Gallup: Rank Level of Confidence – Congress Hits Bottom - Untold - Unions, Public Schools, The Media, the Presidency Well Below 50%

Gallop Poll on Trends July 2009 to July 2010 click to enlarge

Congress grabbed the attention in Gallup’s Trending Survey on Confidence in Institutions yesterday. Congress came in ranked dead last with an 11% confidence rating – down 6% points from last year’s poll. That said, Confidence in certain institutions which, in the past (circa 1950’s, 1960’s) were held as the epitome of trustworthiness, now fall with Congress at levels that should serve as a road map for Conservatives who would work to improve Washington, and the way we, as a nation are currently stymied by organized labor and woefully under performing public schools (also organized labor).

Congress may have an 11% approval ranking, losing 6 points over the past year, however, they are not alone: the Presidency has dropped 15% from a year ago, to a 36% confidence ranking - even with the Supreme Court, and above the following institutions: the public schools (34%), criminal justice systems (27%), newspapers (25%), banks (23%), Television News (22%), Organized Labor 20%, Tied at 19% Big Business (who actually gained 3 points) and HMO’s.
Who do American’s trust the most? The Military tops the list, followed by Small Business, the Police and Organized Religion – so much for the “Progressive Message”. What the balance of the poll suggests is that, “we the people” (or “the masses”) are not as trustworthy of institutions that appear to be owned and or affiliated with our government.

For example, Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, a Republican in a state known to run as blue as Massachusetts with a state government just as corrupt, faced down the “powerful teachers” union, and regularly spars with the press. He recently held the New Jersey legislature “hostage” until he got a vote to lower and cap the states property tax (Business week) – no mean feat.

Now, Christie faces the wrath of the unions and the teachers (unions again) as told by the press: Headlines in the past twenty four hours: “NJ’s largest state workers union warns lawmakers of cost for working with Gov. Christie” (Star-Ledger), and Salary Cap to Limit School Salaries”> (North Jersey.com)

Apparently, in New Jersey, and one can suspect elsewhere, the public no longer trusts the public schools to deliver a quality education, knowing full well that unions have become nothing more than lobbyist for the DNC, making money off the backs of, in most cases, degreed individuals who are in no more need of a union than a lobotomy. (Anyone capable of earning a master’s degree should be capable of holding and maintaining a job with benefits, without the aid and abet of a “union”. The only unions that should be chartered are those that support individuals who work in dangerous and life threatening environments, public or private and should not be extended to positions that would appear to be supervisory in nature. Additionally, unions should be, by law, unable to use dues collected for any other purpose than pensions and lawyers to wrangle with management – to whit, they have no place within our government or our schools.)The people get it, which explains the ranking. Chris Christie also gets it, which explains his success.

Shockingly (sarcasm), the press, both print and television news, take a beating this time out, (no change from last year), fully three-quarters of the nation do not trust the print and or televised news to deliver the goods in a trustworthy manner. From the largest newspapers and network news, to the local daily and NBC (or CBS, ABC) nightly news – the message is clear and “on-point” - any opposition to the President and or the Democrat Party is non-existent, (either in main news, sports, lifestyle and the real estate section, never mind editorials) should a Republican or Conservative (or God Forbid (God’s till popular) a member of the Tea Party, trip over a shoelace, it’s big news, for days on end – the public apparently has noticed. This accounts for the ratings over at Fox News, being through the roof as they offer an alternative, and also the falling subscriber base and the overall woes of a government run and progressive minded media.

Should someone wake up and decide to run a small business newspaper that delivered - news- without a slant to the left or right (leaving editorial where it belongs in the editorial section) - one might see a resurgence of the press, and a return of the economic health of the industry that once was looked upon as the pinnacle of trustworthiness – think Lois Lane.

Banks are caught between a rock and a hard place by none other than the government (Congress) who regulates and now, in some cases, outright owns them. (due to regulations - see Barney Frank) This particular ranking is in itself a double edged sword as it indicates confidence in the economy is not where it should be.

Therefore, when looking for someone trustworthy – one can still turn to the military (as long as the President is nowhere near it), the local police and ones neighborhood small business – organized religion is also considered somewhat “trustworthy”. All truly deserving institutions, to be sure, but what saddens those who may have seen teachers, banks and the Presidency and even the press - all held to a high esteem - those institutions once thought to be the backbone of our society - scoring so low in confidence – it denotes that there is work to be done.

Surely there is a way to bring confidence back to education, to the media, the Congress and the Presidency. 2010 is one of the building blocks to the future, with the public electing governors, congressional representatives and senators who share the principals and frankly the tactics of the Governor of New Jersey – 2012 will finish laying the foundation to a return of confidence in the power of the people to determine the course of our destiny – as defined by our Constitution.

Turkey Anger with Obama over Armenian Resolution Misdirected – A Global Civics Lesson on U.S. Presidential Power

An Associated Press article cites lack of pressure on Congress by the Obama administration as the reason Congress referred to committee HR 252, Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution. The resolution calls upon the President to ensure that U.S. Foreign Policy reflects appropriate understanding and “sensitivity” on issues of Armenian Genocide, and “for other purposes”. The bill had 137 sponsors, including the Lockstep Massachusetts Democrats: Richard Neal, Ed Markey, Barney Frank, Mike Capuano, John Tierney, Stephen Lynch, James McGovern, John Olver, and Nikki Tsongas. Missing from the roster is Delahunt who announced his retirement this week.

Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State, admonished the House basically telling them to mind their own business and not interfere with the efforts of Turkey and Armenia to normalize their own relationship. Clinton understands that need for a strong U.S. and Turkish relationship, as Turkey is one of our key allies in the Middle East and it is a decidedly foolhardy move on the part of the clueless house Democrats, to bring up this resolution at this particular time in history.

What war on terror?

That said the Global belief that the U.S. President has power over the House and Congress, is erroneous. One need only look at the history of Obama’s push for a Health Care Reform Bill opposed by the American people, to see how truly separate the powers are - Time and again, the President has issued deadlines to the Congress to pass a bill (any bill at this point0, and time and again, those deadlines have come and gone. That should have been clue one to the Armenian’s and anyone else, as to the exact nature of the Presidency and where the power rests in the U.S. – squarely with the House and Senate.

One would think that Obama would get his sway, considering that he and the Congress share the same political party affiliation, however, the role Obama plays now, as President, is twofold: He is the chief executive of the U.S. government and he is also the Titular Head of his Party. In addition, the party holds a majority in both the house and the Senate, and has since 2006. Therefore, he should, in essence have more sway over what takes place in Congress, but that depends upon several factors, the biggest being the ideological divide within the party (progressives versus moderates) and the egos of said members. This particular Congress, led by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, were responsible for holding George W. Bush in limbo, while they played fast and loose with every piece of legislation – rendering the Bush Presidency from 2006 to 2008 basically hostage.

In the most simplest of terms: the President, without the full cooperation of the House and Senate is pretty powerless. This is what the world does not understand about the United States Government, its design and the functions of the various branches and how they interact. It is the media that portrays a President as omnipotent, which lends to this perception.

Therefore, the blame rests with Congress, should the Turkish Government care to cast blame in the correct direction. Moreover, those members may not be as savvy when it comes to foreign policy as the average man on the street; they are over concerned with positions of power, and with their terms expiring every two years, keeping their jobs. In brief, if a congressional representative feels a bill will go over big at home and keep him or her in the job for an additional term, then, regardless of the impact, that’s the way they vote. Additional considerations are power within the party, regardless of how their constituents may feel.

This is why so many of the Democrats in Congress are either retiring and/or facing an uphill battle this election term. The People get it, the politicians don’t. A strong President, who has either control of/ or a working relationship with both house leaders, is a different story. As American’s await another Ronald Reagan and or Bill Clinton (Hillary Clinton would have better served - opinion), the world should view the true power behind the “throne” as the Congress – and as the newest member installed most humbly reminded all Americans’ – it does, indeed, belong to the People. Therefore, the election of independent, constituent based thinkers is the key to preserving the dignity of the Congress in 2010 and the people, instead of seeking the next American Idol, should look for the most qualified candidate able to work with those who hold the purse strings. It is hoped, that the usual choice between the better of two evils, is not presented in 2012.

In the meantime, explaining the Presidency and the Congress and how they interact to the “world” would go a long way towards normalizing relationships. It is not so much an admission of weakness on the part of the President to say to the Turks, “I had no control over the Congress” rather an opportunity to teach a civics lesson on a global level. Perhaps that will also have the effect of teaching civics (no longer taught) to American Students as well – with the advice to choose Congressional Representatives with care.

Tuesday Elections – Will they be Predictive of 2010? Analysis VA, NJ, NY 23, California 10th and the Massachusetts Special Election - Senate Race

On Tuesday, four states are holding elections that have the eyes of the nation’s pundits and political party analysts doing a bit of hand-wringing. The Virginia Governor’s race is all but a foregone conclusion (these deductions are based on poll data from Real Clear Politics) with the race for Governor’s (and the balance of the majority of the State’s offices) going Republican. In New Jersey, it remains too close to call, as those same polls have either Corzine or Christie, up by any number of points, with Dagget, the independent in the mix; that said, the majority of the polls favor Christie, which in that Democrat stronghold, should Christie emerge as the victor, that is a real coup for the Republican Party.

The New York 23rd district and the California 10th are in play due to congressional representatives taking positions within the Obama administration. The New York 10th is being watched as it’s a drama based race, the Republican, Dede Scozzafava, bowed out of the race due to low poll numbers and has endorsed the Democrat, over Conservative Doug Hoffman. One can, given that last minute endorsement which, as her core constituency was those who would vote Republican, for the most part, those votes should transfer to either Hoffman and/or voters may still give Scozzafava the vote – whether it counts or no. In that race, like New Jersey, polls are up and down, that said; – consider that race, to likely go to Hoffman (based on those Scozzafava voters who would only vote Republican, pulling the lever for a like-minded Conservative.

Additionally, the California 10th, which has been underreported, finds the latest local news poll (CBS 5) with Democrat Garamendi up by 10 points over the Republican Harmer. Under most circumstances one would assume, given that the district is considered solid Democrat, that the Democrat would basically run away with the seat – however, something is afoot – certain conservative PAC;s have turned their attention to the 10th (and the NY 23rd and the New Jersey Governor’s race) in the past 48 hours.

This can only indicate one thing – the GOP nor for that matter any conservative, is never known to throw “good money after bad” – they may “smell blood” – If Harmon doesn’t outright win the election, then the fact that he comes within striking distance of the Democrat in this particular district is a real signal as to how hard the Democrats must work to keep their jobs in 2010.

Historically speaking, the house changes hand every three to four terms (or 4 to six years) – As the Democrats have controlled both houses since 2006, historical logic dictates that it is probable a change is going to occur giving Republican’s the edge. Therefore, two of the four races, historically would go Republican (the same is true for state Governors, a back and forth between political parties is the norm) that said, should three or all four of the races turn to the “right”, then that would herald something a bit more interesting, a shift in the mindset of the voting populace towards the right. Once the dust clears, it will be interesting to see how these states and districts voted by party affiliation – as it may not only be a rejection of the Democrat by Republicans (given), or Independents (looking increasingly given) but by the rank and file (moderates) of the Democrat Party).

If the GOP or the NRSC throw anything at all to the Special Election in Massachusetts in January, then the handwriting will be further imprinted upon the wall. In the special election to replace Ted Kennedy, a primary battle of some media magnitude is being hard fought by the Democrats, Coakley, Capuano and Pagliuca and Khaezi, as of this writing that, although the GOP has a viable candidate in Republican Scott Brown, he must face a primary from Jackie Robinson, who filed signatures last week . Should Brown win the primary in December (which give his grassroots campaign and Robinson’s lack thereof), if the NRSC and the GOP start to throw anything at all in Brown’s direction, that will signal more than an historical electoral pattern. Although, many pundits are now calling this race, “safe” by virtue of Massachusetts being Massachusetts, this is the next race to watch as far as the state of mind of the voting electorate. Should Brown receive any support from the RNC (NRSC) and become the second Republican Senator in over 3 decades from Massachusetts, that will be clearly indicative of the mind of the electorate, and the end to purely party driven voting for at the very least the 2010 and possibly 2012 cycles.

Rasmussen: GOP Likely Voters Choose Huckabee over Romney – Women Prefer Huckabee - 81% strongly believes next President will be a Republican.

Polls Indicate GOP Change in Attitude - image next right

Rasmussenreleased a second GOP 2012 poll result yesterday which paired Mike Huckabee against 2008 campaign rival Mitt Romney. In this scenario Huckabee received 44% to Romney’s 39%, with Huckabee leading Romney in the women’s vote. Both Huckabee and Romney have maintained high profiles since the 2008 election; both affiliated with PAC’s that have, to date, aided Republican candidates across the nation, building alliances for the 2012 contest. That said, Rasmussen rightly cautions that it is early in the game, citing the 2008 early polls that produced Hillary Clinton as the frontrunner, with Obama unknown at the time. The same could be said of the 2012 Republican field, which had Giuliani as a frontrunner, giving one the understanding that there is still time for candidates to come forward to represent both major political parties. One thing that is not being touted in this particular poll (and the preceding GOP poll) is the high rate of confidence among GOP voters that the next president will be a Republican – 81% strongly believe this to be the case. This begs the question; if the Republican Party is demoralized and in dire straits, as suggested by most media outlets, then why the high level of confidence?

While again, it is early in Barak Obama’s administration, his favorable ratings continue to drop and/or remain stagnant. As of Sunday only 29% of those polled give Obama strong approval ratings, and the President is facing a tough branding battle with two 2009 gubernatorial races, New Jersey, where the Democrat Incumbent has rebounded in the past few weeks in the polls against his Republican opponent, who still holds a slim lead. In Virginia, the Incumbent Democrat has up to an 11 point deficit (depending upon which poll one subscribes to), with few weeks left to make headway. The incumbent Deeds, is bringing in Obama in an effort to “get out the vote” in the heavily Democrat north eastern Virginia region. Should this particular seat fall to the Republican challenger, Bob McDonnell, it will be a scathing rejection of the Democrat Brand and will act as harbinger of the 2010 election. As it now stands, key influential Democrat, Harry Reid is being trounced by not one, but two Republican’s prior to any primary. Early polls from Real Clear Politics, see Republican’s leading in almost all races, which, would be an historical correction with regards to the Congress. (The Congress ebbs and flows between those two major parties every 6 to 8 years.) It may be beyond the “Rock Star Status” of Barack Obama to maintain Virginia as a Blue State, historically speaking.

The Sky is Falling! Obama to Glen Beck – Alarmists Abound

President Obama photo San Fransico Sentinel

So much for Hope and Change – the American Public appears to have been handed Gloom and Doom instead, given the reaction to the mortgage crisis vis a vis Freddie and Fannie, and the subsequent house of cards that started with the triumvirate of Bush, Pelosi and Reid, and began to collapse when President Obama took office. The tone of “Fear” – as in “should we not act fast, we’ll be in grave danger”, rammed a massive spending bill down the throats of tax-payers, loaded with other “goodies” that regulate various aspects of our lives, otherwise known as: typical big spending government oversight, liberal political think. An article from Real Clear Politics speaks to the tone of Fear used by the Administration in order to affect the passage of this bill. The questions every American should be asking is whether the fear was real or contrived – if the fear of President Obama is real, then we are in serious trouble – those who are fearful tend to react – not act in the face of crisis. The point is, however, no-one truly knows what drives the President.

Polls released this past week by both CNN and FOX show a decline in approval rating between 60-67% (dependent upon the poll). The President’s approval rating the first week of office was 83% by some accounts - meaning in less than one month – his approval rating has fallen 16 points, should this monthly trend continue, by April, he will enjoy an approval rating of 35% or, a rating comparable to his predecessor. One can assume this decline in approval is not, part and parcel, his reaction to the Financial Crisis, rather a culmination of incidents including questionable appointees.

Glen Beck- photo CNN via Americasnewstoday.com

Enter the right: Glen Beck, talk radio host and Fox News Commentator, is upset with the stimulus and sheer amount of waste and debt involved. (Who isn’t?) That said, in a broadcast last evening, Beck broke the “fear barrier” by “predicting” that a “Revolution” was at hand. Speaking with a string of experts, Beck outlined the “doom” that is may or may not happen: Bank Holidays (where all assets are frozen) by order of the President, Militia’s (ok he may have a point here), that are drilling in the event of “civil unrest”, the need for families to store food and plan to defend themselves. The premise, martial law will be imposed to deal with riots and unrest and possibly insurrection against a government run amok, due to food shortages, money shortages and massive unemployment, not to mention passage of the Fairness Doctrine.

What is telling is that Amazon has been doing a brisk business in Survival Guides and assorted accessories in recent weeks. There is a featured “Survivors Forum” with the two most popular threads: The New World Order Survivor, and Mass Corruption Runaway Government & collapse of our Nation. This is fear driven by politics of fear (real or imagined) and those that profit from fear (Mr. Beck may be sincere in his conservative values, but fear appears to sell.)

This is the most likely scenario: Those moderates and Republican’s that voted for President Obama due to total disillusionment with the Republican Party and the Bush Administration and a very weak candidate in John McCain (reality), will shift sharply within the next two years: in 2010 it is more likely now that Congress will receive a “conservative makeover”, meanwhile, those Democrats who have been in lockstep with Pelosi, Reid and company, will be forced to choose between their jobs and their ideology – with an end result of a halt and reversal of legislation that is at the very least, objectionable to a majority. In 2012, that message will be sent to the White House, it is difficult, at this point, to envision President Obama in a second term. Is it entirely his fault? Resoundingly no – to be fair, expectations for a one-term Senator from Illinois who had zero experience, were exceedingly high, no-one, and that bears repeating, no one could live up to the parameters set for this one man by his own constituents and the moderates who voted for what they felt were the lesser of two evils. It also needs to be realized that our current economic “crisis” is similar in scope to the economy of the 1970’s (which no-one seems to be talking about.) Unemployment, run-away inflations, bank bailouts, gas lines, and high interest rates, were all part and parcel of the Carter administration. It is true that the scope of this stimulus package dwarfs all previous versions, however, it is also true, that the economy has recovered, on more than one occasion, with the election of a fiscal conservative to the White House (and members of the Congress who would, regardless of party, work to reduce the pain of the people.).
The lesson one must take from this current “crisis” is in an historical context - it is merely a pattern of politics and economics, one which, certain individuals will use “crisis” for political gain (in this case, in error), while others will use “crisis” for financial gain. In any event, one can be assured that change is constant and guaranteed under the constitution through the process of elections, therefore, the only “revolution” that will take place, logically, would be in the voting booth in 2010 and 2012. Let us just hope that, as history repeats itself, we do not make the same mistakes and place yet another political party in control of both the Executive Branch and the Legislature. The Republican control of all branches, followed by Democrat control of all branches, and the ensuing rhetoric from the imbalance in ideology, created an atmosphere of do-nothing to panicked finger-pointing. Additionally, committed ideologues cannot now, nor ever will be able to function as bi-partisan; it is those willing to meet in the middle that will do the most good. Although these names have been bandied about, for good or ill, they exemplified a government that worked for the people: Ronald Regan and Tip O’Neil. One can also add, Newt Gingrich and William Jefferson Clinton to that list. One can rest assured that in the near future, there will be others to add to that list, and the cycle will continue.