Alex I dont think Americans are lazy or dumb, perhaps a bit apathetic and ignorant about certain things. But isnt that sort of the way the system is set up. And I dont know if a discussion about Obama and the way Obama sold himself will net anything fruitful in our discussion either, nor do I think there was necessarly a sudden lurch back toward conservatism as a result of the last election not that you implied one, just sayin. A lot of people just didnt come out and vote in the last election, especially young people who were the big difference in Obama getting elected. My problem with both parties, is there doesnt seem to be a damn bit of difference between them. Sure they make it sound like there are differences and they certainly do a good job of getting we the people all worked up, but for the most part both parties are nothing but corporate shills.
I think you are seriously misreading the tea leaves though if you dont think there is a potion of our populace in a very surly mood. Last weeks shooting may have been at the hands of someone with legitimate nutso issues, but his attitude and behavior were just a more extreme expression of the general mood of a good number of folks. It wasnt that long ago people were carrying AK's to political rallies wearing Tshirts that read: From time to time the tree of liberty needs to be waterd with a little blood, People talking about 2nd ammendment solutioms and secession. The tea party in general seems to be a bit miffed and not very well organized, sort of like a tropical depression before it morphs into a hurricane.
Were at a pretty scary time and place in history and I dont think we are just going to be able to click our heels like Dorothy and end up back in Kansas.
Thank You for your response and sharing your POV. I'd really be interested in hearing what some other people your age think.