In the modern culture of the United States, celebrity figures often receive more attention by the general public than the vital institutions of governance and the public servants that hold power. Indeed, reality tv stars, sports athletes, music artists, social media influencers, radio podcast hosts, and a plethora of other individuals who have been propelled to “stardom” through technology or otherwise are often idolized and paid attention to at a heightened level by ordinary citizens. Sadly, the American public on a sizeable scale is lacking when it comes to having a rudimentary working knowledge and understanding of national history, and the function of the nation’s governing institutions. While many founding fathers warned against an uneducated and misinformed public, stating it to be the biggest threat to the preservation of the integrity of free institutions of governance, the mainstream media, politicians, and Americans in general seem to be indifferent to the reality.
As time wears on, and the political climate within the domestic atmosphere of America continues to deteriorate, one wonders whether or not a declining knowledge of the public in civics may be at least partially to blame. While president Joe Biden and the Democratic party continue to govern in a weak and incompetent manner, House Republican’s continuing to prove that they are unable to govern at all in any capacity. Indeed, the party won a slim majority in the House of Representatives in 2022, but a rogue group of far right conservatives aligned with Democrats in early October to remove Kevin McCarthy from the speakership in a historic vote.
Matt Gaetz, the ringleader of the group, vocally declared his support for Steve Scalise, who was nominated for the speakership. Gaetz had previously made an appearance on NBC claiming he would endorse either Scalise of Jim Jordan of Ohio for the speakership. Scalise eventually dropped out of the race, and the House remains leaderless as the embarrassment continues for Republicans.
