Angus

Although I've indeed voiced frustration about our so called democracy in the United States, this reading actually made me feel less so. I didn't take Angus to be berating how democracy 'has gone downhill' but instead saying that we simply need to change our practices because of our changing world.
Angus talks of how citizens of a democracy need to be able to debate, agree, and argue with one another in order to formulate views on important issues. He also talks of how citizens need access to relevent information on issues they deem important. This is where TV comes in because it does not allow for the listener to either debate or choose the topics. I think most people can agree that in our country (non-politician) citizens have become accustomed to receiving information on a daily basis. But how many times do we debate about issues a) with someone who does not agree or b) on issues not talked about on TV?
I think Angus, realizing this, is merely saying that it is our duty as citizens of a democracy to change in order to sustain a democracy. I have voiced the notion all too often that "I am frustrated because I have no voice, and I can't change anything." Not that changing a lifestyle is easy, but if it's possible to--over time--modify our nation to one that encourages political debates among citizens, that's something to hope for--right?