I think most of the population does pay attention to politics at the same level as religion (very little). I personally believe, even though politics is in the news every day, the media only gives you a surface view. The deep digging happens occasionally, sex scandals, pay-offs, money wasting, but overall, all we see or look at is the "tip of the iceberg". For example, in the U.S., what is the Congress doing about a failing Social Security system? Don't know...but we all know that Bush is planning a war against Iraq. People pay attention to what the news media directs them to, its easier that way. MTCW!