And, completely missing the point, it is possible that a government will choose to act in a way that is literally detrimental to the well being of its citizens. Carter and Clinton may have led efforts that could have this effect (Panama Canal Treaty; military know-how to China). Obviously, in this case the government has to cover up its shenanigans. To do so requires at least an uniformed, and preferably an uneducated and manipulable populace, in combination with a willing media accomplice.
Been there, done that. Have a tee shirt too!
I believe Bush's actions on the international arena are in our interest. I am not so happy with the domestic, especially keeping FedGov in education -- but then again, he may be setting the stage to knock the legs out from under the NEA. I gotta give him credit for setting the stage to make the UN irrelevant in the minds of the public, and that could be a powerful force.