Too uninformed to vote?

A very high percentage of the U.S. electorate isn't very well qualified to vote, if by "qualified" you mean having a basic understanding of our government, its functions and its challenges. Almost half of the American public doesn't know that each state gets two senators. More than two-thirds can't explain the gist of what the Food and Drug Administration does. Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala
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Subjects: Politics, U.S., World
Member Tags: Sense from LA?, apathetic voters, democracy civics education voting, More Informed Voters
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3.0
by Mike LaBonte - Aug. 2, 2007

This story goes too far in using single pieces of weak evidence as proof positive of each controversial claim. But it does have evidence and sources for most claims except for the snipe at Chicago. Not much information.

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2.9
by Dwight Rousu - Aug. 2, 2007

The thought is interesting. But should the retarded be given a valid vote as human beings, whether or not they can pass a test? Perhaps a more practical goal would be to somehow prevent major media sources from filling the voters heads with pap and misinformation. Maybe tax benefits to the new sources with the best informed viewers. Goodbye Fox.

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2.1
by Paul Cohen - Aug. 2, 2007

The story presents data to show that the public is not well informed about our government and about current events, and it jumps to a conclusion: democracy here is not working, let's get rid of democracy. The alternative that people like Thomas Jefferson proposed and which have worked well in the past are not even mentioned as possibilities. Is it really impossible in this country to re-invigorate education about civic matters? Is it really impossible to re-establish a responsible ... More »

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2.7
by Kyra Troyan - Aug. 1, 2007

Interesting concept to think about.

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4.0
by Kaizar Campwala - Aug. 1, 2007
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3.5
by Fabrice Florin - Aug. 1, 2007
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4.5
by Jim Mac Donald - Aug. 1, 2007

Finally, so sense from the LATimes. Instead of teaching water skiing, badminton, and football, a good dose of math, english grammer, and sociology would benefit us all. This article is so true. Most political arguements stem from a lack of knowledge of the system and the function thereof.

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3.6
by Linda Raiteri - Aug. 2, 2007

A worthwhile question. For me, it is reminders of how long and hard women fought for suffrage in the U.S. that illustrates the solemnity with which voting should be approached.

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4.4
by Gerardine O'Hare - Aug. 2, 2007

There is much to be said for Jonah Goldberg's article which is well written and provocative. His suggestion is a good one. Something has to be done to shake the masses out of their indifferences. Perhaps his idea is the right one.

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2.9
by Russ Leonard-Whitman - Aug. 1, 2007

Doesn't go very deeply into the issue, but does frame the question reasonably well.

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5.0
by James G. Keegan - Aug. 1, 2007
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3.8
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