Unfortunately we are all only human. We have strengths, weaknesses, and a psychological state that keeps changing. I think Mr Sowell is making a good point. People spend a lot of time with frivilous nonsense that is done because it gives us enjoyment. In a democracy we have time for "pursuit of happiness".
But there comes a point when our priorities must change with the status of serious conditions within our country and within our government. Now is one of those times that is going to take responsible mature adult reasoning and logic to solve some of these problems. This is not going to be a quick fix short-term solution. For some of the social and economic problems our only solutions are long term adjustments that will be painful, difficult, and needed to resolve issues.
We are looking at delayed gratification. It is the "4 years of going to college", to come out "successful at the other end with a degree". Blood, sweat, and tears are the by products of any long term process. The real issue is if Americans can be adult and mature enough to do the right thing and not the easy thing.
Now is the time for tough love on all of us. We all need to contribute and sacrifice or none of the big problems will ever be solved. We need to do it quickly, Unfortunately, that's the downside of a Democracy. You have the time consuming stand offs and consensus building with lots and lots of ideas. Sometimes it seems to take forever to select a choice and stand by that decision. In a dictatorship one man/woman can make a quick solution choice without all the discussion and feedback. A dictator can do things much quicker than a democracy, Of course we hope the dictator made the correct decision. Whether it was the correct solution or not we now have to live with it.
source: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/270693/democracy-viable-thomas-sowell
