The voters' wish list for the 2012 elections includes an end to crony capitalism and a working economy. Will either party listen
From Townhall Magazine's EXCLUSIVE December feature "5 Things Voters Are Looking For in 2012" by Scott Rasmussen:
#4. Politicians to Recognize Who They Work For
Only 17 percent of voters believe that the federal government today has the consent of the governed. Most believe that it has become a special interest gorup that looks out primarily for its own interests.
Why?
Over the past half century, America's "political class" has ignored voters to pursue its own agenda. In just about every single election, voters have elected candidates who promised to cut or control government spending. Yet, spending by government in the United States has gone up every single year since Elvis Presley recorded his first single back in 1954.
In 2008, the bailouts were passed despite strong public opposition. When voters opposed extending them to auto companies and insurance companies, the politicians extended them anyhow. Even items like Cash for Clunkers were passed despite opposition from a majority of Americans. Then there was the struggle over the president's plan for health care reform. Despite the fact that most Americans opposed it consistently for over a year, Congress made passage of that unpopular plan its primary objective, even though the people who used the medical care system the most--senior citizens--were the most opposed.
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More recently, the same disconnect can be seen on foreign policy. The president never bothered to try and build support for the military action in Libya. Not surprisingly, a majority of voters never supported it because they don't see a vital U.S. interest in the outcome. Even after Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was run out of town, only 32 percent of American voters supported the president's decision to intervene.
The cynicism has reached the point where 70 percent of U.S. voters believe most members of Congress are willing to sell their vote for cash or a campaign contribution. Fifty-six percent believe it's likely that their own representative in Congress has already made such a deal. Seventy-one percent believe that most in Congress are more interested in helping their own careers than in helping other people. Just 13 percent of voters believe this Congress has passed any legislation during the past year that will significantly improve life in America.
To read the rest of the Top 5 Things Voters Are Looking For in 2012 list by Scott Rasmussen, order the December issue of Townhall Magazine today!
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