Actually I'm not arrogant, I don't claim to have all the answers and I'm humble enough to admit when I'm wrong. I can name quite a few posters on here who have NEVER admit ed to being wrong, they seem to be experts on just about every topic.
I agree that the general public is hard working, (hardworking doesn't equate to smart), and decent overall but they are not intelligent where and when it counts. Are they resourceful? I don't know, in what way are we talking about? They aren't smart with their money and statistics have shown us that. Its only when they are at risk of losing it ALL do they finally wake up...kinda. I find the general public to be extremely gullible, naive and totally apathetic to things that really matter. I think a good gauge in judgeing the publics intelligence is politics because its when the public gets to actively participate in its destiny. Look at what we have in the White house now. Would an intelligent group of people be that easily fooled? The current political spectrum indicates that the general public is stupid, despite what you say. Look at our "leaders". They are a perfect gauge as to where the consciousness of the public is and it's in a coma.
Here's just one example. We have a former Federal Reserve director running for president, the same guy that doesn't have a problem using tax payer money to buy partial ownership of banks and corporations. The co opted Tea Party has been the most vocal free market, anti socialist group around in quite some time, (at least that's what all their signs suggest they believe in), yet they embrace the same individual who is the complete opposite of what they want us to believe they stand for! Why are they promoting a person that voted for bailouts, when a free market, anti socialist follower doesn't advocate that at all? The Fed is the most powerful institution in the country, the decisions it makes can make or break the people of the country and so far it's track record is terrible, yet again, the public is falling over itself for one of its former boneheads.
That is just one example, but its a serious issue and I can think of hundreds of other issues as serious as this where the outcome was similar. An intelligent society would never allow this to happen for this long.
I don't know you, but the mindset you describe is pretty arrogant. I have learned, and continue to learn, quite a bit from people who are less educated than me, who make less money, etc. The vast majority of people bring a lot to the table, often with different strengths. That's part of what makes this country so great.
For example, one of my professors said: "I know a lot about a few things, and nothing about a lot of things." I think that is true of most people. I use that phrase all the time. It's certainly true of me.
So, just because someone isn't as informed about a particular political issue as you are, doesn't mean the person is stupid. They are exercising their freedom to stay tangentially involved, just like you are exercising your freedom to become intimately involved in the political process.
There is definitely an intelligence component of hard work. Smart people have a good work ethic, and most of the country works hard.
I agree many people are not responsible with money and finances. Does that mean most people are stupid? No. It just means they are poor money managers. That's partly the fault of parents who haven't taught their kids how to be responsible (although once they become adults, it's out of the parents' control). Trying to teach some of my kids how to manage money has been painful.
You gave me an example of one issue that you disagree with regarding Cain. Your complaint is unreasonable and inconsistent. I think the best thing Cain brings to the table is straight talk and successful business experience from outside the beltway. That's what DC needs. He's not perfect. No candidate is. But to call people stupid because they support him, solely because you disagree with him on one issue is pretty shortsighted.
And I call your position inconsistent, because you could make the same argument about Ron Paul. He's a devout Christian. He's pro life. He believes the Constitution was divinely inspired. I doubt you agree with those positions. Yet I doubt you would call people stupid who support him despite those positions.
One thing I will say, is I'm not happy with the overall quality of candidates who run for president. I really dislike having to vote against, rather than for, a candidate. I don't like picking the evil of two lessers.
I'm going to create a thread about this.
