In “New Poll Finds a Deep Distrust of Government,” Jeff Zeleny and Megan Thee-Brenan report on the results of a recent nationwide telephone poll:
Almost half of the public thinks the sentiment at the root of the Occupy movement generally reflects the views of most Americans.
With nearly all Americans remaining fearful that the economy is stagnating or deteriorating further, two-thirds of the public said that wealth should be distributed more evenly in the country. Seven in 10 Americans think the policies of Congressional Republicans favor the rich. Two-thirds object to tax cuts for corporations and a similar number prefer increasing income taxes on millionaires.
The poll findings underscore a dissatisfaction and restlessness heading into the election season that has been highlighted through competing voices from the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements, a broad anti-Washington sentiment and the crosscurrents inside both parties about the best way forward.
Not only do 89 percent of Americans say they distrust government to do the right thing, but 74 percent say the country is on the wrong track and 84 percent disapprove of Congress — warnings for Democrats and Republicans alike.
Students: Tell us whether or not you trust the government to make good decisions about economic and other policies. Do you identify with the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street or another political movement? How would you answer the main poll questions as to whether you approve or disapprove of the president and Congress? Do you think the country is going in the right or wrong direction? What would you like to see change?