In a new study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 63% of Americans favor more generous government assistance to the poor while 31% are opposed. There are sharp differences between race, and political standing, but for the large part Americans as a whole seem to support this type of assistance.
In addition, majorities of all religious groups favor more government assistance to the poor, and support is especially high among black Protestants and Hispanic Catholics.
This seems to contrast the widespread message that government benefits should be the first items slashed as we attempt to balance budgets at the state and national levels. I believe that Americans feel sympathy for those struggling due to economic conditions and feel the government should help support them.
See the full report at: http://pewforum.org/Politics-and-Elections/Few-Say-Religion-Shapes-Immigration-Environment-Views.aspx#1
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1 comment:
it is really quite easy to support something in theory without any accountability to making it happen. which is the real downside to such polls.
sure, it is really easy to say we support something, but politicians are not going to do much about it unless we rise up and get them to do something about it.
but instead, we will just say we like an idea and not produce the change we need to see it happen.
nonetheless encouraging, i am not too hopeful that anyone in lansing, d.c., or city halls will do much based on a stated preference.
and, of course, what is government assistance these days anyway? neoliberal jobs low-wage jobs training programs for positions that do not alleviate poverty but get the 'listless' to be productive? or real assistance like cash, food, health, and credit?
keep up the good fight. please.
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