Do You Pay Any Attention To Politics?

I just wondered if you pay attention to politics. If so, how do you keep abreast of what is going on? What level of government are you most interested in? And, if you don’t pay any attention, why is that?

I recently read a column by David Sirota in the San Francisco Chronicle, (7/12/2012), entitled, “Ignorance has a certain logic to it.” According to the article, Xavier University did a study which shows that, “many Americans have wholly tuned out of politics” and can’t answer the simplest questions about government.

Some speak of the dumbing down of the country, however, like Sirota, I’m not sure that’s the case. We’re all ignorant on some topics. It’s more a matter of where people choose to put time and attention.

Sirota’s conclusion, one I agree with, is, “many Americans have consciously decided that the information no longer matters.” He points to big money in elections, presidents who ignore the constitution, and a judiciary which “spends much of its time helping Big Business tilt the law against the population, and where the major parties resemble each other on most policies.” Thus he concludes many of us choose to ignore the whole matter because, “they accurately perceive the fraud being perpetrated on them…” In fact, the stupid people may be those who, “doggedly pretend that America is still a functioning democracy.”

I listen regularly to Bill Moyers and usually come away unsettled. Here’s a link to his comments with the contention that “the poor people haven’t lost their voice, they can’t afford a voice.”

I spoke to Mayor Patterson recently and confessed though I’ve always had an interest in politics, I haven’t paid close attention to local issues. I brought up the matter of the . She believes that the building is unique and that it should have been restored. I don’t so much disagree with that as questioning the amount spent—about four times what local contractors say it should have cost and how it has been used since.

Monday evening was warm and lovely. I sat outside , imbibing with friends. Owner, Lynne Pareloa has bingo on some Monday evenings. The cost is $20 which goes to various charities, which Lynne defines as supporting “people who can’t help themselves.” Ten games are played. Appetizers are served and prizes given. Other businesses contribute some of the prizes: Randy’s Bar and Grill, Christina S, Pacifica, and Benicia Home Improvement. Lynne is also owner of  Lynne’s Invitations and Gifts, a few doors from The Chill.

Finally, last week there was a in front of The Rellik. It didn’s start inside and didn’t involve Rellik patrons. People work hard to make their businesses succeed; they get upset with bad press.