Dumbing Down Democracy

Written by a retired professor, whose unique combination of academic studies allows him to dissect political arguments from both its philosophical and the psychological aspects. His academic qualifications include a doctorate is in the areas of ethics and political theory. He is also a licensed mental health therapist in California. He has taught both logic and psychology. Additionally, he has traveled much of the world in the last 50 years and has lived and taught in several countries---living the last twenty years in Norway.This book looks at the way we have been manipulated in the elections of George Bush, Brexit, and Trump. The issues have been downplayed in their campaigns, while our unconscious needs of fear and anger allowed us to be manipulated by some populists. Hope is always held out by politicians-- but that hope should be possible to realize. How do they do it? Why do they do it? Why do we succumb to it? What can we do about it?He then asks us what kind of a government do we really want. The final section deals with the problems in our education system.The following questions illustrate some of the questions and issues addressed.¬If we are going to let our intellects overpower our unconscious drives, we must understand how.¬What do we really want from our society? Happiness or low taxes? No abortion but higher taxes to educate the unwanted children through high school?¬Do we understand that each of us owes about $65,000 on the national debt-- and it increases every year?¬Can we understand how to see through the irrationality of the arguments of politicians?¬How can education be made more vibrant and meaningful for our future citizens?¬Is having food in our mouths and the remote channel changer in our hands-- our only concern? Shall we be content with bread and circuses?If you are concerned about your country, read this book.