Little difference across party lines, most Americans turn against Government

As the Edward Snowden story unfolds and we find ourselves inundated with headlines that scream: "Where is he now!", "Will Snowden Live in Venezuela?" - and our our own ATS headlines about the actual substance of the leaks, something else has emerged - it doesn't matter which political party you support, you don't trust the government.

American voters say 55 - 34 percent that Edward Snowden is a whistle-blower, rather than a traitor, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today.

Almost every party, gender, income, education, age and income group regards Snowden as a whistle-blower rather than a traitor. The lone exception is black voters, with 43 percent calling him a traitor and 42 percent calling him a whistle-blower.

Some of the largest growth in those concerned about the threat to civil liberties is among men and Republicans, groups historically more likely to be supportive of governmental anti- terrorism efforts.

More at the source: www.quinnipiac.edu...

"The massive swing in public opinion about civil liberties and governmental anti- terrorism efforts, and the public view that Edward Snowden is more whistle-blower than traitor are the public reaction and apparent shock at the extent to which the government has gone in trying to prevent future terrorist incidents," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"The fact that there is little difference now along party lines about the overall anti- terrorism effort and civil liberties and about Snowden is in itself unusual in a country sharply divided along political lines about almost everything. Moreover, the verdict that Snowden is not a traitor goes against almost the unified view of the nation's political establishment."

A respectable national polling organization (Quinnipiac), a decent sample (2K) and a low margin of error (+/- 2.2), spell out the truth - as Americans we're all against government overreaching and illegal activities. It seems this country, for the most part, has finally learned you don't sacrifice liberty for security at any cost.

Now what? I hope we can stop the bashing of each other for our differing political views since you know that old saying - divide and conquer. Instead, let's focus on removing the laws that allowed this to happen in the first place and let's get our sanity back. Literally our sanity - we've fought each other too long and hard over differing political opinions; it's no longer a sport but an all out war sickening each and every participant.

Here's what I'm doing, I suggest you do the same. Follow this link, type in your zip code, locate your congressmen, click their name, go the bottom of the page, find their number, and leave a voice mail telling them: "You are a public servant in my district, I demand you roll back the FISA Court and begin proceedings to amend the Patriot Act."

Link: www.house.gov...

Good luck. I'm sick of standing by, and now I know this is *not* a political issue but an American problem.

reply to post by Jason88


I don't distrust a government that We the People elected, even if the choices didn't perfectly match my own.

I DO distrust a government that is elected by We the People that ignores nearly ALL of those who hired them, regardless of political affiliation.

Defining the latter; a government that ignores the constitution when it suits them and relies on alphabet agencies, single judges and obscure courts to cripple the rights of those people.

Originally posted by Jason88






Now what? I hope we can stop the bashing of each other for our differing political views since you know that old saying - divide and conquer. Instead, let's focus on removing the laws that allowed this to happen in the first place and let's get our sanity back. Literally our sanity - we've fought each other too long and hard over differing political opinions; it's no longer a sport but an all out war sickening each and every participant.

Of course I agree with you but as long as the likes of Rush, OReilly, Savage, Hannity, Ingraham, Coulter, Beck, Boortz, M. Gallagher, M Medved, M. Reagan and Levin keep fanning the flames of hatred; They have millions of listeners that echo their hate speech, some even here on ATS that seem to revel in insulting and trashing those that have a different opinion. I call it "the people like you syndrome"; and with the shift to the Right here on the boards....sorry to be such a cynic but I don't think we will see any change. The hatred of Obama is just to pervasive and it has filtered to anyone that has progressive or liberal views.

S&F for the attempt at reason and compromise. I have tempered my rhetoric and don't find any enjoyment in the pissing matches that invariably happen here in political "discussions" .

Back in the old ATS you could be called a "tulip walker" but now Nazi, traitor, commi, and worse is all to common.

Not only am I against the Corporatacracy that now has usurped the Citizens and taxpayers of this country; I have a real problem with authority in general.

To blame one party or the other is no different than blaming one face of a coin for its total weight. The good cop - bad cop division routine is falling apart because of electronic communications.

Truth as I see it - the second any politician thought it was a good idea to break the law for any reason, is the second they should have been ousted from office. In my mind they're like drug dealers - sure you can make loads of money selling smack, get yourself a house, a car and a family - BUT IT'S ILLEGAL! Just like what the NSA is doing now.

Fact is, we're no longer a nation built on laws. I don't know what we are anymore, but it's not laws with secret courts and such.

As a moderate, I am beginning to weep for this nation.

reply to post by Jason88

Now what? I hope we can stop the bashing of each other for our differing political views since you know that old saying - divide and conquer.

The OP says this and then the second poster on the thread says:

Of course I agree with you but

and then proceeds to bash republicans/conservatives. And claims that everything is "hate" against obama and the poor leftest. Both political side partisans bash the others, the OP was asking for it to stop and everyone work together and it didn't take but 2 posts in the thread for the bashing to start. NOTHING will ever get fixed because of douchebaggery like this.

How did Roger Water's put it so bluntly?

"Mother, should I run for President?
Mother, should I trust the government?
Mother, will they put me in the firing line?
Is it just a waste of time?"

My feeling exactly. If the government is bugging you, forcing you down, taking away your freedom or just irking the hell out of you it's your own fault for allowing yourself to be so venerable.

True, I may be older than most here and don't really fall under their dominance since I am basically retired now and don't need a thing from them anymore. However, it was always my goal to be politically self sufficient.

I care about local politics-zoning, codes, land issues and such but as far as the federal government I don't give a ratsass what they do-they can't touch me.

It's also good to stay on close terms with local law enforcement-they feel the same as I do about the Feds.

reply to post by redoubt


That sort of government is called a dictatorship. " just thought i will finish you sentence."

wonder why the dark skinned fellows moreover think he's a traitor?

The system just needs some tweeking. Hopefully it doesn't need a torch to heat it so it can be tweaked. Maybe it needs to be cut off where it is attached, hammered straight, and reattached. I keep thinking of fixing things in my garage, that should work with the government, shouldn't it.

reply to post by olaru12


Wow! Just Wow.

I noticed that most or all of the names you threw out there are republicans or conservatives.

You do realize that we are currently under a democratic socialist government right? I believe that what you posted was exactly what the op was talking about. You must be part of the problem instead of part of the solution.

Originally posted by olaru12
I call it "the people like you syndrome"; and with the shift to the Right here on the boards....sorry to be such a cynic but I don't think we will see any change. The hatred of Obama is just to pervasive and it has filtered to anyone that has progressive or liberal views.

6 years ago you could have found almost similar quotes, not just on ATS, but on any forum. Sure you have to replace "right" with "left" and you have to change "Obama" with "Bush" but its all pretty much the same, just like the people who happen to be in power.

Strange......

reply to post by rickymouse


Depends on how hard you hit it with the hammer.

Sounds good to me though.

Originally posted by olaru12
Of course I agree with you but as long as the likes of Rush, OReilly, Savage, Hannity, Ingraham, Coulter, Beck, Boortz, M. Gallagher, M Medved, M. Reagan and Levin keep fanning the flames of hatred; They have millions of listeners that echo their hate speech, some even here on ATS that seem to revel in insulting and trashing those that have a different opinion. I call it "the people like you syndrome"; and with the shift to the Right here on the boards....sorry to be such a cynic but I don't think we will see any change. The hatred of Obama is just to pervasive and it has filtered to anyone that has progressive or liberal views.

What I find ironic is that every one of those radio personalities have been screaming their heads off about the crimes that the government has been doing throughout their careers; especially individuals like Savage and Levin. Left or right (admittedly more on the left) all of these guys and gals are on a soap box 5-6 days a weeks, talking about stories that the press won't touch.

They've beaten Rubio, Romney, Ryan, Cheney, Christie, McCain and many other RHINOs and big-business Republicans like dead horses. I have listened to talk radio since my early childhood, so for over 20 years now, when my dad would drive me to grade school. Rarely is my radio on anything other than an AM station and I have noticed that oftentimes they make inquiries that are later fleshed out by the MSM. While I may not agree with their commentary all the time, I think that they are far more fair and balanced than FOX, MSNBC, or any of the other alphabets out there. Calling it racist to take Obama to task does the sentiment of your entire post a disservice and shows you are acting entirely disingenuous imo.

Hatred of Obama? Yes. So their hatred of Bush, Clinton, Bush Sr., and other past POTUS wasn't racist, but suddenly when there is a black guy being raked across the coals it is?

Originally posted by redoubt
reply to post by Jason88

 

Defining the latter; a government that ignores the constitution when it suits them and relies on alphabet agencies, single judges and obscure courts to cripple the rights of those people.

I would wager somewhere somebody is keeping a list.

reply to post by Boomer1941


Already people have started the "they just hate Obama" game.

Do you forget that 6 years ago it was the same, but with Bush?

Such short memories some people have.

reply to post by Jason88


Everything is trash now. We have past many tests to show that the public will just keep watching tv or whatever. Bush took office after NOT winning the public vote. congress has walked upto podiums and said "yes i lied" then walked away and kept his job with no repercussions. to many examples to show really. police officers would use you has a human shield and get away with it. I felt threatened for my safety so it will be ok. try to do peaceful protest and the gov will make sure it turns violent. I have more hope into Iceland keeping a free nation then i do here at home. My hope for my kids is to be able to get out of this country before its to late.

Though we finally agree on something, I find it appalling how people still don't see past the two party divide and conquer mentality! It is a pathetic revealing of an uneducated people who don't realize this is how we are controlled in an America that is filled with small minded people who can not see the big picture! Sorry for being so judgemental but I tire of this whole situation.....