" ' The American People ' "

Does the phrase "The American People," as deployed by politicians and pundits and reporters, strike anyone else as fatuous? Who the hell really thinks s/he speaks for, knows the mind of, or can access a singular entity called "The American People?"

In the contexts that this phrase invariably is used, it assumes a single communitarian opinion or desire. "The 'American People' want (or don't want) health reform." "The 'American People' are (or are not) concerned about the deficit." etc, etc. Ridiculous. I recommend you flip a bird towards the TV whenever you hear that phrase. You'll feel better!