Hi Ami,I believe one of the main problems is that the media is controlled. I've seen it convincingly explained that six major corporations run over 80% of the media. What we have, then, is a matrix of propaganda.
There can be no freedom for a society that hasn't the means with which to detect lies. -Guy Debord
Romney's Bain Capital bought out Clear Channel Communications and, as such, Romney had an inside advantage with the media even after he left Bain. It's the good old boys club. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30260.htm
Most people don't look for sources outside of the controlled media, for alternate explanations of world events. I know that I, for one, wasn't even aware that there WAS a valid alternative explanation for the War on Terror, until I chanced upon a few lectures and documentaries that sparked my interest and set me on a quest for truth.
With all I have learned, I still usually begin political discussions with the question, "What do you know about The Project for the New American Century?" Because most of my friends are neoconservative Christians who believe the wars are serving our interests.
(Well...briefly speaking, they are not. They are crippling our economy and forging the infrastructure of tyranny in this country: the same military industrial complex that is enriched by the decimation of the Middle East will be enriched by the devolution of America into a full-blown police state.)
Much of what I learned, I alluded to in my list of similarities between Romney and Obama. I was actually describing The Establishment as I see it, in brief terms. Also The End of America is instructive and everyone can benefit from reading or watching that.
There is more to it that I don't feel comfortable posting online. But I have some other topics in links in mind that I will offer in the future.
Suffice it to say, I consider myself independent, adamantly anti-war, pro-local government.
I read political articles across the spectrum, with my favorite blogger being Glenn Greenwald, even though he is more of a socialist, and I am more along the lines of a libertarian.
I support Ron Paul. I know he is flawed. I don't want to hear about the racist newsletters, please, people.
So there you go.
Thanks for asking.