It is very sad to see what was once a great nation is gradually sinking into ignorance, bigotry and total stupidity. I think this is due to the lack of ideas to overcome the crisis we are all in. Political parties no longer know what to do except manipulate the emotions and fears of the population. Unfortunately, there is a population (a populace, I would say) who is willing to buy any crap that any second-rate petty politician is giving them. This is a clear sign that society is entering into a long period of decline. I think this may be the beginning of the decadence of the West and other nations (in Asia?) will take the baton of leadership. The Western educational system has fallen to very low levels and people don't want to pay more taxes to provide a high level education for all.