I know a few folks like Marc and some of them are even in my family. I often find that these people are basically decent Americans who want to do the right thing. Frequently, however, their sources of information come exclusively from television. And if they are relying on Fox News, they've made a real commitment to ignorance. Fox is adept at playing on human emotions, especially fear, resentment, and anger. That's a combustible and motivating cocktail of outrage. It's dividing the country in innumerable ways. Alex Jones has simply amped it up with more toxic and monstrous lies.

I'd urge this population to frequent their public library. They should skim their local and regional papers, check out the NYT AND the WSJ. Time and Newsweek provide reasonable coverage but for a more thorough and global perspective, check out The Economist. If you're more ambitious and have the time, The Atlantic provides excellent long form pieces. An enlightened and vigilant citizen is the best defense against tyranny and all too often, the public is too damn lazy to do its civic duty.

The reality is that few will get off the couch and dedicate themselves to educating themselves.

Peter T.