phinz, we need to go hiking. there's nothing like a bunch of buddies, lots of beer and steaks, big fire, great music, dueling viewpoints on anything you can bring up.
there's so many ways to argue both sides of any issue, and as in everything, a balance is the way. also, understanding that a democracy is a living breathing thing. it must be exercised, or it grows fat and slow. even cancerous.
but i do have to say that ya gotta have faith, in a democratic people, if nothing else.
and it is important that people constantly are open to hearing as many viewpoints as they can stand.