Is it easier to manipulate the simple and stupid by telling them they are smart, or by making them smarter?

True, Obama and Co have done a good job of it too. It's what his class-war rhetoric and 'you didn't build that' bullchit is all about. It's come down to convincing a majority they can not live without government making choices for them. It's about convincing them that they are too simple and stupid to make their own decisions.

This man said it best.

Alexis de Tocqueville on the Nanny State:

From *Democracy in America*

It would resemble paternal power if, like that, it had for its object to prepare men for manhood; but on the contrary, it seeks only to keep them fixed irrevocably in childhood; it likes citizens to enjoy themselves provided that they think only of enjoying themselves.

It willingly works for their happiness; but it wants to be the unique agent and sole arbiter of that; it provides for their security, foresees and secures their needs, facilitates their pleasures, conducts their principal affairs, directs their industry, regulates their estates, divides their inheritances; can it not take away from them entirely the trouble of thinking and the pain of living?

Subjection in small affairs manifests itself every day and makes itself felt without distinction by all citizens. It does not make them desperate, but it constantly thwarts them and brings them to renounce the use of their wills. Thus little by little, it extinguishes their spirits and enervates their souls.

Before I go out, I'll have to comment thus: The Obama phone lady has been converted. I would be very interested in knowing how that happened. I believe someone offered her a spot on the radio. I saw an interviewBetter go answer the door now!

The Obama phone lady has been converted. I would be very interested in knowing how that happened. I believe someone offered her a spot on the radio. I saw an interview with her and she isn't quite as stupid as one would have believed. Of course, if she has been tricked, she will likely go back to promoting Obama phones. Evidently this will have to change one person at a time. A long process unless the converted start other conversions. We shall see.

Listen to Dr Goebbels speech about manipulating the people and making them hear what they want to hear not what they need to hear making them feel proud and wise loving their country but really it all comes down to tyranny

Both. Teach them the talking points that back up your position, give them examples of famous people that agree, and then praise them for being reasonable and right. Then they will believe that anyone that disagrees with them is unreasonable and wrong.

If it weren't for the ability to manipulate the simple and stupid the democrats would never get elected.

spouse : You tell a guy something, it is going in one ear and is derived out of the different. HUSBAND : You tell a woman something: It is going in the two ears and is derived out of the mouth. (this factor is real)i've got faith in this hyperlink yet i'm in comparison to that

Free phones were originally started by Reagan for low income households when At&T were going outta business and carried on by GW Bush in 2008.

Crooked Bush puppy had secret stock in the company who issued them. Obama has never issued free-phones to anybody. Too expensive i would think..!!

Why fox news forget to tell their folks this is surprising, but not unexpected.

Have you ever tried to convince an atheists, there's a God, or a religious person, there's not ? That's pretty much, what today's politics, have become... Regardless, if I'm right, or wrong... That,,, is my belief, & I'll die, believing it... I really don't think, your going to convince that type person, of anything...

"He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly." Proverbs 13:20