Only 19 percent of Americans — about 1 in 5 — say they trust the government “always or most of the time,” according to a study released by the Pew Research Center on Monday. Yet clear majorities also favor the government taking “a major role” in fighting terrorism, responding to natural disasters, keeping food and drugs safe, protecting the environment, strengthening the economy and improving education.
Despite this desire for government services, Americans are clearly dissatisfied with the level of service they feel they receive. Three out of four, 74 percent, say public officials put their own interests ahead of the nation’s. And a majority, 55 percent, say ordinary Americans would “do a better job of solving problems” than the people whose job it is to do so.
Trust in government appears to have been higher half a century ago, at a time when the Cold War may have had more of a rallying effect on public opinion … A similar survey in 1964 found 77 percent of Americans trusted the government either always or most of the time….”
more at full original article HERE
Big surprise that Vietnam and Watergate led to the first big drop in trust… That Reagan got the first big boost in trust… that the people rallied behind their leader after 9/11… and has declined ever since, with Obama’s presidency having the lowest trust ever from the public. I wonder if it has much to do with what seems like the intentional destruction of America.
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