Why do we poll Americans on issues about which they haven't a clue?

Yes, we're very nice people, we Americans. But like the citizens of any country, we're not exactly the brightest bulbs on the planet when it comes to complicated issues such as math and economics, to name a few. Then why is it that we care that only 16% of Americans want to raise the debt ceiling?

In a nutshell, the GOP has, yet again, done a great job selling snake oil to the American people. Down with the debt ceiling! Down with Obamacare! Tax cuts will solve everything! We're number one! Simply say it, and it will be true, and all of our troubles will float away on a beautiful white cloud.

We had the same problem during health care reform. The Republicans effectively convinced the American people that "health care reform" was "bad." But when asked about the details of the President's health care reform proposal, Americans loved it. In other words, they simply didn't like the label because the GOP had sold them on the notion that the label was bad, even though they loved what was inside.

And so it goes with the raising the debt ceiling. Our modern day Republican luddites have, yet again, convinced the populace that down is up, and that wrong is right. We simply must not raise the debt ceiling, the very people who got us into most of this debt now argue. And good lemmings that we are, an overwhelming number of Americans nod in comatose approval.

Now, do a poll that asks the American people how they feel about another severe recession, soaring interest rates on home loans, credit cards, car purchases and student loans - actually, that would be soaring interest rates on the money you already owe, and no more credit whatsoever for groceries, to pay the bills, to put your kid through school, or to buy a home. Ask them how they feel about cutting off salaries to our troops, about cutting off Social Security and Medicare to the elderly. And finally, ask the American people how they feel about the stock market plunging much father than it did a few years ago, wiping out every single investment they ever made, including their retirement money, just like what happened to grandpa in 1929.

Once a pollster asks Americans how they feel about all of that happening, then I'll start listening.

And until Democrats are willing to tell the American people, in clear simple English, what will happen if the Republicans get their way, then, yet again, our leaders get what they deserve.