Paredo's law (simplified is the 80-20 rule)...20 % do all the work for events/things to happen.....it applies to most issues/subjects with a more or less specific number conformance.

The subject of the thread was my observation that TOTV conforms to the model in that very few participate actively (meaning responding, debating, arguing, joke telling, etc, etc compared to the several thousand members.

I chose a bad example to quote as it became the fodder for discussion VS the subject of participation and the silent majority.

I would like to think there is some enticement some day to inspire the majority to participate in the running of this country.

One would think losing culture and core values and basic freedoms sufficient. Apparently not.

How about a risk free (I hope) example; wouldn't TOTV and specifically this forum increase significantly in value and substance if the "active" (not read only) was double the number of today's participants?

We are obviously a crisis oriented society....and then selectively at that. Because if the crisis does not affect or involve or threaten the individual, they are most likely not inclined to be involved in any manner.
This behavior is very noteable at times like 9/11...until the masses reach the conclusion it is not or may not be in their back yard.

I would like to see an appropriate response from we the people to help work through the very issues that will EVENTUALLY be in their back yard...energy independence, a nuclear blast on US soil and yes even health care.

Unfortunately, history and statistics would bear proof....the masses will not stand and be counted!

btk