Sitting and doing nothing while a country is destroyed is really bad. But the second option is also very tricky. Of course “there are certain instances” where “more knowledgeable citizens” should do what is “right “. The trouble is who defines those “certain instances” and who can call themselves “more knowledgeable citizens” and who has the right to define “what is right”? Almost everyone will scream “Me!” And it becomes a free for all! Democracy may be bad. But any alternative seems even worse to me.

I think your words “what if the government is exploiting the nationalistic fervor of the majority and also abusing the fact that the majority does not see the bigger picture, on a global economic scale?” contain the clue for a possible solution. The government is simply taking advantage of people’s ignorance. We must educate our people! Smarter, better informed people are harder to fool. They will be better equipped to see the “bigger picture” and they are less likely to fall for stupid nationalistic rubbish. We need our own ‘Michael Moore’s to educate our people.

I know it is not easy. But are there any better options? I don’t think so.