Do you guys think that there are many distractions in politics, and why do you think there are distractions introduced or contributed? Not everything is strictly a distraction, but does have some bearing on a decision process. However, if you are presented with so many variables that you are unable to make an effective decision, then this is a strategy which favours some interests. Only by having an acute mind and reflecting on the accumulated effects of information, as well as the information value itself and the underlying model view as a system can you effectively reach a decision. When chaos is induced by distractions resulting in dead-locks and indecisions - the emotionally appealing choice is an authoritarian solution to "bring order to the chaos". Unfortunately, most people have little integrity to resist this temptation. Therefore are the negative conservative forces exerting influence on society through misinformation, negativity, strong emotions, conflict and destabilization successful in offering authoritarian control. Democracy promoting open information, personal freedom, adaptation, progress and sustainability are the losers when people cave in to the negative conservative influences, don't you think? Most of you here debate utterly inane naive issues that have absolutely little or no bearing on any decision that is going to be made by elected politicians... why bother? Why not look at the reality and central important issues for effective decision-making and adaptation to changing conditions?
Some references http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_controversy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiscience http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denialism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Republican_War_on_Science http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disinformation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obscurantism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear,_uncertainty_and_doubt
Distractions are like tv commercials during a program. We are used to it. Some people watch them, some don't. It all depends. In the grand scheme of things, it is like viewing what is going on in the neighbors yard through a picket fence. Human nature being what it is, resourceful voters will find a way to peek over the top of the fence and have an uninterupted view if they care.
nutmeg, I agree that we are used to the distractions, but what do you think about the role or function of distractions, especially in important decisions like a democratic election?