September 06, 2007
One Question Poll
Our good buddy Celeste Fremon over at WitnessLA has been on a field trip between L.A. and Montanna and asking people along the way one question and one question only:
"If you could ask America’s politicians—Democrats and Republicans alike—to accomplish one task, to get one problem solved for this country, what would you pick first….if it was left completely up to you?”
She has documented the results in a series of posts titled "Voices from the Road," which are found at that link provided and which I encourage you to read. She even has pictures! (Her original planning and discussion posts are found separately here, here, and here.) Under each of her five posts (so far) I have made comments about most of what she has reported, and most of my comments have not been favorable. Here are some of the problems.
I wonder if people think for themselves any more or if they just spit back what they are fed from the press, which spits back what it is fed by the Democrats. I wonder if people do not want personal responsibility and choice and would rather have the government to do everything for them. I wonder if people have enough knowledge about the problems that they want solved to speak intelligently about those problems. How many people give political correct answers rather than what they might normally say to friends? I wonder how Americans from all parts of the country and with a balance of political persuasions would answer her question.
Well, I'm here to find out. I got so put off with the answers that she received that I said that I would do my own poll. So, here it is and we need your help. I would like you to share your thoughts on her question, and then to ask one or two other people and to share their thoughts here. To remind you, here is the approach and the question again from Celeste.
"([T]he point is, I’m asking average people who are out there making a living and trying to raise kids, not folks who take three newspapers a day or stay glued to the web—like many of us.)"If you could ask America’s politicians—Democrats and Republicans alike—to accomplish one task, to get one problem solved for this country, what would you pick first….if it was left completely up to you?”
Okay, what do you have to say and what does your "average friend who is not glued to the web" have to say? Get started and report back. Surely, there are many people in this country who are not dependent upon government and have a little bit of knowledge about problems. We just need to show that they are there.
Oh, just one limitation. The people you poll cannot live along I-15 or be half-drunk in beer joints. Celeste has already covered those areas.
Posted by Woody M. at September 6, 2007 07:30 PM | TrackBackDon't take the bait on this, Woody. You intuitively identify much of what is wrong with this "random" poll, but there's much more. Pollsters have learned through bitter experience how unrandom a selection of people that you just approach and ask are. Her results might have some intersting features, but they can't possibly mean anything.
Posted by Assistant Village Idiot at September 6, 2007 09:24 PM
We've lots of issues that are very important...to be sure. I have, however, given this some thought and believe that the one major issue for the collective good of country and the world, if for America to prevail in Iraq and Afghanistan. We must not only win, but be seen to win. And as we win in those places, we need to place more attention to other places. We must not be seen to take over the sovereignty of other countries and peoples, but we must assist then in getting better lives. It is in our own interest that people around the world live better and more peaceful lives.
All the world is watching. This is very important to remember. On how this turns out in the near and far terms, will determine what decisions are made by others in regard to how to deal with the USA in the future. We are hanging in the balance.
This, of course, is very much trickier than the conventional ops of WW II. I recognize this, I am doubtful that our politicians generally do also.
We must, at the same time, be seen to be strong and also willing to go at our enemies with the seemingly mindlessness of an enraged dog (though in reality with the cunning of the best of foxes)....but, to have the compassion of those who truly care for the weak and defenseless. We must convince all that we are WORTHY of respect because we are to be feared if they attack us....or anyone not deserving of attack...and we will be relentless in pursuit of any who cause us harm. At the same time, we will assist and support all who want peace and a decent life.
This requires - demands, really - that our leaders and all levels of government (and not just the military) learn all about COIN and the OODA Loop.
Cliff Notes version: We must know went to be very, very tough and know when to be very, very gentle .....AND we know the difference.
I do not see a majority of politicians that are that bright....i.e. bright enough to be junior NCOs in the tough places of the world. I see politicians that seem to radiate self-interest and personal ambition over true concern for the world and their own country.
I meant this to be short, and it is very short considering all that they (politicians) ought know.
Agree?
Posted by tad at September 6, 2007 09:24 PM
What a easy question,
Get the hell out of Iraq.
Lets keep the money we are wasting on the Iraqis
and if we must waste it, lets spend it on projects in the U.S.
Posted by James S Melbert at September 7, 2007 09:27 AM
James, when you left your comment, were you in a bar along I-15 by any chance?
My answer to this question was "Cut my taxes and leave me alone."
Posted by Woody at September 7, 2007 12:44 PM
Mr. Melbert,
It surely gives me great hope that such learned and thoughtful citizens, such as yourself, are viewing the issues of the day with consideration and a real desire to make the world a better place.
Sincerely,
Barbara Streisand
Posted by tad at September 7, 2007 01:40 PM
