As of late, things are looking up and my faith in the average American is being restored after falling for the nebulous mantra of "hope and change." The average American is waking up and showing up at town hall meetings, better educated on proposed (or passed) legislation than some of the legislators, and more willing to have a discourse than said legislators. They are passionate about these issues because these issues are affecting them directly. They are asking questions, but not getting reliable answers. And what do they get for their questioning of the powers that be? Ridiculed and called names.

No, the average American's intelligence and willingness to have civilized, albeit passionate, discourse is just fine when it concerns something that affects him/her directly. That's the key. It's pretty hard to get unduly concerned about the possibility of an earthquake or the next big wildfire in southern California, or contracting AIDS or swine flu. But make it personal, in-your-face, increase your taxes, get in your pocketbook/wallet, lessen your personal choices, and not told the whole truth -- that's when you'll get the average American's attention. And it grows exponentially.

Barbara