I have some co-workers who do not follow the news too closely (to say the least). In the past, we have had words about my political views and my take on current events, so I have learned to mostly keep my mouth shut in the office.
Recently, though, the Iranian drum-beat had driven up my worry level past my circumspection level, so I mentioned it to one co-worker, noting that it sounded just like the run-up to Iraq. My co-worker's comment floored me: "Really? I haven't been paying attention."
Haven't been paying attention? Our national leadership seems to be building a case for attacking Iran -- an act which will most likely cause the entire region to choose sides, and could lead to a full-blow Middle East war -- and you haven't been paying attention?
At what point does lack of attention move from "having a life" to "irresponsible citizen"? I don't expect everyone to be a political and news junkie like myself; my level of attention is probably overkill for most stories and issues. But to not know that your country is about to attack another country? And to not see the possible repercussions? And to not even care?!?
These are the kind of persons that many politicians count on: uninformed, unaware, and unconcerned. Once every four years these voters look up, find a pleasant face and read a few brochures, and cast their vote for the future of the world. And then take offense if you intimate that there may be more to being a citizen than that.
If it is fair to call me a political junkie -- and it surely is -- then it is just as fair to call such people irresponsible. If we drop bombs on Iran, they will figure it must have been justified. If their children are sent to war, they will worry and fret about their children; but they don't have time to worry and fret about the administration's lies, or about stopping the war, or about anyone else's children, and certainly not about Iranian children.
It is said that voters get the government they deserve. My hope and goal is to keep us from getting the government that inattention deserves, and increase the number of people who are paying attention.