The label is correct: This video is Misc. PSA and not Principle. Ignore the first 10 seconds of the video.
Lorraine: The general public, unlike people in government, is unwilling or unable to become informed about foreign-policy issues. Therefore, the introduction of such referenda would lead to foreign-policy disaster.
Summarize Argument
Lorraine disagrees with Claude’s claim that France should hold referenda on major foreign-policy issues. Instead, Lorraine concludes that having referenda on foreign-policy decisions would lead to disaster. As support, she references the fact that the general public is unwilling or unable to become informed about foreign-policy.
Notable Assumptions
Lorraine’s argument assumes that the public’s lack of knowledge would persist if such a referendum system was implemented.
A
The mechanics of holding a referendum would not, in the computer age, pose insuperable problems.
Lorraine’s objection isn’t about the feasibility of holding a referendum; rather, she believes that the referendum would lead to harmful policy outcomes.
B
Some of the information on which foreign-policy decisions are based comes from intelligence sources that must not be compromised by publicity.
This gives reason to believe that the public might not be in the best position to make foreign policy decisions. This information aligns with Lorraine’s argument, rather than countering it.
C
Foreign proponents and opponents of a particular policy would attempt to sway French public opinion before a referendum.
(C) details a risk of using referenda to make foreign policy decisions, which aligns with Lorraine’s belief that these referenda would be harmful.
D
The general public has little desire to become informed about foreign-policy issues precisely because it has little or no power to influence foreign-policy decisions.
This weakens the argument because it gives a reason to believe that, if such a referendum system was in place, the pubic would be more informed because they would have the power to influence decisions.
E
Foreign governments friendly to France would be reluctant to share information with France if it might become public in a referendum debate.
This gives another risk to using referenda to make foreign policy decisions, which aligns with Lorraine’s judgement and does not weaken her argument.