Public opinion plays a very important role in our political system, and any successful system of government requires the support and approval of those being governed. Opinion polls are used to formulate consensus, which in turn helps develop public policies locally and nationally.

Most people’s opinions are formed through a process known as ‘political socialization.’ The primary factors in this process are rooted in family upbringing and (arguably) to a larger and more sinister extent, the effect of the MSM.

It’s pretty obvious that family ties are the most important element in one’s future political thinking, but ever since I discovered the work of Noam Chomsky and his take on the media’s role in shaping and manipulating public opinion, I have been very suspicious of public opinion polls and the various methods used to gather them.

There is potential for sampling errors due to the wording of questions, sample size, demographics and the use of “push polls.” The degree of honesty used by the respondents may also be in question, particularly in regards to issues of race.

An article by late author and historian Chalmers Johnson discusses the ‘Tom Bradley Effect.’ The ‘Tom Bradley Effect’ (TBE) refers to the California Gubernatorial election in 1982 wherein the former multi-term mayor of Los Angeles – a Black man – was running against a White opponent. Every poll leading up to Election Day showed Bradley leading the race by substantial margins – yet he still lost the election by 7 points.

According to research, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that when it comes to the candidate’s race, many voters are simply not telling the truth to pollsters.

Another problem with public opinion polls is the simple fact that Americans tend to have strong opinions about subjects they know absolutely nothing about. It’s fine to have opinions, but as far as I’m concerned if your opinion isn’t based on facts, it’s worthless.

This seems to be typical of neoconservative “thinking.” Their sources of information are so restricted (FOX and right-wing talk radio, mostly) that they have no idea why they actually believe what they so fervently believe. The education system and MSM manipulation have also stunted this generation’s faculty for critical thinking and analysis.

This ‘dumbing down’ process as it’s called by education critics like Charlotte Iserbyt and John Taylor Gatto – plays a huge, unspoken role in the current political climate we endure today.

Citizens simply cannot make valid choices that affect their lives if they aren’t given the tools and the information to make those choices wisely.