Yep a sad state of affairs. I might add "Virago" to the descriptors for Ms. Clinton. I only hope as the primaries approach that the more conservative thinking peoples take a more serious look at the candidates.

It's as if the Obamaites are deliberately trying to foment some sort of mass rebellion in order to declare a national emergency and bring out the guns via Martial Law or some other excuse. We know that he has armed almost every division of the Executive Branch. If it happens, he might be surprised by a rebellion within the rebellion. At least I hope the spirit of '76 is still alive somewhere in American hearts. If not, then my condolences to those of you who are left.

A valid rebuttal to nonsense positions, however passionate, used to be "You're entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts." Sadly, I'm finding more frequently that the response to that is "Those are your facts!" The concept of immutable, concrete evidence has been lost to the last two generations, who have been taught that numbers and pictures are so easily falsified that it's more important to trust what authority figures you admire tell you is truth, than it is to search for the truth.

I've been witnessing this effect in mature adults, who immediately dismiss any facts they don't like. I've even shown them video evidence of their own idols saying things that are utter nonsense, and the response is always "That was taken out of context," even when the video clip is many minutes long.

There are some younger people who agree with me that it's impossible to have a useful discussion of issues when your opponent simply dismisses any pretense of facts or logic. That gives me some hope that not all are lost in the miasma of the delusion of "free stuff."

Hi Abaco,
Yes, the "low information voter" is the goal of both, but particularly of the liberal political party. It has been their agenda for many decades, if not half a century. If the public schools can squirt out those who either have been filled with wrong and liberally slanted info, or just a complete absence of any intellictual curiousity you get an easily manipulated electorate.
To your point about what you sense is on the horizon, yes, I agree and have been saying this for the last couple of years when Obama's deeds have become entrenched. All the bad actors on the world stage will do whatever bad acts they are able to in these next 11 months because they know the U.S. has neither the will or ability to react or deter their actions, as we see right now with Iran and Saudi Arabia. But I would not be surprised to see China act up over Taiwan (although they have their hands full keeping their economy from imploding), N.Korea and of course Russia continuing their riding roughshod over anyone they choose, and ISIS/ Islamic terrorists in general. These next 11 months will be, imo, the most dangerous of our lifetime. We are living with the dire consequences of elections. This is why I encourage everyone to get informed and involved in local politics - from Board of Education on up. If not as a candidate then helping ( advising or donating ) to campaigns, or seek out your local party organization and see what you can do to help them. Is either party perfect ? No. But they won't get any better either if all one does is sit on the sidelines and criticize. ( Not saying that is what you were doing; just speaking generally. ) Like the old bromide: You're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Happy New Year. :-/

Astonishing that this is not coming up in the debates. Someone could out-Trump Trump with the inappropriate and illegal behavior of the US government in many situations, which is a perfect example of why it should be minimized. Look at the demonization of Wall Street, where not one company holds a candle to the the toe of the power of government, but no candidate is up there explaining the corruption, need for controls, the best of which is minimization.

Abaco,

It all boils down to one thing and one thing only "education". This has been pointed out repeatedly in the writings of Ayn Rand. The fellow you reference is part of an incredibly large portion of our population. We have schools but we do not have educators.

the slide in fascism...democracy is tyranny of the majority...return to a republic where the only ones with the vote as those who produce...or prepare for the coming police state, as there are many who are willing and eager to surrender basic individual rights at the promise of politicans to make us safe from all the threats to freedom...scary...

We are seeing the inevitable results of a failed philosophy that has been implemented as a way of life. Our country is resilient - many who have been raised under the old ways are still alive. But they become fewer. It is a sad day when our only choices for POTUS are a harridan and a buffoon.

:)

Yeah. Thanks.

Fortunately, in that fictional tale it only took about 3 years. G'kar was pessimistic then, but for us, maybe not.

Look forward to it, Abaco.

This may be related. I was having a conversation with another dad yesterday. In him, I saw a condition I see more and more, lately. Maybe it's always been there and I'm just now noticing it. This guy was of very strong opinion of a couple things, but couldn't back up any of his views with any facts. I marvel at this and I see it everywhere. Hard to explain quickly here. But, I think it's related to our decline. People, too often, are easy marks because they don't bother to do their homework. They get their science education from Facebook, etc. I find it pretty hard to talk with people like that, taxing really. But, a citizenry like that is a great, willing participant of things like the open smashing of basic rights, and such. Anyway...maybe more on this later. Too deep to cover here. Maybe worthy of an article I am thinking about writing...

Yes. I'd say we are at the threshold of "...even if it takes 1000 years."

I am of the same mind as you on this. What I foresee of 2016 is frightening. I, frankly, haven't been able to imagine Obama letting go of the reins (or reign, which appears more appropriate to say at this point.)

I never thought I'd live to see the day where I was so self-conscious on a daily basis.

The downhill slide is happening more quickly now. What is sad is the number of people who do not view what is happening as a downhill slide. They view it as progress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhIzB...