.I think we're all  familiar with those "man on the street" segments on T.V. Where most of the people being interviewed are unable to answer the simplest of questions. Of course, in most cases, the audience roars with laughter. Truth be known the ignorance is on full display from both sides of the camera. For if the viewers understood the full gravity and the consequences of ignorance on a societal level, they might not think it so funny after all.

          There can be little disagreement that the average citizenry of this country is woefully lacking when it comes to knowledge pertaining to history, geography, geopolitical events and most importantly the mechanics of federal and state government, how laws are made and how they affect our lives. The constitution and the Bill of rights are of little concern to most. Ignorance just is. No effort required. As most of us will attest, when we have been ignorant of something and it leads to a painful consequence, there is no mercy given. Walking barefoot as a child and discovering some very attention getting thorns when crossing a certain dirt patch or perhaps a blister was bestowed upon our fingertip when we didn't realize the frying pan was still hot. My point is consequences don't care about intentions, past successes, good deeds or content of character. They are just as real on a societal level as they are with individuals.