The American People Reject Big Government
by Dan MitchellAccording to a Washington Post story, Obama wants to be the anti-Reagan, a President who permanently changes the American people’s attitude about big government. Obama’s efforts to make statism popular, however, are not exactly working out as he hoped.
According to a new Washington Post-ABC poll, the American people have become much more libertarian when asked if that want a bigger government with more services or a smaller government with fewer services. But this is just part of the story. As David Boaz points out, more accurate polling data, which mentions that bigger government also means higher taxes, reveals that support for small government becomes even more pronounced. Here’s an excerpt from the Post story:
Could he restore confidence in government, even as he was proposing the biggest federal intervention in the domestic economy in a generation? …As Obama marks the first anniversary of his inauguration on Wednesday, that question remains one of the most politically charged of his presidency — and central to the politics of this election year — and will hinge on how Americans judge Obama and his policies. Will the public conclude that his policies worked, however much they may cost and however much they may entail more government intervention in the economy? Or will they regard his agenda as intrusive and ineffective big government? What steps may Obama take to alleviate public discontent over these first-year decisions? …Obama receives mixed reviews for his first-year performance, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. His approval rating stands at 53 percent, with 44 percent disapproving. Among independents, 49 percent approve, the lowest of any of his recent predecessors at this point in their presidencies. …The poll also shows how much ground Obama has lost during his first year of trying to convince the public that more government is the answer to the country’s problems. By 58 percent to 38 percent, Americans said they prefer smaller government and fewer services to larger government with more services. Since he won the Democratic nomination in June 2008, the margin between those favoring smaller over larger government has moved in Post-ABC polls from five points to 20 points.
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69 Comments
well, it's a LITTLE late, but better now than never…
So you've had enough of Barry and Gang from Chicago, eh? Warned you all about that some time ago, but no matter. This isn't just 'big government'- Bush and co. liked that as well- no, this is about ONLY government, the be all and end all of our country.
One would suspect no one wanted THAT. Now, let's see if the good people of Massachussetts agree…
Obama is about to experience the Shot Heard Around The Nation today in the MA Senate election.Will the Leftist in Chief be listening? If he isn't then Obama should get ready to become a lame duck President.
The future is bright for the "shining city on the hill".
Socialism has been tried and found wanting.
Buh-bye, Obummer and the Chicago Mob.
Once in a generation, sometimes even once in a lifetime a man like Ronald Reagan will come along. I am fortunate enough to have lived to see it, and proud to have voted for him both times. The times i've cried in my life, I can count on one hand; when my children were born, and the day Ronald reagan died.
I certainly hope you are correct.
I sometimes wonder why many of our i
Don't blame me, I voted for RON PAUL.
Freedom is popular.
The problem is the public sentiment is not having much effect on DC. They are doing everything they can regardless of the consequences… political suicide and the question still stands WHY? What is it they have to gain that they would risk their career to push this progressive agenda?
I am concerned about the election today either 1) ending up being battled out in court, the potential powder keg it could set off. I am patiently waiting for the footage Im sure is out there of ACORN SEIU and Black Panther Members interfering or 2) the outcome not being what the dems are hoping for and they quickly ram the HC Bill through before Brown can have any effect on it.
Is anyone watching the other hand???????? Everyone is focused on this election in Mass. but what is going on in DC right now? We have seen the headlines about the Dems can pass with 51 votes and Pelosi saying "ONE WAY OR THE OTHER". http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=3a5_1263911500
Message to Politicians, Bias Media and Special Interest Groups http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWDaWBCk0FE
You keep doing the same things over and over again when it comes to dealing with all of this expecting a different outcome!?!? Thats insane!
Your playing their game… STOP and play your game through Saving the Republic
A big picture of Ronald Reagan on this page and still the author avoids the obvious comparison… How do Obama's poll numbers compare to those of Reagan after the first year. Both were in the grips of a terrible recession at the end of their first year and not surprisingly, both had similar poll results.
Obama's poll numbers are mostly a reaction to the economic problems we have found ourselves. And like Reagan, Obama inherited the mess, took action, and now can only wait for the economy to respond.
Ronals Reagen was a president who listened to the American peoplw
Cowboy, I hear ye about Ronald Reagan, I have quips posted on my blog as you have probably noticed, if you haven't you need to scroll down some to find them….I should post this pic also because it is a good one. I went to 'the hill' blog and it's true and the Rasmussen poll reflects true feelings a lot better than Real Clear Politics
The Conservative Edge
Scott Brown's Historic Campaign
Explain Scott Brown v. "Marcia" Coakley….hahaha "Teddy's seat" gonna be Republican ! Buh-bye !
Above all, Ronald Reagan was a man rich in common sense, which is sorely lacking in government today. His description of the workings of government seems to sum up nicely the mindset this administration. Perhaps Obama, seeing this out of context, internalized it as a basic precept.
" The government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. " ~ Ronald Reagan ~
Reagan even handled his illness with class…Obumble
can't compare with Reagan no matter how he would try.
He either has a superior look on his face, or a scowl
or mean look….Oh my gosh, what a jerk!
Um.
You might want to reconsider the title to your post. "The American People Reject Big Government".
But thank you for the laugh.
Here is what is going on round my house: http://s491.photobucket.com/albums/rr271/ZoeBarke...
Obama may be Jimmy Carter in spades, but there is no Ronald Reagan out there now……
I'm curios about the 38 percent. Exactly what else do they think govt should seize control of? Maybe they believe the govt should tell us where to live, or what career we are allowed to have, or perhaps the type of car we can drive (they're already working on that one). Apparently these 38 percent think the govt gets it's money from heaven rather than hard working Americans and small business owners. Remember the quote from a radio caller " I gonna get me some Obama money" Is that caller one of the 38 percent?
typical of a government party member, you missed the point. BO proved regardless how much the government tries to destroy the private sector the economy wants to grow. It proves reagans actions didn't save the economy it did what naturally happens in the private sector it wants to grow. If you want to beat up on reagan point out his real actions he rewarded law breakers over the will of the hard working people who were obeying the law. reagan did n't shrink the government he only slowed it's growth. on and on.
Was Ford exceptional? Clinton certainly wasn't, in my opinion.
Now that's calling a spade a spade!
"Obama inherited the mess, took action, and now can only wait for the economy to respond."
Obama inherited the mess, to be sure. Bush was an idiot when it came to fiscal responsibility. Obama however exacerbated the mess, and compounded it out to the twelfth power.
As far as waiting for the economy to respond, the electorate in MA is responding today, and by about 10 PM tonight, you will have their response, and it won;t bode well for you "Progressive" depressives.
Obama is STILL blaming other people and a past admin instead of taking responsibility for HIS actions and inactions. Americans get tired of the boss always blaming other people.
Obama has broken EVERY SINGLE CAMPAIGN PROMISE except for one: to get a puppy for his kids. That was not the most important promise to be kept. Americans were expecting "a change in tone" and "no more business as usual". They got "THE SAME" in a big old mega-sized roll with a supersize order of "shut up and sit down, I won" to wash it down with.
Reagan LOVED America and Americans. he saw this nation as a force for good and justice.
Obama has CONTEMPT for Americans, and America. Obama sees this nation as an arrogant entity which must be weakened ands destroyed.
The ONLY thing Reagan and Obama have in common are poll ratings at the end of their first years in office.
Are you asking a question or trying to make a point?
Reagan just "got it". He was warm, intelligent and loved people. He loved this country and wanted to do his best to make it even better.
Obama really is the anti-Reagan.
Sarah Palin.
I believe the federal government is so far out of control it's disturbing, and had I actually been given the chance I would have voted for Ron Paul, the only candidate who talked about a radical downsizing of Washington.
However–and this is a really important point–my state requires people to "register" so they can be a write-in candidate. If that doesn't make it clear to everyone how Republicans and Democrats have conscientiously worked together to block third-party candidates and maintain the status quo, I don't know what will.
Folks always wonder why the government is so big. The above example is the reason why. Democrats have never once reduced the size of government, and Republicans may talk a good game, but they've grown the government every single time they've been put in charge. Without exception.
To put it bluntly, the government keeps growing because that's the way the Republican and Democratic parties like it, no matter how much they may protest otherwise. Their monopolistic control over election law ensures that the situation won't change one bit unless they want it to change. And seeing as a big, intrusive government is the only way they can maintain their power, I wouldn't get too excited about federal power being curtailed any time soon.
I never know exactly how to respond to right wing anger, so I guess there is nothing left to say except gowidgod and thanks for playing.
I think 38 percent of Americans secretly admire the system we see in China and want to see something similar implemented in the United States.
I disagree. Reagan did exactly what Obama is doing today… providing economic stimulus to an economy that is contracting. So you like one and don't like the other. I think the important thing is the stimulus. That the depressed psychology not be allowed to fester. Both programs created massive deficits and what remains to be seen if Obama does like Reagan and Bush II and continues to deficit spend after the economy is expanding again. It's like charging groceries on your credit card after you have a job. That is the real test that Reagan failed and the jury is still out on Obama.
what stimulus did BO do??????????????????????????? What stimulus did reagan Do??????????????? the economy is based on the working people buying things and going from worker to employer.. All I have seen from both was the reduction of buying power of the working people.
The GOP's treatment of Mr. Paul in the last election demonstrated how far the party has drifted from its core principles (and the core principles of Reagan).
Paul was one of only six incumbent Republicans to support Ronald Reagan over Gerald Ford in 1976. The rest of the party, just like today, supported the establishment candidate instead of the conservative candidate. Mr. Paul actually led the Texas delegation for Reagan to the nominating convention.
Reagan cut taxes and increased defense spending. Obama has committed almost a trillion to economic stimulus plus there has been billions more in the form of Fed monetary policy.
Real wages have been decreasing for the past ten years. Whether Obama's policies turn that around will not be known until the recession recedes.
As long as you confuse "facts" with "anger", you'll keep losing every single argument and the leftist tactic of "ridicule the opponent" will not get you too far.
God gave you a mind. Try to use it once in a while.
I have to give you credit, you haven't resorted to name calling like a lot of people that on your side of the political spectrum do……yet. That is usually the progressive argument. Reagan and Obama have done the exact opposite of each other. Reagan got the gov out the way and Obama wants it to be be more intrusive. Yes Reagan ran up the deficit but look at the difference amount compared to GDP. There is no comparison. Enjoy your day.
Reagan cut taxes for whom???? increased defense spending on whom? fed monetary helped whom?.. if you look at the buying power it has decreased steadly since 1978. This recession is going to a depression due to BO and his policies. this debt is going to crush us and who is going to pay for it all. WORKING PEOPLE will pay for it all soon we will be working all year just to pay for the taxes and that is slavery.
Whaddya mean "we"? I'm completely aware of what was, is and will be going on.
We the people… This really says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nEoW-P81-0&fe...
I disagree. Reagan did exactly what Obama is doing today…
Clearly you've lost yer mind buddy
hehehe
I always appreciate a little credit.
Reagan and Obama used different methods to achieve the same end. Economic stimulus. By 1985 spending under Reagan had rises to almost 23 percent of GDP. The last numbers I saw on Obama was about 26 percent of GDP. But the situation he faced was much more grave in that banking liquidity had evaporated and major industries were threatening to close and take down hundreds of thousands of jobs. The situation was very bleak in 2008.
What's the old saying, if you have a job it is a recession, and if you're unemployed it's a depression.
Oh my, is that a sink hole?…Looks like you're in
Washington State or the Pacific NW…
The progressive tax code and regulations which both government parties support dictate who will have the depression and who will have the recession. The bank bailouts once and for all dictate the connected won’t be allowed to fail and working people won’t be allowed to succeed and will be stuck with the bill. You cruise these pages in some attempt to rattle republicans, but they are your allies in this theft of freedom, so you accomplish what?
When this country learns that our liberty was stolen one tax, one regulation, one manipulation at a time and all in the name of the public good or is it for government good or is it for party good, they will know it was the government parties that killed the promise of America.
You failed to hold your party ACCOUNTABLE, that is your fault not mine. I am holding you and your party accountable for the theft of freedom, and as both government parties become a third party to party that doesn’t exist, It looks like America voter is starting to hold them accountable too.
You know folks of the 912. I was wondering if any good would come out of it if we were to Start collecting the various links necessary to share with other people the Law of Nations, Congressional Globe and “Minor v. Happersett” and then begin writing about the things we are still learning about of the Law of Nations, Congressional Globe and “Minor v. Happersett” amongst each other and to also share with others.
And maybe we can Begin with the earliest citation first! Let’s Show people where on the internet they can for themselves confirm that there are three examples on HISTORICAL RECORD that define ARTICLE 2 SECTION 1 and NATURAL BORN CITIZEN to be born in America to a mother and father who are both citizens of the United States of America! That would be the Law of Nations. Next would be the Congressional Globe and then “Minor v. Happersett.” It sounds like a good idea to me. Any good thoughts? It seems OK to me!
The 1875 case of Minor v. Happersett is the most on-point regarding the definition of natural born citizen, but there are 4 other Supreme Court cases that are relevant: The Venus 1814, Shanks v. Dupont 1830, Wong Kim Ark 1898, Perkins v. Elg 1939.
Excellent links on the eligiblity issue would include:
http://www.theobamafile.com/ObamaNaturalBorn.htm
http://www.thepostemail.com
Obama inherited a mess from the 2006 Democrat controlled Congress whose social engineering of forcing banks to give home loans to welfare leftist brought us financial disaster. His inability to "Fix" things is not a surprise because the only change he has made from the actions that got us into this mess in the first place is more social engineering and redistribution of wealth at an even more accelerated pace. Carter brought us Reagan, the first President I personally voted for, and Obama will bring us our next great Conservative leader in just three years from now as Obama's rein of Marxist terror is coming to an end!
I made a mistake and hit the wrong reply button. My reply to you is now a separate post.
Ok, I'll bite. Who is this next great conservative and when will we get to meet her.
"Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it." -Ronald Reagan
'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'-Ronald Reagan
'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'
-Ronald Reagan
'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. Was too strong.'- Ronald Reagan
'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.' -Ronald Reagan
'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'- Ronald Reagan
Does anyone think Comrade Obama would agree with even one of these Reagan qoates? The difference between one of our greatest leaders and Obama, the worst President in American history in just one years time.
'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'- Ronald Reagan
'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.' – Ronald Reagan
'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.'- Ronald Reagan
'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it' – Ronald Reagan
'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'- Ronald Reagan
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.'-Ronald Reagan
The difference between Reagan and Obama couldn't be clearer, let's hope Obama brings us the next Reagan just as Carter did.
I don't know and I don't know if they will be male of female or what color their skin may be, that person is yet to be found. Brown's win today, along with the two Governorships the Dems lost recently in states Obama won in the Presidential election, are signals to BOTH the Progressive controlled Dems and to the Progressive controlled RINO's in the Republican party that not only will we elect a true conservative for President next time around we will also replace as many Reps and Senators as possible with conservatives as well. This is a center-right country and our Constitution is a conservative document meant to limit government and promote freedom so we can pursue happiness through our own labor rather than stealing the fruits of ones labor to redistribute to the lazy as the left thinks should happen.
Good point about the Law of Nations. It not only is the source of the term natural born citizen, but it represents so much of the natural law that our Founding Fathers believed in, and which formed the basis of the Constitution. This is what Ben Franklin had to say about the book:
"I am much obliged by the kind present you have made us of your edition of Vattel. It came to us in good season, when the circumstances of a rising state make it necessary frequently to consult the Law of Nations. Accordingly, that copy which I kept, has been continually in the hands of the members of our congress, now sitting."
—Benjamin Franklin, letter to Charles W.F. Dumas, December 1775
Great posts…I love the Reagan quotes, thanks for posting them…
The part of government Reagan grew was the military to fight against the very communist expansion Comrade Obama is implementing, you know the military don't you, those brave people whose sacrifices throughout our history that have given us the freedoms we all enjoy? Oh sorry to confuse you, you probably know those same people as the folks you leftist call murderers, baby killers, and rapist.
I wouldn't complain a bit if Obama spent more on the military, but instead it has been the only cut he has made in his term, I guess that is one organization he feels is unworthy of his stolen redistribution dollars.
Growing the military is growing government. It is that military that is going to be used to IMPLEMENT the "communism" you fear. Ever hear of NorthCOM?
The military hasn't given us any freedom – even in the Revolutionary war it was MILITIA that was key and don't you forget it! You know very little of the Founding Fathers – they knew a standing army was the biggest threat to our liberty and has been throughout history of every nation.
There was no arrogance with Reagan..He was
humble, and made me so proud…He made me
smile when I saw him!!
.Unlike this bozo who does everything to
talk our country down…
If I may add:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."
Ronald Reagan
Just another battle in the war my friend. It will never end.
Obama kept his promise to "fundamentally change America," (to the point that it is damn scary!) He told us he was going to do it, and he IS doing exactly what he said. Why were we not listening?
Too bad he was short on delivery – even gave birth to a Federal bureaucracy rather than eliminating anything.
Yep. Only Jimmy could pave the way for Reagan, and only Barack can pave the way for Palin.
I can't wait for the investigations to start for all the 'high crimes and misdemeanors' perpetrated by incumbents. Gitmo is the perfect retirement residence.
That is true Mr. TexomaEd about Minor v, Happersett. But if you and I were sitting in a courtroom situation before counsel they would all be equally important. I'm hoping the people who read this post will feel encouraged to visit those links and others as well to help expand awareness to the violation of ARTICLE 2 SECTION 1. The Law of Nations is important because it establishes a early date years before the Founding Fathers wrote the U.S. Constitution. The Congressional Globe is important because of the debates that took place in the senate involving the authors of the 14th Amendment during the citizenship discussions. Minor v. Happersett because it has Supreme Court Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite providing his supporting words to the definition of NATURAL BORN CITIZEN which the ILLEGAL president Barack Obama is not.
Psssst – "Reagan" is a myth. He GREW government. Get over it.
And, I hope they kept their water-boarding equipment…lol
Obama is NOT a myth, he has the same agenda as the terrorist; destroy our economy! In fact, as a retired statistician, I can predict from Obama's history (being raises Islam), there is a 97 1/2 % chance that he is still Islam!
However, that is not the scary part! There also is a 2 1/2 % chance he has had a spiritual conversion to either the HEBREW "YAHSHUA" OR LUCIFER (The FIRST MESSIAH)! Besides being raised in Islam, being a Progressive in politics, means that it is Lucifer! That's not good! PS: In 1520 the Roman Catholic Pope asked Spanish Priest, Petrus Galatinus to come up with a "NAME" for the HEBREW MESSIAH TO HONOR THE GREEK'S HIGHEST DEITY "ZEUS", and HE CAME UP WITH "JESUS!" THIS IS HISTORY "CHRISTIANS"! REMEMBER, THE WHOLE WORLD HAS BEEN DECEIVED! "THINK" ABOUT THIS HISTORICAL FACT! NOTE: THAT ACTUALLY BREAKS THE THIRD COMMANDMENT!!!
This guy that was elected yesterday is pro choice and is no Oklahoma conservative. If he wants to represent the people of Massachusetts he is going to disappoint you people as much as he pleases you. I suspect that in a few months you will be labeling him with tags like rino. It's want you do.
I respect your right and opinion to vote for Sen Paul, but wonder about your judgement. Ron Paul stated on Jay Leno and other times that the US was responsible for 9/11. I would have to say that Mr Paul is a wingnut.
Yes growing the military is growing the government, I said above that that is one area of growth that I would even support Obama doing because defense of this country is one of the enumerated powers that the Constitution gives the Government. The Constitution does not however give the Government the authority to create social programs or to redistribute wealth from producers to lazy welfare leftist. I am also not worried about our military supporting Obama's communist take over because they are sworn to uphold the Constitution not the President so the military would be on The People's side.
Yes there was militia in the Revolutionary War, but we also had a paid Army which is what General George Washington led to victory resulting in the birth of our nation AND OUR FREEDOM that you say our military has never given us, it appears that you are the one who knows little of the founding fathers or our countries history. It is not surprising that leftist scum like you hate our military because they fight for a country you leftist hate, this one.
It is a street by my house that got washed out. Beats a mudslide. Fingers crossed.
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