run?

My beef is not with the system per se, it is with "the people" who do not take part in it. This is not because I think they have a duty to take part in it, it's because I think that would be in their rational self-interest to be aware and active in the political process. Vocal minorities get more things done than the masses.

Why are there not a thousand nucler power plants in America right now?

Because the market does not need a thousand nuclear plants. If it did, I would hope that ignorant fear would not stand in the way.

Because the people, who believe that radiation is dangerous, have consistently voted to keep the number of plants to a minimum.

Yes, people do believe radiation is dangerous. Radiation is factually dangerous in certain amounts of exposure so there really isn't even a need to believe that. However, nuclear power plants are not necessarily dangerous. Of the many nuclear power plants we do have, there have been very minimal problems. People are not dying in droves or growing extra arms because they have a nuclear power plant nearby.

Some of them also think video games, movies and music are dangerous. They think that the content of what could be seen on TV is dangerous. So rather than accept responsibility for their own lives and children, they vote for the government to control such things and force their sense of morality on others. I personally don't need the government to babysit me or my family when it comes to the TV.

If they do not see a danger

Perhaps that is the problem. Not seeing anything to worry about and there not being anything to worry about are two different things.

If you think there's a problem people should be aware of, it's your duty as a citizen to take action to alert the rest of the nation.

On the contrary, the only "duty" I have in that respect is to serve my rational self-interest. IF informing other people serves that purpose, then yes, I have that duty. The only "duty" I have as a citizen is to avoid violating other people's rights.

But because it is in my self-interest, I do "take action" in the form of discussing such issues on internet forums, discussing issues with people I know, and by staying somewhat informed before I vote.