Someone in a position of influence really needs to inform and teach Americans civics.

[Boogiemack]

People make unreasonable demands of government when they really should be making demands of their Representatives and Senators. The lack of understanding about state, local, and national government and governing is astounding and has proved to be dangerous with Trump in office.

[MineralMan]

1. Not enough time for that before the election.

However, such a think would be a great project for the Biden administration.

[Wicked Blue]

2. I agree wholeheartedly

And we need to work on ways to rebuild a sense of community, with responsibilities as well as benefits. We need to restore a sense of true patriotism, a feeling that we're all in this together. A sense of mission.

Civics education is urgently needed. Also public service messages about this on the media.

We also need to create more common experiences to counteract social fragmentation. Perhaps national rituals, new holidays, or new ways to celebrate those occasions. Also needed are more Third Places, where people can gather safely and interact: local pubs, cafes, bookstores, religious institutions, union halls, granges and others I can't think of immediately. Places that don't cost an arm and a leg to go to.

[shrike3]

3. I agree completely

I've said that for years, people have no clue how government works. Problem is, they get very defensive when you point that out and make it clear they don't want to know. It may be too late for older people, but get to the young ones it might work.