It is odd that the Gallup polls indicate a likely advantage in the midterm elections toward the Republican Party, at the same time that their polls demonstrate that Americans do NOT want the Bush tax cuts, which include big cuts for the wealthy, to continue beyond their expiration date in December 2010!
44 percent agree with President Barack Obama and the Democrats that the top two percent of the population, who make more than $250,000 should pay more taxes, that they do not pay enough, and that major social programs, including Social Security, need the extra tax collection from the wealthy to make them function!
Only 37 percent agree with the GOP view on taxes, which would raise the deficit by another $700 billion at a time when the Republican Party calls for cutting spending dramatically in the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s!
So the GOP is saying give more money back to the rich, even though that will not promote financial stability, will cause a great increase in the national debt which the GOP condemns, and will further cause a stratification of the social classes in America, already more stratified than Great Britain! 🙁
The issue hard to understand in the Gallup polls is how could more Americans want to see taxes increased on the wealthy, and yet seem to be ready to elect Republicans to control of Congress, or at least the House of Representatives! 🙁
It seems to defy common sense that the American people could support the Obama and Democratic view on taxes, and yet wish to elect Republicans! It indicates lack of enthusiasm on the part of Democrats, and very possibly, total ignorance of what political parties are all about by many Americans! 🙁
It would indeed be a sad state of affairs if the American people, at least by a plurality, want Democratic ideas and end up with a GOP majority in Congress through ignorance and a lack of participation in the electoral process! 🙁
It is a strong indication of the dire need to educate the American people on the facts and the realities of political debates and issues, instead of utilizing fear and prejudice and myths to manipulate the voters! 🙁
The issue of taxes is one among many people consider when voting. The Democrats have done a terrible job over the past 2 years, and Americans feel betrayed by an administration and Congress who promised “change”. While I must be part of the 37% who are in favor of the GOP’s view on taxes, the other 44% may not be voting this November on only that one issue; and unfortunately, these figures would be dramatically shifted if people actually understood the pretext behind these tax cuts. I’m still trying to figure out why you say:
“It would indeed be a sad state of affairs if the American people, at least by a plurality, want Democratic ideas and end up with a GOP majority in Congress through ignorance and a lack of participation in the electoral process!”
Am I right to assume that you think that Americans in favor of the Democratic position on taxes ALSO agree with ALL Democratic ideas?
I just hope that more Americans realize that what we voted for in November of 2008 was nothing more than great speeches and campaign promises read off of a teleprompter, and that most of the change they were expecting has not or will not ever come about.