American's can't agree on public policy

Pasadena Star News

By: Cynthia Kurtz

Posted 8/13/2013

“Fickle” - likely to change frequently, suddenly or unexpectedly. Erratic. That seems to fairly well describe Americans when it comes to questions about public policy. A review of the 2013 Reason-Rupe Public Opinion Survey shows that we change our minds often, get tired of issues quickly, and can't agree on what we want from the government. 

In May 2013 over 1,000 adults were interviewed by Princeton Survey Research Associates about current issues. The answers were weighted to correct for demographic discrepancies resulting in a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percent.  

You would think a survey like this would be a good barometer on how the country feels about policy issues. It could be a big help to elected officials who are interested in understanding what their constituents want the federal government to do. But it isn't that easy.

First question, "Are things in this country heading in the right direction or the wrong direction?" Pretty clear response to that query - 57 percent said “wrong direction” to 34 percent saying “right direction.”

Who are we holding responsible? Clearly Congress with a 75 percent disapproval rate and a paltry 16 percent approval rating. Ouch.

We think more highly of the job President Obama is doing. He has a 50 percent approval rating. But we can't agree on his economic policies - 45 percent approve and 47 percent disapprove.

Now let's get to those questions on what do we want from our government - 48 percent want less government while 47 percent say the government should be doing more.  

48 percent say the government should be promoting traditional values while 47 percent say government should not favor any particular set of values.

51 percent say on-line retailers should be required to collect sales taxes while 45 percent say they should not.

Some issues we just get tired of. A majority of Americans supported gun control. The U.S. Senate didn't support comprehensive gun control. Now 62 percent of Americans say move on to other issues.

Are we in agreement on any issues? A few. We don’t think the government should be deciding the types of bags available at grocery stores and retailers - 82 percent say let the consumer and stores decide. 61 percent oppose a new tax for a universal preschool system and 58 percent think taking our shoes off at the TSA airport check point makes us safer. We would however like to get rid of the 3 ounce shampoo bottle rule.

It is difficult for Congress to do what we want them to do when we are so divided on what we want done. We are not easy to govern.