Americans Unready to Revolt, Despite Revolting Conditions

[statusquobuster]

The latest NBC/Wall Street Journal national poll results vividly show a population incredibly dissatisfied with their nation’s political system. In other countries in other times such a depressing level of confidence in government would send a signal to those running the government that a major upheaval is imminent. But not here in the USA. Why?

First, here are the highlights of the poll that surveyed 1,008 adults from June 8-11, with a margin of error of plus-minus 3.1 percentage points.

A whopping 68 percent think the country is on the wrong track. Just 19 percent believe the country is headed in the right direction - the lowest number on that question in nearly 15 years. And most of those with the positive view are probably in the Upper Class.

Bush’s approval rating is at just 29 percent, his lowest mark ever in the survey. Only 62 percent of Republicans approve, versus 32 percent who disapprove. Take Republicans out of the picture and a fifth or less of Americans have a positive view of Bush.

Even worse, only 23 percent approve of the job that Congress is doing. So much for that wonderful new Democratic control of Congress. Bipartisan incompetence is alive and well.

On the economic front, nearly twice as many people think the U.S. is more hurt than helped by the global economy (48 to 25 percent). Globalization does not spread wealth; it channels it to the wealthy, making billionaires out of millionaires.

I have long asserted that Americans live in a delusional democracy with delusional prosperity and these and loads of other data support this view. There is a super wealthy and politically powerful Upper Class that is literally raping the nation. Meanwhile, the huge Lower Class continues to lose economic ground while their elected representatives sell them out to benefit the Upper Class. Yet no rational person thinks that a large fraction of the population is ready to rise up in revolt against the evil status quo political-economic system that so clearly is not serving the interests of the overwhelming majority of Americans. Why not?

For a nation that was built on a revolt against oppressive governance by the British, something has been lost from our political DNA. We apparently no longer have the gene for political rebellion. It has been bred out of most of us. And those of us that urge a Second American Revolution are seen as fringe, nutty subversives.

Part of the genius of our contemporary ruling class elites is that they have engineering a state of political and economic oppression that paradoxically is still embraced by the Lower Class. The rational way to understand this is that ordinary, oppressed Americans are in a deep psychological state of self-delusion. Despite all the empirical, objective evidence of a failed government, they fail to see rebellion opportunities. Many still believe they live in the world’s best democracy. But across all elections considerably less than half the citizens even bother to vote anymore. Yet, as the new NBC/Journal poll results show, people are cognitively aware of just how awful the political-economic system is. Yet they are not feeling enough pain to seriously consider rebellion. And it is visceral pain that must drive people to the daring act of rebellion.

Why is there insufficient pain for revolution? This is a deadly serious issue. What is historically unique about America is that even the most oppressed and unfairly treated people are distracted by affordable materialism, entertainment, sports, gambling, and myriad other aspects of our frivolous, self-absorbed culture. Even failed school and health care systems do not drive people, paying enormous sums to fill up their SUVs, to rebellion. So, Americans are aware of their oppression, but the power elites have successfully drugged them with a plethora of pleasure-producing distractions sufficient to keep them under control. We are free to bitch, but too weak to revolt. The Internet has provided a release valve for some pent up anger and frustration. But it too has mostly become another source of distraction, rather than an effective tool for rebellion.

Though these new poll statistics make news, those in control of the political-economic system are not afraid that the population is on the verge of retaking their constitutionally guaranteed sovereign power and take back their nation. Thousands of people like me keep writing books and articles and creating protest groups and events. Those in power just find new, ingenious ways to keep the population distracted – if not through pleasure, then certainly through fear of terrorism. Growing economic insecurity also contributes to self-paralysis, as do never-ending political lies.

What a system.

Even as the population has growing awareness of the dire condition of their nation, the move by the politically powerful on the right and left continues to seek a new immigration law that will solidify the selling out of America. Business interests want more of those fleeing Mexico and other nations to keep wages low. Instead of Mexicans rising up in rebellion against their oppressive government and economic system they escape to the USA. But Americans have no such viable escape solution. Though global warming will certainly make Canada increasingly attractive.

So what do Americans have – other than a terribly bleak future? Where is hope in our dismal world?

In a bizarre twist of history that further illustrates just how impotent Americans have become, virtually all citizens are either unaware of or unreceptive to the ultimate escape route that the Framers of our Constitution gave us. They anticipated that Americans could become quite dissatisfied with the federal government. They feared that the political system could become incredibly corrupted by moneyed interests. They were right.

So here we sit over 200 years after our nation was created unwilling to use what is explicitly given to us in Article V of the Constitution – the option to have a convention outside the control of Congress, the President and the Supreme Court to make proposals for constitutional amendments. Do we really believe in the rule of law? If so, then we should understand that the supreme law of the land – what is in our Constitution – is the ultimate way to obtain the deep political and government reforms to restore true democracy and economic fairness to our society.

Make no mistake: an Article V convention has been stubbornly opposed by virtually all groups with political and economic power. This is most evidenced by the blatant refusal of Congress to obey the Constitution and give us an Article V convention, even though the single explicit requirement for a convention has been met. This fact alone should tell rational people that they are being screwed and oppressed. The rule of law is trumped by the rule of delusion. Our lawmakers are lawbreakers.

Come learn more about the effort to get an Article V convention at www.foavc.org and become a member. Do not keep witnessing the unraveling of American society, voting for lesser evil candidates, and believing the propaganda that putting different Democrats or Republicans in office will actually improve things for most of us. Choose peaceful rebellion by using what our Constitution gives us. Fight self-delusion.

[Joel S. Hirschhorn is the author of Delusional Democracy (www.delusionaldemocracy.com); and a founder of Friends of the Article V Convention (www.foavc.org).]

[bjgnome]

Nice first post statusquobuster. Welcoome to GIM!

[The Great Ag]

Welcome to GIM Statusquobuster! Stick around learn, and teach. We are a fun bunch! :confused_ma: Oops wrong icon :D

Maybe the people are figuring out that there is NO difference between the two parties, except in name and approach to problem solving, but the destination is the same, communism. Maybe, just maybe.

Although this is probably part of the plan. Just like what happens in other developing countries. The people get fed up, a new "ruler" is installed. Things are rosy for a short time and everything falls apart, repeat and rinse. . .ad infinitum.

The Great Ag

[GoldWampum]

Good article and I visited FOAVC, then Delusional Democracy.

I am not sure their list is exactly in line with conservative thinking since I have seen these concerns so often from the left. And I'm really not sure they are advertising the main concerns of most constitutional conservatives and I am still a bit suspicious about groups who want this Convention.

Anyway, here is their somewhat ambiguous list:

Delusional Democracy Does What No Other Book Has Done!

A number of electoral reforms are necessary to rescue American democracy:
1. Expand the use of Clean Money, Clean Election programs.
2. Provide a None of the Above option on ballots.
3. Permit fusion candidates to promote third-party candidates.
4. Reform the Electoral College or its use by states.
5. Provide Instant Runoff Voting.
6. Pass the “Our Democracy, Our Airwaves” federal law.
7. For primary elections, support an open or crossover primary that
favors third-parties.
8. Make voting compulsory after other reforms

Another comment is that I am always, always, suspicious of patriots who speak of democracy without ever mentioning the republic. I see them as recognizing a federal democratic, which is opposed to the republic.

I thought, well, maybe I'm too sensitive about that, but then I ran across this and was somewhat confirmed by it.

A rebuttal (http://www.article-5.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=55) letter

It follows:

Welcome to Friends Of the Article V Convention
February 3, 2007

Dear Mr. Hirschhorn:

You likely didn’t expect to receive any message from The John Birch Society. But since you mentioned us in your January 31 article “Healthy Political Faith,” and that mention popped up on the electronic clipping service we use, we did receive what you wrote.

You are obviously concerned about the way our country is being led. Good for you. So are we. But you have bought into a characterization of our organization that many others have learned is neither accurate nor fair. Are we a “far, far, right-wing” group as you claim? What is “right-wing” anyway? We maintain that the political spectrum proceeds from zero government on one side (the right) to total government on the other side (the left). On the extreme left would be found Communism, Socialism, Naziism, Fascism, Dictatorial Monarchy, etc. On the extreme Right would be found Anarchists who want no government (a very dangerous attitude).

The John Birch Society believes in the U.S. Constitution. We strive for limited government where the government is restrained by law (the Constitution) and the people are restrained by freely accepted moral codes such as the Ten Commandments. That’s what America’s Founders established and relied upon. That’s what we have been trying to maintain – and even reestablish – for the nearly 50 years of our existence. The reality is that we Birchers are constitutional moderates. But if you judge us according to the attitudes of most Americans today, we admit to being to their right, but not a far, far right. Instead, a place within the acceptable center.

Rather than simply defend our organization, however, I thought a few comments about your article might be worth my time, and might be considered by you. First, let me suggest that you cease referring to our nation’s governmental system as a “democracy.” The Founders avoided establishing a democracy (rule by a majority) very deliberately, and very effectively. They gave us a republic (rule of law). About midway into Madison’s Federalist Essay #10, you will find a very sound condemnation of democracy. (My guess is that you have access to the Federalist Papers.) There is, of course, no mention of “democracy” in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, or the constitutions of any of the 50 states. Madison and all the Founders abhorred the very mention of democracy.

Your desire to see of constitutional convention surprises me. You certainly appear to be a patriot who wants the same for our nation as do Birchers. I fear, however, that you are quite wrong in believing that an Article V convention is a sound route to achieve a more responsive government.

There has only been one such convention in our nation’s history. It occurred when delegates of the states were gathered together and given the assignment of revising (repairing?) the Articles of Confederation. That was the only task they were supposed to accomplish. But they acted as will any constitutional convention. With full authority that is possessed by any such gathering, they discarded the Articles and produced an entirely new governmental system, the Constitution. Their meeting became a “runaway” convention. We might applaud what they gave us, but we must realize that they had no restraints. With this precedent in mind, thoughtful Americans for 220 years have chosen never to open up any opportunity for such a development again.

Numerous scholars, including several Supreme Court justices, have spoken out about the inability to restrain the delegates at any Article V convention, should one be called. I can supply the citations of these men should you care to have them. The simple truth is: There is no way to hold a convention in check once it is underway. There have been numerous state legislature calls for a “limited” convention, restricted to balancing the federal budget, restoring prayer in the schools, etc. But such limitations sought by those well-meaning people would not hold up.

As for the needed ratification of any convention’s decisions by the states following an Article V convention, be aware that what is stipulated in the Constitution’s Article V regarding this could also be altered or abolished by the convention. Everything in the current Constitution could be tossed, and whatever the conventioneers would decide would replace it. A new convention could even decide not to bother having the states ratify what it produces. A constitutional convention has no limitations.

You may know that several states have recently become aware of this potential for serious mischief. They have, therefore, legislatively rescinded all calls for a convention issued by their state legislature. Other states have begun considering the same procedure.

So, you can see that The John Birch Society does fear an Article V convention. But we offer an alternative for those who believe the federal government has grown too large, too oppressive, too dictatorial, etc. Our suggestion is to have the people regain control of their federal government through the portion of the government closest to them, the House of Representatives.

Please look at Article I, Section 7 of the Constitution. It states that “All bills for raising revenues shall originate in the House of Representatives….” That’s power, and it was deliberately given to the people’s portion of government by the Founders. If the House will not originate a measure to fund such unconstitutional programs as foreign aid, education, housing, undeclared wars, etc., that’s it. There’s nothing the Senate, the President, the Supreme Court, or anyone else can do about it.

We tell anyone who will listen that the office of President has for a good while been controlled by Establishment forces that are committed to big government, internationalism, and accumulating all power in the Executive branch. We wish it weren’t so, but seeking to “steal” the presidency via a third party isn’t about to happen. You seemed to indicate agreement with this conclusion yourself.

Please reconsider your call for an Article V convention. Then, please begin to realize that 218 members of the House can wield enormous power by simply employing their rightful authority as it appears in Article I, Section 7.

Finally, let me say that I would be honored to hear from you. I would even be more than willing to share some of our Society’s material with you if you care to see it. I especially would be delighted to send you a copy of a 30-minute video I produced entitled OVERVIEW OF AMERICA, a definition of the government established more than 200 years ago. You would be under no obligation whatsoever should you respond affirmatively to my offer.

You can find out a good deal about our Society at jbs.org . Please take a look.

I send my kind regards. - John F. McManus, President, The John Birch Society

[gopher29]

The powers-elite are quite adept when it comes to controlling the masses. They know to give the people just enough materialistic distraction to keep them from crossing the line from bitching to armed rebelion. For the few souls that dare risk all for change by taking action; the powers-elite use the media to convince the masses that they are "terrorists" and "cowards" and should be shunned not imitated. It's all really quite brilliant. King George's British Empire could have learned a thing or two from those in power now and, had he done so, perhaps could have kept the empire intact.

[keehah]

Congress Approval Rating Matches Historical Low

Just 18% approve of job Congress is doing

August 21, 2007by Jeffrey M. Jones http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=28456http://www.galluppoll.com/content/default.aspx?ci=28456

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE
PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds Congress' approval rating the lowest it has been since Gallup first tracked public opinion of Congress with this measure in 1974. Just 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, while 76% disapprove, according to the August 13-16, 2007, Gallup Poll.

That 18% job approval rating matches the low recorded in March 1992, when a check-bouncing scandal was one of several scandals besetting Congress, leading many states to pass term limits measures for U.S. representatives (which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional). Congress had a similarly low 19% approval rating during the energy crisis in the summer of 1979.

Americans' evaluations of the job Congress is doing are usually not that positive -- the vast majority of historical approval ratings have been below 50%. The high point was 84% approval one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when Americans rallied behind the federal government. Since then, Congress' approval ratings have generally exhibited the same downward trajectory seen in those for President George W. Bush.

Currently, 32% of Americans approve of the job Bush is doing as president, a far cry from the record-high 90% he received in September 2001. Bush's current job approval rating is just three percentage points above his lowest.

There was a slight interruption in the downward trend in congressional approval ratings at the beginning of this year when party control changed hands from the Republicans to the Democrats following last fall's midterm elections. In January 2007, 35% of Americans approved of Congress, a significant increase from the 21% who approved of Congress in December 2006. That December rating tied the lowest in the 12 years the Republicans controlled Congress from 1995 to 2006.

But that "honeymoon" period for the new Democratically controlled Congress was brief, as its job ratings dropped below 30% in March 2007 and have now fallen below where they were just before the Democrats took over.

http://media.gallup.com/POLL/Releases/pr070821bi.gif

Frustration with Congress spans the political spectrum. There are only minor (but not statistically meaningful) differences in the approval ratings Democrats (21%), Republicans (18%), and independents (17%) give to Congress. Typically, partisans view Congress much more positively when their party is in control of the institution, so the fact that Democrats' ratings are not materially better than Republicans' is notable.

The nine-point drop in Congress' job approval rating from last month to this month has come exclusively from Democrats and independents, with Democrats' ratings dropping 11 points (from 32% to 21%) and independents' ratings dropping 13 points (from 30% to 17%). Republicans' 18% approval rating is unchanged from last month.

http://media.gallup.com/POLL/Releases/pr070821bii.gif

The decline in congressional job approval could merely reflect the cessation of any public good will it engendered when the new leadership arrived in January, since the current 18% rating is similar to what it was in December 2006 (21%).

But, it could also reflect disappointment with the new Congress' performance (especially among Democrats) and economic unease.

Americans elected the Democrats as the majority party in Congress in November 2006's midterm election in large part due to frustration with the Iraq war and an ineffective and scandal-plagued Republican-led Congress.

But any hopes that the elections would lead to change have not been realized as Democrats' repeated attempts to force a change in Iraq war policy have been largely unsuccessful due to presidential vetoes, disagreements within their own party, and the inability to attract Republican support for their policy proposals. Also, many of the Democratic leadership's domestic agenda items have not become law even though some have passed one or both houses of Congress.

As the trend in congressional approval makes clear, ratings of Congress usually suffer during times of economic uncertainty, as during the late 1970s and early 1990s. While Americans' ratings of current economic conditions are not near historical lows, there is a great deal of concern about the direction in which the economy is headed. The latest poll finds a record 72% of Americans saying the economy is "getting worse."

Survey Methods

These results are based on telephone interviews with a randomly selected national sample of 1,019 adults, aged 18 and older, conducted August 13-16, 2007. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is ±3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

[RaccoonRiverRadical]

In the history of the world has a revolution ever happened on a full stomach?

[Horn]

I don't think American's believe in peaceful revolutions.

I know, I don't.

[RaccoonRiverRadical]

I think that all revolutions are instigated by one moneyed elite against another usually tired-out elite. I think the idea that revolutions start as popular revolts is an illusion. In other words it seems mainly hopeless.

[Kahlil Gibran]

In the history of the world has a revolution ever happened on a full stomach?

Excellent point. It is also a young man's game. They seem be be preoccupied in America now:

32154

[RaccoonRiverRadical]

What has he got in the bag there, the newest cell phone?

Things will really have to go to hell in a hand basket before America will revolt. A good 1929 style depression might lay the groundwork for a armed uprising, but it won't be so much against the government as against the ghetto who will be attacking the working and middle class.

[BeeYourself]

I think that all revolutions are instigated by one moneyed elite against another usually tired-out elite. I think the idea that revolutions start as popular revolts is an illusion. In other words it seems mainly hopeless.

I think you are right. Just basic logic makes this a reality. Who is going to pay all the troops? Who will feed them? Certainly people can't feed themselves while fighting.

So that only leaves guerrilla warfare and no one around here is that organized. Have any revolutions succeeded that were not funded by elite?

What you need is a billionaire willing to build armies. You could always buy or start companies like Blackwater. But then it is my belief that you could take over this country federally with about 2000 people on a single weekend, but that is assuming the military would be on your side. If you timed it well, you might just get lucky.

Now where is my popcorn??!?@@#!#@$

[The Great Ag]

A little something I wrote for the 4th of July.

With apologies to the Declaration of Independence, and Thomas Jefferson whose writings I greatly admire.

The Declaration of Dependence
July 4, 2007


When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to consume more material goods, become engrossed in all forms of sport, be easily distracted and kept in perpetual antagonism with another, it requires that they should declare their subservience to their ruler.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal under the law, with certain privileges, though arbitrary they may be. To secure these privileges, Governments are instituted among men, deriving Their “Just” powers and wealth from Their ability to stealthfully hide and conceal the facts from men by giving them certain benefits for which they will be gratefully taxed. It is the privilege of men to demand from their Government more privileges to make their lives safer, comfortable and peaceful. To show our faith in Government, we submit these facts to a candid world.

1. As long as we have TV and the freedom to choose which channel we can watch, we are happy.

2. As long as we can gripe about taxes, but rest in the knowledge that the rich are more taxed, we are happy.

3. As long as we can have paid holidays, and knowing Government will legislate more, we are happy.

4. As long as we can see the famous people get in trouble with the law from time to time, we are happy.

5. As long as we can freely choose the candidate to vote for, we are happy.

6. As long as we can. . .Hey, did Barry Bonds just hit another homerun?

We, therefore, assembled in front of our TVs, boats, RVs, or computers, in the name and authority of the Ruling Government do declare ourselves perpetually free to celebrate the Goverment which binds us into servitude; to this end we mutually pledge our remotes, our keyboards, and our new cars.

The United States Citizen

"A country cannot be both ignorant and free. . ."
Thomas Jefferson



The Great Ag
Enjoy the 4th of July

[keehah]

Revolutions where and at this time will be the controllers game IMO.

Regardless, the first order of an awakening people are to take back your communities by supporting your local land-base and withdrawing support for the controller's system of wealth transfer. The end of cheap energy supports this process.

Defend your local land-base when it comes to it. The Minutemen had it right. The Boston Tea-party and other constitutional games were Masons dressed as Injuns.

Derrick Jensen wrote:
To be responsible is to promise in return. The questions become: To whom is this promise made? And in return for what?

What is the source of your life?
To whom do you owe your life?

If your experience-far deeper than belief or perception- is that your food comes from the grocery store (and your water from the tap), from the economic system, from the social system we call civilization, it is to this you will pledge back your life. If you experience this social system as the source of your life, you will be responsible to this social system. You will defend this social system to your very death.

If your experience-far deeper than belief or perception-is that food and water come from your land base, or more broadly from the living earth, you will make and keep promises to your land base in exchange for this food. You will honor and keep and participate in the fundamental predator/prey relationship. You will be responsible to the community that supplies you with food and water. You will defend this community to your very death.

When the social system into which you've been encultured is destroying the land bases on which all life depends, that question of who you are responsible to-to whom you make and keep your promises-makes all the difference in the world.


This theme, that violent acts of 'terrorism' are justifiable in defense of freedom, is the final piece of the conspiracy puzzle. We have been bombarded with this message through the hypnotic mediums for many years, for a reason. Our corporate masters want us to provide the spark of antiwar violence that will justify the final crackdown on American democracy. Everything that has been done by the current administration to finish building the framework for an American police state has been done in preparation for the anticipated spark of violent resistance.

http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?p=698183#post698183

No magic, no powers - just a megaphone and a remarkable knack for 'making believe.'

Despite his colossal impotence, the little man managed to manipulate Dorothy and her friends into doing for him that which he could not do for himself.

How? By creating illusions.

Why did it work? Because in a world based on lies, PERCEPTION is EVERYTHING.

Dorothy and her friends had everything they needed to get where they wanted, but they didn't believe in themselves.

Instead, they were duped into doing the Wizard's bidding - all because they imagined that he was bigger and more powerful than he really was.

By getting them to BELIEVE that he had the power to give them what they wanted if only they got him what he wanted, he was able to turn HIS OBJECTIVES into their objectives.

His ENEMIES became THEIR enemies.
http://www.wakeupfromyourslumber.com/node/728

[Baphomet Jones]

Regardless, the first order of an awakening people are to take back your communities by supporting your local land-base and withdrawing support for the controller's system of wealth transfer. The end of cheap energy supports this process.


Couldn't have said it better!

[keehah]

Poll: Many pessimistic about environment

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070927/ap_on_re_us/environment_ap_poll;_ylt=AlV4cqDaefX7Z_c5YqT5E49vi eAA
By ALAN FRAM, Associated Press Writer Wed Sep 26, 8:29 PM ET

WASHINGTON - People want their leaders to move boldly to help the environment but give them dismal grades for their actions so far, according to a poll released Wednesday that highlighted rampant pessimism on the issue.

Only about one in five voiced approval of how President Bush, Congress and U.S. businesses have been handling the environment. And while decisive majorities said they want strong public and private action, fewer than one in 10 said they had seen such steps in the past year, according to the poll by The Associated Press and Stanford University's Woods Institute for the Environment.

The survey, conducted days before Bush was convening an international climate conference in Washington, showed that though Democrats and independents were consistently more critical than Republicans, anxiety is widespread over the environment and global warming.

"I don't understand why we're letting people destroy the Earth the way we are," said Jerry Menees, 34, an independent voter and truck driver from Potosi, Mo. "It scares me what this world is coming to."

Only about a fifth think the environment is in good or excellent shape, including 39 percent of Republicans. Just over one in 10 think it is faring better than a decade ago or will improve a decade from now, while about eight in 10 say global warming is under way — views that were broadly shared across party lines.

The 84 percent who believe world temperatures are rising is virtually unchanged since Stanford and ABC News conducted a similar poll in March 2006. But while 45 percent of that group said in 2006 they were very or extremely sure, 61 percent said so in this month's survey — including most Democrats and independents and a sizable 39 percent of Republicans.

On the other hand, of the 14 percent who said global temperatures are probably not rising, nearly half say they are very or extremely sure — up from the roughly one-third who felt that strongly last year.

"I don't understand how they can say there is global warming or man causes it when it's a natural cycle of the planet," said Russell Marshall, 34, a student from Enid, Okla., and a Republican. "It's like the planet cleanses itself from time to time by changing temperature."

In some of the starkest partisan differences, Democrats and independents strongly disapprove of Bush's performance on the environment, while Republicans approve by 50 percent to 18 percent. Republicans were also likelier to think Bush and business have caused little harm.

Yet even among the GOP and conservatives, those saying they want Bush, Congress, business or the public to take strong action far outweighed those who said they prefer that little or nothing be done. Nearly six in ten Republicans said there would be serious problems if global warming is not addressed, and more of them said the environment is worse than a decade ago — and will be even worse 10 years from now — than saw improvements.

"I just don't see anything being really aggressively done," said Sonia Alfonso, 50, an interpreter in Greenacres, Fla., and a longtime Republican who is unhappy with Bush and other leaders.

Even so, this year's poll showed slightly smaller numbers of people favoring strong action on the environment than last year, especially among Republicans.

The poll was conducted before this week's meeting of world leaders at the U.N. designed to spark momentum for international talks in December on further limiting emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that cause global warming.

Bush, who has opposed mandatory emissions cuts embraced by 175 other countries in the 1997 Kyoto treaty, is holding his own meetings this week with top officials from countries that are major producers of planet-heating gases.

Under Bush, the U.S. has refused to ratify the Kyoto pact. Arguing that binding caps would hurt the U.S. economy, he prefers long-term voluntary goals and clean energy research.

The survey also comes as the Democratic-led Congress moves slowly on the matter.

A House-passed bill would require most utilities to generate at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources like the wind, while the Senate has voted to require Detroit to produce more fuel-efficient autos. Lawmakers must approve a compromise before sending it to Bush.

"I'd like to see the Democrats stand up to Bush, put him on the hot seat," said Sam Butler, 53, a writer from Brooklyn, N.Y., among the nearly two-thirds of Democrats unhappy with Congress' actions. "Congress has to start pushing through alternatives, they've got to start cutting back on oil consumption."

This year has seen growing pressure on the U.S. to act, including a U.N. report concluding that man is almost certainly causing global warming; an Oscar for former Vice President Al Gore's film on rising temperatures, "An Inconvenient Truth"; and a Supreme Court ruling that the government can regulate gases heating the planet.

The survey involved telephone interviews with 1,001 adults from Sept. 21 to 23, and was conducted for the AP and Stanford by Ipsos, the polling company. It had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
___
AP Director of Surveys Trevor Tompson, AP News Survey Specialist Dennis Junius and AP writer John Heilprin contributed to this report.
On the Net:
Ipsos: http://www.ap-ipsosresults.com (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap/ap_on_re_us/storytext/environment_ap_poll/24610199/SIG=1104qgugc/*http://www.ap-ipsosresults.com)Stanford University: http://woods.stanford.edu/docs/surveys/GW_200709_AP_survey.pdf (http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/ap/ap_on_re_us/storytext/environment_ap_poll/24610199/SIG=120e9hij6/*http://woods.stanford.edu/docs/surveys/GW_200709_AP_survey.pdf)

[RiverRat]

:rolleyes_m: News Headlines:

A deadly virus has stricken the city of Chicago and FEMA officials have declared the entire area within a 75 mile radius be physically isolated to prevent a nationwide disaster.

The recent anti government riots and open hostility towards public officials and law enforcement were the key elements that motivated President ........ to declare the metro Chicago area unstable and a threat to national security.Military officials are working with the President and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta,GA to discuss options for a limited nuclear strike to insure the deadly virus doesn't spread to surrounding states.
Any citizen trying to leave the area will be shot to insure the virus isn't allowed to spread :>(
Please report to the nearest hospital if you experience signs of the virus which include paranoia,hostility towards authority,hoarding of precious metals,foodstuffs,fuel,alcohol,tobacco,and other signs of metal instability.

President .......will make a televised nationwide speech at 2:00PM today informing American citizens in advance if nuclear weapons will be used to contain this deadly virus to insure a peaceful evacuation of all citizens living near the Chicago metro area and are as yet uninfected with the deadly virus which is highly contagious.

:D:D:D:D

This is the prime reason Americans are unwilling to revolt.

Sorry...the French Revolution scenario won't fly here...the rules have slightly changed.

:yes::yes::yes:

Put this on the MSM and 90% of the population would buy it without question...

:sheep::sheep::sheep::sheep: