More than 80 percent of Americans surveyed say the country is headed in the wrong direction,

That would leave 20% of those "great" Americans who would like to continue calling the rest of the Americans all sorts of names. Why is it that these "great" Americans can't stand Americans?

Nice economy you have going here shrub, The.Worst.Vice.Presidet.In.The.History.Of.The.Universe. We'll be in full fledged recession by the time it comes to vote for the next leader of our country. Going to be good times for the Dem's to be in ascendancy.

We'd be in much better shape if we weren't spending all our money in Iraq.

Of course Americans think that America is on the wrong track......That's why we will be saluting a Democratic President in Feb.

Well, it has been pretty clear for years that America is on the wrong side of every serious issue facing humanity.

Whether it's torture and human rights or the environment or the self-proclaimed right to wage aggressive war, the U.S. position is out of step with the other 95% of humanity.

I am surprised that the number of Americans is as large as it is in this poll.

It has taken more than seven years of banging heads into brick walls to come to this recognition.

Since McCain is running on a platform of "Four More Years", you can bet the White House, Congress, and states will go Democratic. They're going to have quite a job cleaning up those elephant droppings.

The hope that Obama brings is rooted in the American success story. discrimination, struggle, hard work, education, success. James McBride chronicles a story like this in his tribute to his white mother, "The Color of Water.".............
http://thefiresidepost.com/2008/02/11/barack-obama-the-color-of-water/

It's a sad day in America when those that would cut in run are in the majority. Mark my words soon the terrorists will control this country and God will have forsaken us. It's in the bible people! Say what you'd like about George Bush he is a thousand times better than the cheater he replaced.

I wish I were as sure as the rest of you that the Dems will win. Its Lord of the Flies out there and when John (Jack) McCain and his sharp speared supporters tell the little ones that the Beast is just beyond the campfire, fear wins and all that logic from Ralph Obama and Piggy Clinton will be forgotten.

what took everyone else so long? I wish I could act surprised that bush isn't impeached. An imcumbent president impeached over what the current president direly needs.

You can be sure that the Republicans will loudly blame the Democrats for every single problem they left when the Dems try to fix it, too.
How dare the Dems "lose" the war in Iraq by cutting losses and pulling out? How dare they try to reballance the budget by "raising" taxes when they eliminate Bush's give aways to the super rich? Etc. Etc.

Yes but how many of those 81% were stupid enough to believe the lies the Republicans and their media told about John Kerry in 2004? How many believed the lies told about Al Gore in 2000? It's these people who are to blame, they voted for Republicans and, as history shows us, Republican policies never produce a strong, prosperous country. They give us what we've got now.

This is a stupid question and means nothing. If everyone thinks everything sucks why do they continue to re-elect the same people to Congress year after year by huge majorities? They'll do the same this year. My guess is that at least a slight majority always thinks things are bad. I guess it's because they are not millionaires. And that "aggressive" war we're waging; Saddam "The Gas Man" had every chance to cooperate and stop this before it started. He didn't. The common man in Iraq may not be safe, but he lived in fear and oppression before we showed up. Live free or die.

What frightens me is that the next president will be elected by some voters as was noted on jeapody this week who thought that Al Gore was elected president

Ironically, many of those same Americans voted for W, not once, but twice. W and his Administration can certainly claim, for his legacy, they had the most impact on the US when they are finally done. Let's hope there are still some pieces to pick up when we get a real leader, such as Obama, in Washington after 8 devastating years of this administrations incompetence.

1,300 people doesn't = 80 percent of Americans???

Guess who is killing more Iraqi civilians; The US Military, or the insurgents?
The US military...
When you were 20 - 25, could you make a rational decision as to how the loss of limbs would affect the rest of life? I couldn't, and we have brain washed military personell who return to Iraq eagerly.
Is this a "noble nation"; Heck no...Close the S. border in 1 day; Shoot to kill. Which is the greatest danger NOW, Iraq, or, an open border?

America is off track because it is becoming polarized. No one is looking for the right answer because everyone is looking to be right. Politics has become a team sport where we keep score and raise money rather than solve problems. The Mercy party and the Justice party need to get together with real concern for the nation. We need to agree on fundamental principles to guide our decisions, not emotions that can be manipulated by a given circumstance with more problematic consequences.

The thing people need to realize is that congress is as much the problem or maybe more of the problem than the president is! If Democrats take the White House, then we DEFINITELY need a Republican congress. Remember Clinton's first term? Democrat controlled congress, Democrat controlled White House equalled absolutely NOTHING being accomplished. And that Democrat Congress was more competent that the circus of clowns in congress right now!!!

lets see , what might be wrong? a president out of touch with mainstream america, a handpicked bunch of goons that were favored for political allegiance above ability and competence to serve in cabinet posts. a war without end, ok i will concede a little here, we need to wait another six months to see if "this" plan works.............. and the list goes on and on and on. it is no wonder the democratic party is gaining so many more registries. i am one of them

Fifteen years of bad presidential leadership as well as several other factors have lead us here. Hopefully we can get back on track with the next administration.

The thing people need to realize is that congress is as much the problem or maybe more of the problem than the president is! If Democrats take the White House, then we DEFINITELY need a Republican congress. Remember Clinton's first term? Democrat controlled congress, Democrat controlled White House equalled absolutely NOTHING being accomplished. And that Democrat Congress was more competent that the circus of clowns in congress right now!!!

On the wrong track? Let's just hope the train doesn't derail before the November election.

Well, with the economy as bad as it is, I'm surprised that we spend so much money on useless or non-important stuff. This election of the new president is going to cost about 1.2-1.4 billion dollars and thats just a guess. There is a whole lot more money raised that is just not used; so then it's wasted on non-important charities or sits in a pool until the next election. We could use that extra money to help pull our country out of debt, but istead we spend millions to put someone in charge to put us further in debt. This is coming from a high school student so the economy must be pretty bad then. Countries are going to see our money choices that we made for our country and wont respect us as a good country anymore. We engage in stupid wars over nothing spend money on useless crap and wasting all extra money we had into oblivion. No wonder other nations dislike us so much. How can they when the very citizens can't respect their own nation?

If we get a Democrat in teh White House, we definitely need a Republican congress. Clinton accomplished nothing at all with a Democrat congress in his first term. Democrats controlling both equals failure!

I see comments saying the Democrats will put us on the right track. Personally, I don't believe that. I think the country needs a different point of view. Wouldn't it be great if the electorial college vote was for either Dem or Rep and the popular vote went to an Independent? 80% is a huge difference. If even a part of that 80% voted for a single Independent candidate, that would be enough to send chills down every lawmaker in every office. I say let's tell all our lawmakers to wake up.

lets see , what might be wrong? a president out of touch with mainstream america, a handpicked bunch of goons that were favored for political allegiance above ability and competence to serve in cabinet posts. a war without end, ok i will concede a little here, we need to wait another six months to see if "this" plan works.............. and the list goes on and on and on. it is no wonder the democratic party is gaining so many more registries. i am one of them

What kind of a poll question is this? On the wrong track about what? Almost everyone could list numerous issues they think the country is on the wrong track about (mine would include our government taking my hard-earned money for endless socialist entitlement programs - how about a question about that?).

Perhaps it isn't an accident that there is a 30% high school nationwide dropout rate and a 50% dropout rate in the nation's largest and most and most politically "progressive" cities.

America has been on the wrong track for almost a decade now: human rights issues, greenhouse emissions, the Patriot Act, Iraq, etc. But the only reason that 80% of the people have finally opened their eyes is because it is affecting their wallets. How disheartening.

lets see , what might be wrong? a president out of touch with mainstream america, a handpicked bunch of goons that were favored for political allegiance above ability and competence to serve in cabinet posts. a war without end, ok i will concede a little here, we need to wait another six months to see if "this" plan works.............. and the list goes on and on and on. it is no wonder the democratic party is gaining so many more registries. i am one of them

The financial crisis is not Bush's fault. It is the fault of the banks for giving out so many sub-prime loans. Their greed spurred this situation and the fact that we as Americans do not know how to save. We have the lowest savings rate of a developed economy and the biggest sense of entitlement. Many people bought on spec and when you invest, there is a a risk. No way should the federal government be responsible for grown-up decisions. Americans who are not satisfied probably need to re-evaluate their priorities and the way they manage their cash flow.

Little Johnny,tell us about the Bush housing boom once again!!!!

Voters are getting what they deserve.They had a chance to end this debacle in 04 and blew it!

If you want another 4 years of this vote for McNut,the guy who has admitted of knowing nothing about the economy!!!

Wake up folks! It isn't just the USA that is headed in the wrong direction and IRAQ is just part of it. Pollution in China due to a 20% growth rate overshadows all the 'green' stuff the rest of us pay for. Too much world wide appetite for oil is bringing every country to it's knees, except the Oil exporting ones. Our $ is weak because 2 trillion $ of capital disappeared world wide in the Sub-Prime Meltdown and everything is quoted in $. This isn't any presidents fault. It is worldwide greed, greed, greed!!!

Two days ago this last Wednesday, I decided to go to my local Kroger to pick up a few groceries and buy gas (at $3.19 per gallon!). I noticed that the store was unusually heavily trafficked. So while browsing the aisles and waiting to check out, I decided to do my unscientific study. I checked to see if there had been a change in how people shopped, and ALAS, there had been.

People NOW took their times checking for bargains, and used stacks of coupons. I had never seen that before. If that doesn't give you a good picture of what the economy is doing to folks, nothing else will!

http://OsiSpeaks.com

I totally agree, but then I ask myself. What is wrong with the complacency of the American people ? Why does such an incompetent administration get to stay for so long. He and buddies should have been removed long ago.

The percentage of Americans who like the way things are going mirror the approximate percentage of evangelical Christians in the US.
They will march into hell with Bush no matter what he does. He supports their position on abortion, prayer in school, evolution, stem cell research. In return, they are rewarding him with support for war in Iraq.
They could care less that the economy is in the toilet or that the war is costing us billions.
All they care about is their Christian conservative world view

This all demonstrates the level of ignorance that has been allowed to run rampant in this country and in fact has been promulgated by the "real" leaders for at least 20 years, if not 50. You will all deserve what you get. Hope you all enjoy your peace and security when there is no freedom left.

I grew up and live in a country where everybody used to look up America as an example that should be followed.
Bush's government showed us that americans can screw it up badly as well, to the extent that no one understands how a country with this political class can still be a power.

To me, the situation at hand looks very promising indeed. I don't know if things actually are the way they look like to someone like me, watching the situation from outside, but I'm getting this feeling that you people in the US are ready for a real change. As a European I can assure you there's lots of people over here who would love to see that change happening, and the time of separation coming to an end. Discontent and crisis can actually make positive things happen.

One thing that needs to be changed in America is our attitude towards shopping. We have to stop viewing shopping as recreation or therapy for when we feel bad.

I'm tired of having a president that I'm ashamed of....and I'm also tired of people blaming all of this on the future foreseen in the Bible. Give me a break. Jesus wouldn't want any piece of this mess.

Wow, If only something dramatic happend like the dissaperance of polititions and the devil, America would be awesome. But tragically that won't happen..yet. The only thing I can say is practice on your survival skills b/c your gonna need them after the Sh*t hits the fan. And remeber that there is plenty good people out there--even if they are ignorant.

Joe, please try and not let the fear mongering right-wing lunies reduce you to a cowering lump of jelly. The threat of terrorism has significantly been increased after we invaded the middle east for shifting and questionable reasons. However, we have not been attacked for 7 years even with this administration's mind boggling incompetence, just like we went from 1993 to 2001 without incident. Plenty more to be afraid of than terrorism. Moreover, we the people, in the land of the free, need to show the world we are the home of the brave, not mice that scurry into holes whenever someone plays the fear card.

Hmm. Dems or Reps. - Oh come-on folks, does Coke and Pepsi really taste that different? We have witnessed one party taxing us to death and the other gets to spend all and more. They said last night I think some 25% of our property, or notes, are owned by foreign investors. Our government writes new laws directly from Corporate Lobbyist, and we are ok to bail out a Morgan Stanley partner for bad hedge fund, but we are not going to help the Consumer that will loose their home. This is how the American dream was lost to the Mortgage lenders who reap . BTW - I confirmed for the Pres that Diesel is over 4 bucks/gallon on my block. Oh, and now I can buy green credits, business to, so we can pollute with a conscience. Whacked!

I truely feel that our country's leaders need to stop thinking that they can run our debt up without any restraint. Fix the housing market, clear out the debt and run a balanced budget. It will be a long, hard, and painful process. However, in the long run, which is what we SHOULD be thinking about, we are ebtter off. More importantly, our CHILDREN will be better off. We are not here to think about our needs, our fathers and mothers did that, we need to look ahead. Stop thinking about getting re-elected and start doing their jobs.

I find it interesting that this "story" cites the president's approval rating but does not cite the same rating for the democratically controlled congress which is at its all-time low! A little research will show that "recession" often precedes an election because of the uncertainty of the immediate future. I read the above comments and was amazed at the lack of content and overflow of nonsense. Do a little work, find out what your candidates have done (not what they say they will do)! Be responsible, stop taking candidates at their word. In other words, What is the "logic" from Obama and Hillary? What specifically have they done to prove they will do a better job?

Not defending all of Bush's tactics, but if that white-hating democrat Obama gets into office with his "turn-tail" and "uplift the lazy" policies, the country will go to Hell. Same goes for Clinton. I'd rather disagree with the repubs 1/2 the time, then disagree with the bleeders 100% of the time.

This is what happen when you removed God from the school, courts and people lives and force people to accept political correctness. What makes America GREAT from other nations, it is because "In God We Trust."; If you remove God we just become a nation and nation without God is set for DOOM!

Pulling out of the war precipitously will be just as bad a decision as starting it. How will the Dems justify that mistake? More head shaking and accusations that the Republicans did it? Politics drove the Vietnam strategy of disaster. Is the Democratic politicking creating another disaster? Yes, let’s get out of Iraq, but let’s do it logically, rationally, and deliberately. And while we’re about that, let’s develop a comprehensive energy strategy so we don’t have to kill each other for oil.

Wow, I'm continually amazed at how the Dem people blamed the Rep people, and vice-versa. Don't you realize that your "representatives" only represent those who stuff money in their pockets, and that all of YOU have allowed this to go on because you refuse to stop defending your favorite person/party. Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly DO NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, and they are not "watching" out for you, they are entertainers. Instead of regurgitating what these people tell you, why don't you do a bit of research on your own, and find out who funds you candidate? Then make a decision about who really represents you. We are a nation of 200+ million people. We democratically vote people into office to represent us. If the country is not going the way we think it is, then it is OUR fault.

W and his cronies are way beyond incompetence.....they are criminal! They now exactly what they are doing. Follow the money......they have accomplished what they set out to do. It is all about money and power . Also sad to say I have lost faith in the American people where enough of us were duped into voting for a criminal like W not once, but twice! Get a clue people. We get what we deserve. Our best chance at this point is Obama so get up and do something about it!

To understand the full meaning of the answer, we need to know the complete question. Unfortunately, people listen to the headline, or read the article and don't question where it came from. Why are we on the wrong track? What track is wrong? Unemployment is up --- all the way to 5.1%! ooooooh. Unemployment under Clinton averaged 5.5%, but those were good times. 95% of homeowners are able to and making their mortgage payments. But, we don't talk about that -- oh no. That is the problem with inaccurate or propaganda reporting - say it long enough and people will believe it!

"mine would include our government taking my hard-earned money for endless socialist entitlement programs" Well, look on the bright side, a crashing economy and stock market might just wake up people who make comments like this and give them a little empathy, after their stocks become worthless and their job disappears.

The problem with this country? Iraq, Global warming,Tax breaks for the rich, deregulation, (oil companies Bush, Cheney, and the rest of the Administration and many in congress), illegal Immigrants, overpriced housing and the list can go on. We think we are so much better than the rest of the world, the of the world resent us.

I'm afraid it's too late. A new president won't make any real difference. It's so bad that the people with the real power no longer even fear or respect the will of the People. As Dick Cheney said, "So?"

The anti-Bush people fail to see and appreciate a man of principle, a man who does make decisions on the basis of poll numbers. He has made many mistakes in his 8 years but he has been steadfast of terror and I applaud him for that. For those who believe that electing someone who advocates more government as Hillary and Obama do just think how well Illinois, New York and Massachusetts work and you have a preview of Democrats running things.
Islam will try to rule the world through incremental shifts such as: the koran in schools, islamic prayer rooms in airports, foot baths , taxi drivers not picking up everyone, etc., etc.while we sit and adhere to the Democratic viewpoint of Political Correctness-which is for everything except Christianity, on which has country has been based.
Please remember how the Democrats in 2006 promised what they would do when they took over the House and Senate -how did that work out for us?
We need a new tax system- The Fair Tax should be on a national ballot.
Justices should not make laws from the bench but follow the Constitution.
Politicians should have a term limit and relatives should not be allowed to follow them in office.
People should be responsible for their actions and not a "nanny state".
We are lurching into a Socialist state because of the lack of morals, principles, integrity of our politicians, schools and churches like Wright's.
I pray for our country and leaders that we wake-up before we abandon the principles on which we began this wonderful nation.
There has not been another country such as ours and we are too stupid to realize what we have and are letting it get away from us.

Democrat controlled congress, Democrat controlled White House equalled absolutely NOTHING being accomplished.
Posted by: Henry Wilson
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Sorry Henry, but you just admitted your political ignorance. Bill Clinton's economic package of '93 was instrumental in fueling the boom of the 90's. Not a single republican voted for it. They all said it would destroy the economy, and they were all proven wrong.
The economy went south as soon as the Supreme court appointed Bush. He and the republican congress then immediately dismantled and overturned everything Clinton did and CRASH, there went the economy.

What amazes me is that "Americans" didn't see this coming 4, or even 8 years ago. And it will takes us 4 or 8 years to clean up the mess that we live today. We should all start holding our elected representatives more accountable.

quote: "Say what you'd like about George Bush he is a thousand times better than the cheater he replaced.

Posted by: Joe | April 4, 2008 10:30 AM "

Get real, Joe. Someone that cheated on his wife is a thousand times worse than someone who has murdered hundreds of thousands of people on his and his VP's quest for money and power? Wow, somebody's idea of right and wrong is quite messed up - and people like you are exactly what is wrong with this country.

Well now..... I'm going to take a poll... I want to know what Americans think of, well really anything so i am going to go out and ask 1000 Americans to speak for 250 million, then after I ask the 1000 Americans I am going to take their particular views and transcribe them to all Americans. Then just for chuckles i am going to tell the world that 80% of Americans feel the same way, oh and a plus or minus 20 points for error. Does this sound flawed to you? IT IS! Polls are a farce brought on by the media so they can make interesting headlines. There is no validity to them. 1000 people don't represent anything more than at the given time this is what 1000 people thought. It surely doesn't represent my views, or yours, or your neighbors, unless they were one of the 1000 Americans asked the polling question.
And incidently, I look around at my fellow Americans and I don't want them speaking for me. When is the last time you sat down and really tried to figure out what America's position should be in the world? Chances are the Americans being polled are not the best and brightest of our times. Chances are the only way to really rile an American up is to keep him from eating his weight in Mcdonalds on a weekly basis. Or hit him in the pocket book. I have an idea. How about as Americans we try to win this war that we are losing. Then worry about everything else. Kamon people this is real and serious. Stop thinking of only yourselves and become the American of the past that was truly outraged by things like 9-11, or militant insurgents chopping heads off on the internet. This war is ours to win or lose. Losing is not an option. Oh and lastly does anyone hear actually think that the war will be over come January just because a democrat may be in office? Tisk tisk people. Hillary and Burrack will say anything at this point to win their parties nomination. Hell ya after 100 days in office the terrorists will love us. Osama will turn himself in and the economy will suddenly scream forward.... Tisk tisk. What has happened to my America?

You know I'd never really had a problem with Christians before reading this article. well thats not 100% true I did kind of. But Norris wrote what I was thinking.

Its sad that there are some that want to blame Congress for this mess, they TRIED to fix it but their efforts were blocked by Bush and his cronies. If you say otherwise you're misinformed. You'd probably believe the president if he told you the sky was now considered green.

The Bush administration even denies that the reports of hundreds of the world's scientists are right about global warming. They refuse to let states regulate the fuel emissions themselves and quite clearly don't care about our children as is evident by the repeated blocking of the bill congress has worked hard to compromise on. Our president wants money for his stupid, pointless war and nothing else. His administration has proven time and time again they care nothing for the american people, or how the world views our country. Now they're trying to force democracy down the world's throat? Yeah...this seems all too similar to what we read back in history class about former empires. The Bush Administration has just about brought this country to its knees...and its a sad thing to see

Everyone in America seems to want a hand out, from free health care, to education, to retirement, etc. What no one seems to care is that this creates a higher tax burden on those that work and businesses that create wealth. When the government starts taking too big a bit out of companies and individuals everyone suffers. Our economy already reflects the results of too much taxation and too little personal responsibility on individuals.

You'd never believe this by our evening dinner yesterday at Outback [in AZ] -- PACKED mostly families w/ young kids! I much prefer to eat at home especially steak -- as USDA 'choice' cuts at Fry's are as low as $3.88 LB. alternating weekly from rib-eye; T-bone etc. Our meal: $50 (!) w/ alcoholic beverages & tip. It's nice for us empty nesters but families?!! Are these people eating on credit? Hmm...When we raised young kids in '80's we very rarely 'ate out.' Evidentally this generation expects to eat out as the norm rather than the exception. Dump the kids in daycare drive an SUV and out-to-eat -- mom works for this? Easy credit, easy loans -- now the chickens [sorry Rev. Wright] are coming home to roost but not as far as the luxury of 'eating out.'

Until votes are weighed according to education, community service, citizenship status, age, time in country, and criminal record, we will always be heading in a sub-prime direction.

The ignorance displayed by most liberal media brainwashed posters is astonding. Yep, gas is too high and it is dragging down the economy, because congress will not let us drill in the 4th largest proven reserves in the world. The sub-prime is a mess, because congress, in the name of "equal opportunity," required lenders to give money to those who were not qualified. On Bush and the war. We are fighting an honorable war. We are attempting to stabilize the area, free millions, safeguard oil, and to keep the terrorists from coming here. Wake up.

PS: For political purposes, democrats have sabotaged our security, the morale of our troops, and our ability to win this war. The enemy is licking its lips in anticipation of a democrat president who will throw in the white flag/

Its only typical, not to mention sad, that some will feel that a poll of less than the entire population of the USA cannot be trusted as an overall sentiment. These people have a very poor mathematical background.

If you pay attention to polls, you will see, overall, about a third of the people are lunatics.
The genius of Karl Rove was recognizing this, and the small jump it is from one third to a majority vote. Thus, we perpetually have sub-prime leadership across the board in this country, not just the president.

Until votes are weighed according to education, community service, citizenship status, age, time in country, and criminal record, this country will always be heading in a sub-prime direction.

Terrorism is a tactic.
To say we are 'at war with terrorism' is a play of words with no meaning.
You cannot wage war on a tactic, thus there is no definition of victory under such pretense. Its completely open-ended, much as the other political wars on poverty, hunger, drugs, or whatever.
Congress did not declare war, because there is nothing upon which to declare war on.
Terrorism is criminal activity, like the illicit drug trade. Likewise, its best to confront terrorism along law enforcement and border security lines, something this country has failed miserably at.
We will not 'win' in Iraq, because there is no 'winning' where there cannot be a definition of the word.

"The economy went south as soon as the Supreme court appointed Bush. He and the republican congress then immediately dismantled and overturned everything Clinton did and CRASH, there went the economy."

Bruce...just just showed your ignorance. The economy was headed south 2 years before GW was even mentioned. Maybe that's just when you started to notice.

You could have put a canned ham in office in 1992 and there still would have been an economic boom. Clinton takes credit, but the tech boom drove it all around the world. And if you ignore that fact, you are turning a blind eye to history. If you think any president is personally responsible for the economy (good or bad) you really need to take a few economic classes.

I believe that those 80% are onto something, although I suspect not all really know what it is, or what the nature/root of the problem really is. I don't know that I do. I do believe, however, that Obama's message appeals to many precisely because we know we can't keep going in the same general direction and expect to survive.

that said, I am a Jesus-follower. and given some of the comments above, I'd like to let you know that the conservative right (and the religious right) doesn't speak for me, and most probably not for Jesus. the Jesus I know, as one person was intimating, is much different than some of the people who claim His name. He spoke of love triumphing over hate, good winning over evil, and peace overcoming violence. He was a revolutionary in the purest sense, in that He totally upset the established system of thought of his day, turning the world upside down by declaring His kingdom and its countercultural values. I suspect that if more of us lived out His kingdom in the here and now, much of what passes for government wouldn't exist - and wouldn't need to. nor would many of our ills and issues. see, Jesus invited us into true humanity, as beings created in the image of God...that we'd live out the beauty of that, rather than live as animals, each out for his own.

perhaps we are simply reaping what we've sown?

which leads me to one more thought: could it be that both conservatives and liberals are missing the point? that polar extremes are not the answer, but a coming together of different viewpoints to form a third higher viewpoint? this is what Jesus did in His parables...taking the black/white argument of the day and showing his hearers an other-worldly alternative, which framed the issue in a new light. remember, the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over, expecting a different result...

To Jim Poulson & Henry Willis. You respresent the many people who are the "blind being led by the blind" and wish to continue with your head in the sand. Convictions and principles can be wrong. That has been proven. If you think electiong John McCain will be a change, your head is still in the sand. That goes for all those mealy mouths that think this country is going in the right direction.

It's sad that many of you think any and all issues are the result of who is president. Did Bush allow anyone with a pulse to get an interest only, adjustable rate loan??? Maybe a lot of what is going on is 1) brought on by ourselves 2) normal ebb and flow of an economy

We must reform the way in which we select public leaders in this country.
You cannot tell me, out of a country of 300 million that the current presidential candidates represent the best that this country has to offer.
We have American Idol to identify new performing talent, why not American President?
American Congress? American Mayor? The people, not the parties or corporations, should decide leadership across the board.
Corporate sponsor ship should be illegal, because a Government’s job is to remain impartial, and serve the Constitution, not the Corporation.
It is the public’s responsibility, and burden, to carry forward their leaders.
We must reform public service from the socialist jobs program that it is to one which imposes limits of service, perhaps five years. Civil service is bloated with incompetence, and one of the reasons we got into the mess in Iraq.
We must reform voting, such that votes are weighed according to community service, age, citizenship status, time in country, education, and criminal record. If we do not, then single-issue voters will be courted, and methods enacted to ensure that their numbers are increased (such as amnesty, etc). We need to empower the long-term, law-abiding, informed vote, not have it overridden by two incompetent voters looking to further their own, self-centered objectives over the good of the country. Some have suggested that we do away with the two-party system. I disagree, because the yin and the yang must find their balance. With competent membership and leadership, they will, to the benefit of America.

The nation is on the wrong track?  Yesterday it was reported that many lawmakers were getting rich from investing in corps that sell to the pentagon and the USA for defense/ war purposes.  This is worse than insider trading.  The lawmakers who feather their own nests with the blood of troops, the work and sweat  of taxpayers, and, at the expense of USA infrastructure should be run out of DC and out of America.  I think its a case of, "I want my third vacation home--I want to be set for life, my husband or wife is a lobbyist for them-----I'm going to vote for whatever will give my stocks a shot in the arm. I must be a top 1% er". And, those votes would be more invasions, more occupations and losing wars against second and third world nations. I HAVE THE POWER and influence to do this--I AM A LAWMAKER.   Or, I AM CHENEY with HAL. Or, I AM BUSH HOLDING HANDS WITH MY FOREVER MEAL TICKET--and he wants the US to fight--so his country does not have to. What is wrong with this picture and with America? The fault is not with average, tax paying Americans. It is with those in power abusing that power. This is is a huge conflict of interest--and big time insider trading.   I'd like to see a list of all lawmakers who voted for war--lies or not--and those who continue to vote for continuation of the big lie.  That list then needs to be compared to the lawmakers who have defense investments.  I'd like federal prosecutors to look into this.  And they put Martha St*wart away for what? War profiteers rule--literally. Its time to stop the tyranny. 1,2,3,4--what are we fighting for? Our elected officials' pocket books. They make the wars,the deaths, and the budget deficits--then profit by them.

Well, when the top 1% gets richer, we have $4+ gas, have moved all of our jobs to China/India, we bankroll a nation that hates us in an endless war, and credit card debt takes over 40% of the average middle class family's monthly budget, then yes, we are in trouble.

I would have to say the fat cats had better learn to be a bit less greedy, or there will no longer be a middle class left to sponge off of.

Of McCain, Hillary, and Obama, who can we trust? Even Republicans are asking this question.

OK, so 1108 people in the country think we are headed in the wrong direction. So outside of Podunk Arizona, what do people feel?

Oh, and the Canadian wants to criticize us. He should have his head examined. (Oh,I forgot, probably a good 8 month wait to see his physician in socialist Canada).

Hey, KY JurisDoctor, where'd you find gas for 3.19 a gallon?

Hey Jyri, things here are just peachy. Stay where you are.

StoneJones, it's "...there ARE plenty of good people out there", not "...there IS plenty of good people out there". Canadian, I presume.

Theantibush: HUH?!?!?!?

Gary: well said, my friend. The hollow, speculative bubble of the 90s was based on ephemeral nonsense, not earnings. Unlike the growth under president Bush, which was based on corporate earnings. Our fellow Americans (and idiot Canadians) need a lesson, I fear.

We are moving in the wrong direction but it has nothing to do with war. It has to do with the liberals who want to give our country away to the illegals.

At least our current president at the guts to do something about terrorism, we haven't been attacked since the war started. The previous president was too busy being impeached to bother doing anything about terrorism and consequently we, and our military bases, were frequently attacked during Mr. Bill's presidency. His wife is as big a joke as he is.

Why American Politics can spend a lot of money in Wars but they can not the peoples paying taxes when it comes to trouble. If we are all politicians will be nothing left in this country. " God Helps for those peoples can not survive. "

I saw it as I called it when the shrub was re-elected President and even before that this country will regret it's decission. Back when Bush ran I knew that he had a block on his shoulder clouding his judgment and his way of thinking was made into law. Look at the judges he ellected. Doesn't it prove what he said is how he beleived Americans should all be Christians...

This country was built upon freedom to choose... Now that he's chosen to take your rights, presidents of this country faught for?

When the Democrats win the White House, then we'll have 100% of Americans say that the country is on the wrong track.

The economy was headed south 2 years before GW was even mentioned.
Posted by: Gary
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Nope, didn't happen. Three economic indicators, unemployment, job creation, and the Dow-Jones,didn't start their slide until November 2000. The mere aspect of coming Voodoo economics detroyed all consumer confidence. Before he was even sworn in, his mere presence began to eat at the economy. When he and the GOP congress enacted Bush's economic plan, CRASH!. Quite a different result from Clinton's economic plan. Go ahead and keep trying to spread the lie that a president has no influence on the economy. That's the only excuse the robber barons have to defend Hooverism, trickle-down voodoo economics, and the Bushes. (I also find it funny that the same people who claim a president has no control over the economy can never fault Jimmy Carter enough)

"CHERTOFF SPEAKS"

I WILL TELL YOU WHERE AMERICA IS GOING IN 2008.

"MARSHALL LAW IMMIGRATION"

ROUND UP, ROUND UP, ROUND UP. HERE A "Z" PERSON THERE A "Z" PERSON.

ROUND UP, ROUND UP, ROUND UP, HERE A "REAL ID" THERE A "REAL ID"

ROUND UP, ROUND UP ROUND UP, HERE A PERSON BORN BEFORE 1964 THERE, A PERSON BORN BEFORE 1964, ALL ABOARD. THE "SECRETARY" TRAIN.

BY REMOVING "Attorney General" in dealing with COMMISSINER OF IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION. and "inserting" "SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY"

ALL ABOARD, YES, WE HAVE A MLK TRAIN TOO, BORN BEFORE 1965, NO FORENSIC DNA TATOO, WHO ARE YOU! BORN WHERE. PANAMA CANAL WHEN!

ALL ABOARD, GREEN CARD HOLDERS, AND GET A "Z" CARD AND A JOHN MCCAIN "SKYWATCH"
FORENSIC "REAL ID" THREE WAY TATOO.

AND BACK OFF MY "BORDER FENCE"

I know! Let's build a great big fence around the country. We can provide jobs and make sure that people who need stuff don't get in. Same thing with all of the vacant foreclosed houses. Ignore all of the kids that don't have health insurance (everyone else does). What a great country!

This country is reaping the benefits of political correctness, political malfesance, and a tort system that has helped to destroy many of our cherished institutions. Add to that the fact we are being told by Democrat politicians and the media that America is in deep trouble, and it is no surprise we are depressed. When was it you last heard something positive about this country?
God help us if we come to depend on the current generation of politicians to "save us". It is in there best interest to generate fear in hopes of getting elected. It is ironic because it is their policies that have brought us to our current state of fear.

This country is reaping the benefits of political correctness, political malfesance, and a tort system that has helped to destroy many of our cherished institutions. Add to that the fact we are being told by Democrat politicians and the media that America is in deep trouble, and it is no surprise we are depressed. When was it you last heard something positive about this country?
God help us if we come to depend on the current generation of politicians to "save us". It is in there best interest to generate fear in hopes of getting elected. It is ironic because it is their policies that have brought us to our current state of fear.

80% of Americans are Godless, liberal, Al Qaeda loving fools. I'm the true patriot because I love America unlike all of those Americans who have turned this country into a God awful liberal dump. They have ruined this country.

It's as simple as this:

a.) Don't vote for anyone that holds stock in any company having received war profiteering contracts in Iraq.

b.) Don't vote for anyone that hold oil stock.

c.) Don't vote for any millionaire.

d.) Don't vote for anyone holding stock in any company profiting from the 'mortgage bailout' (essentially homebuilders and companies associated with the lending business).

That'll thin out the 95% of congress. Then elect the candidates that have no interest in keeping the war going, that know what a gallon of milk costs and that do not profit from a faltering economy. Pick the candidate you like.

It'll be an all new congress.

(BTW, Obama, before his book deal, made less than 300k/year together with his wife, surprising, isn't it? The Clintons have been insanely rich for decades)

Two of three Americans can't define what a recession.

This poll has been going since 1992, so this is only the 2nd instance of an economy with a recession. The results are not surprising, especially when you hear the constsnt drumbeat from the media.

When asked about their personnal situiations, vast majority of those surveyed said things were good or great.

Right on Rolf.

When was it you last heard something positive about this country?
Posted by: Jeff in Orlando
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During Clinton's term.

I want to thank the press for continuing to hammer on those "wrong-track" issues like Obama's angry black pastor or his bowling scores, or that the Clintons made a lot of money and that Maverick John McCain makes some darn good ribs. I would hate if we all got bogged down any kind of productive national dialog about how we've abandoned our values and become a nation that tolerates torture, or in any way addressed the fear and uncertainty that many Americans feel about their jobs and the economy and the environment and if they can get good treatment when they're sick.