In a word... very.

Despite the majority of Americans being well educated, informed and able to vote, many are displeased, disillusioned and dismayed by their government. So, what's our problem? (From what I gleaned) we, The People, can't face the truth, want to be lied to, and don't know enough to ask the right questions or know the truth when we hear it. Regarding 9/11... "we asked shallow questions and got shallow answers." When it comes to legislation our eyes cross and while most Americans can name all the members of a fictional TV family like the Simpsons, they can not recognize their Senator or Representative's name or face.

As soon as you have to explain something in this country you have already lost most of the public. If an idea cannot be expressed on a bumper sticker you can probably give up any hope that it will ever attract much attention. It will likely be ridiculed to death before it ever has a chance to be seriously considered.

What can we do about being so easily distracted, shallow, self-absorbed and uninterested in the direction of the government? I have no idea. But I think asking is a step in the right direction.