The Aftermath of the War on Reason

I hereby deem the past election a War on Reason. I do so not because I am pro-Kerry or anti-Bush, but because I believe that the voting public has absolutely failed. I am saddened at this lapse in democratic competency but it has been coming for quite some time. American's as a whole appear to be unable to critically think about any of the issues of consequence presented in this election. From the Invasion of Iraq, to the broader War on Terror, there has been little public accountability of our leaders or personal analysis of the events. We no longer think about the actions of our country but are for or against-right or wrong-a patriot or a terrorist. In this kind of climate all complexity is reduced to a soundbyte and the term "morals" is synonymous with anti-abortion.
The "mandate" of President Bush is evidence of symbolism and reductionism trumping critical thought. So many of his supporters do so without understanding anything about the War on Terror. For many the Al Queda/Iraq connection is still accurate. Many still believe America has the capacity and history of spreading Freedom and Democracy. Many felt the prison abuse in Iraq wasn't a big deal, after all THEY are terrorists. Many Americans living below or slightly above poverty ushered in a President entirely concerned with the interests of the wealthy. How can so many people vote against there own interests and in complete disregard of the principles they claim to uphold?