New Poll Shows Three-Quarters of Americans "Angry" at the Federal Government

According to a newly-released public opinion poll from Rasmussen Reports, 75% of the American people describe themselves as "angry" at the federal government. Broken down by political affiliation, 89% of Republicans, 61% of Democrats, and 78% of Independents describe themselves as angry.

In a certain sense, this is not news. Being angry at the federal government is standard procedure for the American people. And one shouldn't assume that this poll represents some sort of unity among citizens. Republicans might be angry because the Obama Administration is trying to pass amassie healthcare bill, whereas Democrats might be angry at their failure to do so.

But there is a clear picture that the American people are more disillusioned with the government today than they have been in some time. The polling data indicates that the American peole blame both political parties more or less equally. Many are disillusioned because President Obama promised a great deal during the campaign, which it turned out he couldn't deliver. Many are disillusioned by the Republicans for blocking the President's initiatives for motives that are clearly based on parisanship rather than policy. Almost everyone, I think, is disillusioned because it is becoming increasingly obvious that the current structure of the government are unable to meet the expectations of the American people.

It's not a big surprise that so many American citizens don't bother to vote on election day, because they see their votes as essentially worthless. One finding of the poll was that a large majority of the American people believe "that the political system is broken, that most politicians are corrupt, and that neither party has the answers." As usual, the American people are quite correct.