Public Opinion Is Everything

Yes, I believe public opinion is important.  It is very important .  It can influence legislation in a very major way.  However, there are questions to be asked.  Does  public opinion carry more weight than public activism?  Or, does public activism necessarily reflect public opinion?  What if few are politically active but have a great impact?  Do they really affect public opinion, or do they just get a great deal of attention?  Here is what I think happens sometimes in our society:  Many people are busy just trying to survive, making a living, commuting, grocery shopping, and basically taking care of the essentials and do not have a great deal of spare time.  Do they have an opinion?  Yes.  However, many have chosen not to politicize it. "What happens, happens," they might say.   But I will say this about that:  When the public decides that it wants something, the media might get in the way, but the public will have its' way.  I am in good company.


"Public opinion is everything.  Private opinion is weak, but public opinion is almost omnipotent."

Harriet Beecher Stowe               (1811-1896) Abolitionist and author

"Public sentiment is everything.  With public sentiment nothing can fail.  Without it nothing can succeed.
He who molds opinion is greater than he who enacts laws."

 Abraham Lincoln   (1809-1865) 16th US President