What if the answer is none of the above? 

Eric I agree many people are a mess but in your world you could never start or discuss or become involved in anything unless your life was nearly perfect in every area.

I am a historian by nature and politics has and will always be an intriguing fascinating thing to discuss in America. As a matter of fact it is less so now than even 100 years ago.

Considering who governs this grand country it is very important due to the deteriorating society we live in.

This country was born a Republic with elected leaders and controls on our government. Our forefathers set up 4 walls of controls to keep this great country alive and well.

Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Individual

Under this form of Government individuals had the the ultimate say because they elected the leaders. But individuals without a moral compass become no check at all. So I understand your concern for people discussing politics that are a mess in their own head.

However if we no longer participate and hand over power to our government we slowly become a democracy where small groups of people influence the powerful and vocal individuals become more important that society and the rights of all the people.

But people who do not participate are even worse they do not care. So as an American I feel it is every ones right and responsibility to get involved in the political process. I find once people do and realize they can make a difference they tend to change and many times that change is for the better.

Encourage all men of all walks to better their lives and this great country of ours.

A Democracy can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse
(generous gifts) from the public treasury. From that moment on, the
majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits
from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always
collapses over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a
dictatorship."

Sir Alex Fraser Tytler

Well said Jason & Deanna

Eric, it looks like you will have an interesting discussion on this post.  You are inserting a perspective we don't hear of often.  Leadership is extremely important, but as you rightly point out, it does not absolve us from personal responsibility.