Trickle Down...
Trickle down. When we hear that phrase, we think of economics. At least I do. The success of "trickle down" economics is subject to debate, as is any economic theory. There is another "trickle down" effect. This one is not subject to debate.
The "trickle down" effect of public confidence in political leaders.
The latest Gallop poll on public confidence is very disturbing.
Gallup's annual update on confidence in institutions finds just 12% of Americans expressing confidence in Congress, the lowest of the 16 institutions tested this year, and the worst rating Gallup has measured for any institution in the 35-year history of this question.
Twelve percent confidence rating of Congress!
Even though the Supreme Court (32% "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence) and presidency (26%) are rated more positively than Congress, all institutions are at or near their lowest ratings to date. The rating for the presidency is just one percentage point above its worst rating of 25% from 2007, while the Supreme Court's rating is its worst.
The public's confidence in President Bush is at 26%. While still a horrible confidence rating, it is more than double the confidence rating we have in Congress.
There is only one reason the public confidence in these political leaders is so low. They have earned it. The "trickle down" effect of these low ratings can be felt in every State House, City Council, County Board and on and on and on. Politicians at every level are paying for these low ratings whether they have earned it or not.
I don't see an end to this crisis of confidence.
Do you?
Happy Birthday America.
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Al Arnold
1 Comment
Reader Comments (1)
lol congress is in the bottom , thats what i wanted to see , lol .