Do you think people should pay attention to polls about polls?

by buddy Posted March 22, 2008 17:58:38

4 votes
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	Yes	2 votes	50%
	No	2 votes	50%
	Undecided	0 votes	0%

American Public Says Government Leaders Should Pay Attention to Polls
re [www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/32028]

When ABC News correspondent Martha Raddatz cited polling data showing majority opposition to the Iraq war, Cheney responded, "So?" Asked, "So--you don't care what the American people think?" he responded, "No," and explained, "I think you cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations in the public opinion polls."

Americans also roundly reject the position put forward by White House spokeswoman Dana Perino in an effort to explain Cheney's comments. Asked whether the public should have "input," she replied, "You had your input. The American people have input every four years, and that's the way our system is set up."

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crsone March 22, 2008 18:43:14

Yes

But. it's not that cut and dried. We don't just have a republic, we have a democratic republic. We elect folks to lead, but have a right to let them know how we are feeling, and a right to be listened to when we do let them know. Those we elect -- after they listen and consider -- they can then do what they believe is best for the populace, even if it's against what the majority of the populace wants. We then have the opportunity to show our displeasure by voting them out. A delicate little dance, and it's generally acknowledged to be such by the politicians. Only a total lame duck (not to mention a lame person) such as Cheney would simply reject out of hand strong popular opinion, though. That was just a complete insult.

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Karl March 22, 2008 18:37:01

No

There are lies, damn lies, and statisitcs.

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Kiber March 22, 2008 18:07:34

No

If a poll was taken about whether or not the public wanted to pay taxes and an overwhelming majority said "no" should the politicians abolish all taxes?

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