Just How Stupid Are We?

Sort of in keeping with my own developing belief system - that humans are really pretty stupid most of the time - comes this post. Link is after the clip....

George Mason University historian, and New York Times best-selling author Rick Shenkman gives some insight as to why we proud Americans vote the way we do. His latest book, entitled “Just How Stupid Are We?: Facing the Truth About the American Voter” is his sixth publication in the line of political/historical works.

Shenkman says that politicians are counting on Americans to depend on those 30-second infomercials to make their decisions. There is a reason why countless dollars are poured into advertising - political strategists want to take advantage of our emotions.

Still not convinced on Rick’s thoughts? Check out these statistics that are featured in his book:

--Only 2 in 5 voters can name the three branches of the federal government.

--Nearly half (49%) of Americans think the president has the authority to suspend the Constitution.

--Only 1 in 7 can find Iraq on a map.

--A majority (70%) continued to believe that Saddam Hussein was responsible for 9/11, even after the 9/11 Commission reported that the claim was groundless.

--Only 1 in 5 know that there are 100 federal senators.

--Only one-fifth of Americans between ages 18-34 bother to keep up with current events.

Link