http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/59_agree_with_ronald_reagan_government_is_the_problemIn his first inaugural address, President Ronald Reagan delivered a line succinctly capturing the sentiment that elected him: “Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.”
A generation later, that attitude still resonates with a solid majority of Americans. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 59% of voters agree with Reagan, and just 28% disagree.
Support is found across a wide range of political and demographic groups. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of men agree with Reagan, as do 52% of women. A majority of voters in all age and income groups agree.
The only demographic group to disagree with Reagan’s statement are those who identify themselves as politically liberal. Just 35% of liberals agree that government is the problem, but 46% disagree. Moderates embrace the Reagan view by a 61% to 25% margin, and conservatives are even more enthusiastic.
Republicans overwhelming embrace Reagan’s view, and 55% of unaffiliated voters agree as well. Democrats are a bit less enthusiastic, but 49% agree with Reagan while 34% disagree.
I think goverment that start illegal wars of occupation is the problem.
I think goverment that tramples on rights of individuals is the problem.
I think goverment that recklessly cuts taxes and increases spending is the problem.
I think goverment that tells me who I can and can not marry is a problem.
I think goverment that tells a woman what to do with her body is a problem.
I think goverment that reacts slowly and ineffectually to natural disasters is a problem.
I think goverment that lets people go hungry is a problem.
I think goverment that lets disease and illness destroy lives and life savings is a problem.
I think goverment that supports sending jobs overseas is a problem.
I think goverment that lets corporations exploit and steal and manipulate markets is a problem.
So, count me in that 60% of people who think that goverment is the problem.