That Which Doesn't Kill You...

The rise of mass education, along with more critical media and a more cynical pop culture, has produced a more aware and less trusting public - a shift which poses huge challenges to governments and democratic institutions.  A more educated and less docile public, willing to hold their public institutions to account, is a good thing.  But it's now clear that the trust deficit and the broader unravelling of social cohesion has reached a level where it is compromising the very legitimacy of our democracy and public institutions.

Can't argue with that.  In fact, many of us have been making similar arguments for a while now.

Here's the funny part - politics is all about the tough fighting it out and lasting, while the smart quit while they're ahead.  We're getting closer to the tipping point where the smart and tough are looking for greener pastures, while the Ford Tough types are relishing their chance at the spotlight.

Social tensions are on the rise, leading to unrest and friction.  It's the shedding of old skin and the continuance of the social evolutionary trend, all at once.  

Fun times, indeed...