Final Paper Ideas

For the final paper I am a little lost as to what I want to write about. Its amazing how we ask for freedom on paper topics and then when we are given the opportunity to "let loose" I am so lost and need guidance and strict guidelines..lol ( are we able to use lol? this blog is REAl informal)oh boy...well I have two very general ideas.
First I have been kicking around the idea of democracy. Post Ramage, we have read many papers dealing with public discourse and language. We learned about the tactics and strategies used. After reading all the assignments I am left wondering... Do we still have a democracy? If there are people who know how to manipulate and generate emotions in us, are we still in control of ourselves? I don't know. I don't believe Luntz, Lakoff, Bernays,etc. are trying to manipulate thought control but I do find it frightening that they have the ability to persuade our thoughts. Maybe I could look at a few rhetoricians that we have discussed and examine their roll in a democracy.
Secondly, and this idea is far-fetched, I am really interested in exploring language and public discourse within abusive relationships. It seems language and the tone of which the partner uses is very effective in either making the other partner feel degraded or that the abuse is okay. Its odd, I know, but I think I'm on to something. Abusive relationships definitely incorporate thought control, language and public discourse. I am going to print out stuff about each of my topics and maybe everyone can help me further ideas in class.