Why people will vote against their own interests--

[iemitsu]

46. I think you are right about people knowing what their

interests are and I don't think it is my place to tell them that I know their interests better than they; however, it is not so clear that everyone has figured out what goals and policies might further their own interests.
By the way, I don't think this was always true. There was a time, not so long ago, when common sense (something most Americans had no matter their social/economic status), allowed folk to sift through information and figure out what worked well for them and what didn't.
Today many display little tolerance for accepted academic methodology, logical argumentation, or clear modes of thinking. There is no longer a clear and universally accepted body of evidence that guides our thinking and actions. People believe whatever or whoever they want to believe, without even engaging in any sort of analysis of the belief or of the evidence supporting or conflicting with that belief.
It does seem condescending to tell people that they don't know what they are voting for or that they are being duped by those who wish them harm. but it is only condescending when said to capable adults with the ability to fathom the system and issues which they are being asked to vote on. It is not condescension to correct a child or one misinformed or unfamiliar with the system he/she needs to help operate. Without attempting to correct people, who embrace untested and wacky ideas (those who often vote against their own interests) we cannot move forward into the future.
So what can we do?