It is amazing, in these days of hyper-extreme media sur-reality of politics in America, that we are bombarded by polls and surveys, day-in and day-out bought and paid for by major media sources, campaigns, parties interest groups and the like.  In ancient days-say 30 years ago- there were only three or four major survey firms, and they were cautious and deliberate in their efforts to find out what the public thinks, and why!

The foundations, though, of the public’s many opinions, do not seem to be the goal of many surveys, and from experiences in the public/political world, and from observations of the media that drives public opinion, it is shocking to think how little the public knows, or cares, about what drives their opinions and what the impact will be.

.... Last time I checked, we do have representatives in Congress.

If one were to ask the average voter how they feel about a major issue such as health care reform or the war in either Afghanistan or Iraq (whichever one is not important because the average voter can’t find it on a map, anyway) they will not be able to identify why this matter is a major concern today, how we reached this point, and what significant efforts have been made, either in historical reference or just the recent past, about what factors must be considered when weighing the options before the lawmakers.  Truly, the voters don’t even understand what the options are that the lawmakers are considering.  The reasons for this lack of information and knowledge is pressing our political consciousness into a path that is scary to consider.

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It was a scant 222 years ago today that thirty-nine of the bravest, forward-thinking, most argumentative men the world has ever seen put quill to paper and signed the United States Constitution.

Certainly, a wonderful gift to all United States citizens, but also to citizens of the world. Weighing in (in its original un-amended form) at 4,543 words it represents a truly unique vision of what we, as humans, are capable, and a roadmap to Freedom emulated across the globe.

With twenty-seven amendments, and constant arguing about what the sparse language of the document means, the document at the heart of our ship-of-state has had an amazing life as it continues to thrust us toward our eternal, universal goals of Justice and Liberty.

As a 21st century update to the printed document, please take the time to download or listen online to the late Professor David Currie from the University of Chicago read the document. Truly a testament to the beauty of the document.

What’s all the hoopla about? What has our political dialogue come to in this country that we are worried about what the President might say to our kids? It feels like there is a sense of panic and fear from both the left and the right about the other side, especially when they are in the White House. See the Obama speech to kids video below.

Some of the crazy suggestions I heard about President George W. Bush are only equaled by some of the nutso theories suggested by commentators like Glenn Beck today. In recent years, I have tried to take a step back and look at our political climate and how it relates to me. I have more and more began to realize that a lot of it is simply drama and hype, promoted by media as a means of keeping us entertained and watching their programs. Who wants to watch political television programming unless there is controversy?

It seems to me that speaking to our children is something that Presidents do. The President is our leader, whether or not you voted for him or share his political philosophy. It probably wouldn’t be in good taste or presidential for that matter, if he were to try and persuade the kids of his particular agenda. However, I wouldn’t expect that from him, nor does it appear to be the case that he did such a thing.

Take a look and let us know how you feel about the Obama speech to kids.