2009Nov27 Governmental Regulation

2009Nov27 Governmental Regulation

This week’s poll asked what people think about the federal government’s spending and regulation. The poll was not scientific and was driven by radio listeners of the syndicated Don Creech Radio Show (www.DonCreech.com) and subscribers to Investor Resources Week In Review email update.

In general, do you think there is too much or too little government regulation of business in the U.S.?
Nearly two thirds of respondents indicated there is too much regulation by the federal government. The balance was evenly split between too little and just right. Given the massive new regulation in the proposed health care reform legislation and the cap and trade bills, we might conclude that the next election could be another revolt as in 1994. However, national polls indicate that most voters like “their representative,” their problem is with “the other guys.”
 
Do you think that the government should provide more or less services for low income people than it does now?
In the category of providing more services, it was unanimous, no one supported this option. Fifty five percent voted for fewer services with the balance opting for the status quo. If this was applied to the unemployment issue, Congress should not be extending benefits to 99 weeks. Assuming, of course, Congress is listening to the voters.
 
Do you think that people with higher incomes should be paying more or less in taxes?
Paying more or less in taxes was tied with thirty six percent voting for each option. The balance of the voters was in favor of the status quo without any changes.
 
Do you believe that government programs are more often the cause of problems in the U.S., or are they more often the solution to problems in the U.S.?
Respondents were clearly lopsided on this issue. More than eighty percent believe government programs are the cause of problems we face in our country rather than the solution. This is fairly consistent with recent national polls on the issue of healthcare reform which has been receiving increasingly negative poll responses.
 
How important is it to you that the U.S. has the strongest military in the world?
There is a strong difference of opinion among our respondents. Nearly seventy five percent believe we should be the strongest military force in the world. Less than twenty percent opted for “somewhat important” with less than ten percent indicating a strong military is unimportant.
 
How concerned are you that legislation could be passed that would force you to change your current healthcare coverage?

More than eighty percent indicated they are very concerned that their healthcare coverage is going to be changed. Various media articles support this position and have indicated that the Administration is not addressing constituents concerns by pushing “reform” forward. The balance of respondents was equally split between “somewhat concerned” and “not at all concerned.”