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Apr 5, 2004 On March 11, 2004, the war on terrorism hit the citizens of Madrid, Spain right in the center of their hearts. Bombs roared through several commuter trains in Madrid that morning, killing approx. 200 and wounding thousands. These bombings occurred 3 days before the national elections were to take place. This event was enough to oust the popular party on March 14 and give the power of government to the socialists. I find it absolutely amazing how public opinion can dramatically change and take action after an incredible event takes place. Many argue that the Spanish people only voted socialist because the war was brought to their turf, and if everything went as normal, the popular party would still be in power. I agree with this argument but does that mean it’s wrong for the public, in a democracy, to make the choice they want when the time comes in light of whatever events occur. Spain is one of the countries supporting America in the occupation of Iraq. Many feel that this attack in Madrid was in direct response to Spanish assistance and partnership with America. What is interesting to know is that a vast majority of the public opposed the War in Iraq, yet the government went ahead and sent troops. The Spanish people had to pay the price March 11 for their government’s decision to go with America despite the cries from the public demanding other wise. It is often the people, the innocent, who suffer in times of war and conflict. September 11 for America is no different. American foreign policy and apathy toward combating terrorism lead to the deaths of thousands and the destruction of two monuments of New York City. Such a public outcry for justice lead to the War on Terrorism, the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, and of course the Patriot Act, passed in October of 2001. Such dramatic changes that were made in response to this devastating event. This is all old news to most readers, so what am I getting at here. In a democracy, major events can alter public opinion greatly. Of all the aspects of people’s views, including political affiliation, public opinion is the easiest to change, yet is also the broadest. In a democratic government the power to influence politics rests in the hands of the people, not our leaders. This amazing power comes with a price, everybody thinks differently. Eventually you find bands of brothers and sisters banding together under a united idea, increasing their political power. The individual has no power to directly change policy, only the masses can make this happen and that is how the system was created. Now I present this case to you, the question of control in a democratic society, and this is where public opinion enters the picture. When many think of democracy the word seems synonymous with freedom. With the power of policy in the hands of the people the appearance of freedom would seem evident. Granted, our Constitution in this country grants us certain unalienable rights, such as the right to petition, assemble, to express our religious beliefs, etc. But despite the existence of a social contract or constitution allowing the people a level of freedom, policy in this country rests solely on the public’s opinion about the topic at hand. This opinion gives the public both a level of freedom and a outlet for manipulation. To the public’s advantage, their opinion on various issues, if strong enough and voiced by enough people, can alter policy and existing institutions. But those opinions are reliant on the information given to them by lawmakers, activist groups, the media, and finally, the administration. The public as a whole is willing to accept any information given to them, especially by the media. The public then bases their decisions on this information, blindly at times. The problem of public opinion then comes when this information is misinformation or “true lies”, which I define as facts used deceptively, such as the claims of WMD in Iraq. The fact that Iraq had WMD is true, but whether they remained to have such weapons is a matter of speculation. But nevertheless, when a figure of authority presents an argument and gives information to support their claim, the public is willing to except the information and alter their opinion. Misinformation and public opinion can have dramatic consequences and can in effect control the creation and destruction of policy. As I talked about earlier, devastating events such as 9/11 can radically alter public opinion. A little more than a month after 9/11 we have the passing of the Patriot Act, which in hindsight threatens certain civil liberties in exchange for security. In a time of crisis, the public is willing to accept any option the government has to provide a solution to a problem. The government’s solution to 9/11, among others, was a bill to give law enforcement more power and less restriction in their ability to spy on non-citizens. This power is dangerous and particular policy can be introduced that truly effect the public, such as the proposed legislation of the Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003, a secretive bill that was leaked to the public in which citizens would be targeted by the provisions of the Patriot Act and could even be deported for supporting groups, even if legal, that the government thought were terrorist in nature. This plan by the Department of Justice to further attack civil liberties was foiled, but if not leaked, would probably have been introduced after the War in Iraq began, when both public opinion and lawmakers supported the troops and any plan to further provide security, blindly. Public opinion is a great power that citizens of a democracy have to change policy. But the public must remember that the information provided by bodies of authority must be questioned always before drawing a conclusion. We must remember that all seats of power, whether in a republic, monarchy, or dictatorship, must always be questioned and their intentions always analyzed, for both the public good and for the good of all societies. ------------ Email John Osborn: darkpsiozzy@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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