Fortunately, 99% of the time it doesn't matter. Historic mistresses? Who cares?
On the other hand,
Anthropological Global Warming?
Universal Healthcare?
Rational Environmental stewardship?
Totalitarianism?
These are critical issues that determine the overall health of our economy and our society
Ignoring issues like these pretty much guarantees descent into servitude, chaos or worse.
Sadly, a servile public is just what they want.