Are you Ignorant of World Affairs? What were the causes the shutdown of the U.S. Government

Democracy is difficult because it requires an informed citizenry that is patient and willing to participate in the art of compromise (see John Stuart Mill , "On Liberties").

To often in a wealthy society with a tradition of democracy people are not able or choose not to listen to other opinion, reason, consider the evidence to consider for whom to vote, and what legislation is worth supporting that will advance the cause of all people.  They become ignorant and susceptible to demagogues.

Ignorant is often a misunderstood. With out knowledge and informed citizenary we will find ourselves looking for water in the desert, because we forgot to consider the challenge of a desert adventure.