Lippmann's characterization of the public is depressingly accurate. Or so it strikes me, at any rate. And it is made even more depressing by the fact that it is over 75 years old, and yet I can see no change. Lippmann does not blame the public for their apathy, and I don't feel that anyone truly could, or should, rather. After all, he lays out the problem quite clearly. "In the cold light of experiance he knows that his sovreignty is a fiction." The average man really has no control over government. "The general opinions of large numbers of persons are almost certain to be a vague and confusing melody." It is difficult for individual voices to come to a democratic decision, because the blend will only be disorienting. Therefore it is unavoidable that some, or many, perspectives will simply be left out. Lippmann also discusses the abundence of research, statistics; the general information overload that is available, and that it seems one must intake to even have an opinion on an issue. It is overwhelming, and only becomes moreso as information flies more easily to and fro. Although Lippmann does mention the value of debate, as a means of clarifying the public opinion from private opinions, so that action can be taken. Overall, it seems that the rhetorical situation, for Lippmann, is one that few actually may take part in, and is mainly an issue of drawing attention to, and agreement upon, an idea, in the midst of a sea of apathy.

Perhaps it is because Bernays seems to focus on issues that are not only political, but it seems that his view of the rhetocial situation is one that is more open to different players.The last series of statements in his essay is, "Public opinion can be moved, directed, and formed by such a technique. But at the core of this great heterogeneous body of public opinion is a tenacious will to live, to progress, to move in the direction of ultimate social and individual benefit. He who seeks to manipulate public opinion must always heed it." Simply the way he writes of it makes public opinion seem relatively bendable, particularly in contrast to Lippmann's perspective. It is also interesting that he characterizes the public opinion as being one that is generally interested in social benefit, that is, the benefit of everyone, as well as the invidivual benefit. This is not the distanced and disenchanted public opinion of Lippmann's essay. I think there is a truth to that, and I think in general people do want what is best for society as a whole. But I think the ease of slipping into apathy has a strong dose of truth to it as well.

And to go along with Dr. Mahoney's suggestion: If my rhetoric travels had a soundtrack, it would be Harrowdown Hill by Thom Yorke. But the competition was fierce, I assure you.