Originally posted by inimalist
here is the problem imho:In America, knowing about politics is NOT associated with having a more balanced opinion of the issues or even a better understanding of them.
I agree, somewhat. However, the conservtards that actually educate themselves on the issues are not that bad and, in fact, agree with my of my political philsophies. In fact, I'm what one could call a classical Republican (been recycled into a form of libertarianism, though), so I'm bound make agreements.
My problem is with people who straight ticket, or will not even consider a Dems point of view (or a Republicans...but I don't live in CA, so I don't really have first-hand knowledge of what a libtard is like.)
Originally posted by inimalist
The American political system, instead, produces people who are exceptionally educated in why either the Dems or the Reps are correct. Even basic political knowledge in America produces a bias.
See, I can tolerate that more than what we have now. As long as the person actually spends SOME sort of time educating themselves on politics, that's better than nothing.
Originally posted by inimalist
Now, this is preferable to the common person, who when questioned has no coherent political opinions (more representative of the Conservative you mention), but is totally not ideal, especially in the system you mention.
Yup.
Originally posted by inimalist
I haven't seen any expansions of this research, especially with regard to nations like Canada with a multi-party system, and a generally greater apathy toward parlimentary democracy. Potentially, the lack of affiliation with a single party (because no Canadian parties really mean anything anymore) and no singularly dominant party (where as in America it is black and white) would mean political education might produce people with a wider bredth of understanding.
That'd be good, n'stuff. But, I didn't know that you Canadians were politically apathetic? The only two Candadians I know are big into politics. (other than you, of course)
Originally posted by inimalist
In America, the problem would be, getting the educated wouldn't eliminate this ignorant bias. In fact, it would polorize it even more.
That'd sort of be true. Except, only those who knew jack crap would get to vote.
This would create a void with the uneducated: i.e. half of Oklahoman voters. 😐
I want to take away the voting power of ignorant people. We have more than enough middle class and upper class...meaning, there'd be no shortage for people to educate themselves. In fact, there's no reason even poor people could educate themselves (hell, some have more time than any of us.)
Hell, some of the most politically savvy people I've met were homeless or very poor.