majority of americans think the federal government poses a threat to rights of americans,

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February 26, 2010

CNN Poll: Majority says government a threat to citizens' rightsPosted: February 26th, 2010 09:00 AM ET

FromCNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser

Washington (CNN) A majority of Americansthink the federal government poses a threat torights of Americans, according to a new nationalpoll.

Fifty-six percent of people questioned in aCNN/Opinion Research Corporation surveyreleased Friday say they think the federalgovernment's become so large and powerful that

it poses an immediate threat to the rights andfreedoms of ordinary citizens. Forty-four percent ofthose polled disagree.

The survey indicates a partisan divide on thequestion: only 37 percent of Democrats, 63percent of Independents and nearly 7 in 10Republicans say the federal government poses athreat to the rights of Americans.

According to CNN poll numbers released Sunday, Americans overwhelmingly think that the U.S.government is broken - though the public overwhelmingly holds out hope that what's broken can be fixed.

The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted February 12-15, with 1,023 adult Americansquestioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points for the overallsurvey.

Filed under: 2010 CNN Polls

Fifty-six percent of Americans say the government poses

an immediate threat to individual rights and freedoms.

300 Comments | Permalink

onarant February 26th, 2010 9:50 am ETThe 44% that does not think the government is a threat to citizens rights, must beemployed by the government or receiving entitlements from the government.

Georgiaguy February 26th, 2010 9:49 am ETThe report on eroding rights in this country comes from CNN. The most left wingreporting of the cable media. You have to wonder if congress will believe it now.

Mathis Chapul February 26th, 2010 9:48 am ETAbsolute power is corrupting and no better example than what has happened inWashington. The federal government under any party has expanded and with that

taken liberty away from the states and therefore the citizens. The healthcaresummit showed the arrogance and disconnect of politicians who sit upon gildedthrones of self importance and supposed wisdom. Elections mean something...

it means the citizens have selected for a brief moment individuals to serve them. Ihave never been a believer in term limits until now... across the board.

Yee Haw February 26th, 2010 9:48 am ETWell, I guess this does mean that the democrat party is done in November.

Minnesotan February 26th, 2010 9:48 am ETLet's see, the Republicans started the Patriot Act, NCLB, wire tapping, spendinglike drunks, increasing our deficit, started two wars and have generally been

incompetent while pushing 'smaller government.' Now, the Dems have to cleanup the GOP mess, deal with Republican obstructionism, lies and deceit, anddeal with their own spinelessness. Yep, we're screwed.

Randolph Carter, I'm no

expert but.... February 26th, 2010 9:48 am ETMost Americans are too brainwashed by corporate propaganda to see that

unfettered global capitalism is the root cause of most of their problems. But don'tworry about it, consumerbots, those big corporations have your best interest atheart. Sorry you lost your job, now go to Wal-Mart and buy some shoddy, made inchina, lead-painted baby clothes. Have a nice day!

bruce February 26th, 2010 9:48 am ETI find it interesting that two years ago, democrats would have polled closer to70%. Just another example of Obama=good......Bush=bad

Phil February 26th, 2010 9:47 am ETReally? Are you kidding me? Where was all the outrage when the Patriot Act (anACTUAL violation of citizens' rights) was passed?

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This fear-mongering, hateful diatribe served up by the fanatics in the GOP tenthas got to stop. What a joke this is.

Miner49er February 26th, 2010 9:47 am ETA wolf in sheeples' clothing.

Angry White Male February 26th, 2010 9:47 am ETThe question is, will this stop Obama?

It's getting to the point to where I hope some Democrats get together and go visitthe President and tell him in no uncertain terms.

STOP!

I don't know why Obama can't try to go win the war in Afghanistan or work on jobs.

Those would both be notable achievements. But instead he's trying to destroyhealthcare for those who have it for those who don't.

People, that's madness!

STV February 26th, 2010 9:47 am ETI think the number is higher. The IRS are looking to purchase shotguns. Thepolice departments should be able to protect them. Why the shotguns?

vietvet February 26th, 2010 9:46 am ETobama is looking for any excuse to declare Martial Law! He will have to be forciblyremoved from government. We are heading for a Civil War in America, brought toyou by democrats!

missy8s February 26th, 2010 9:46 am ETIf you don't believe that ever expanding government is a threat to your liberties

then you simply aren't paying attention to history...

Terry Samuels February 26th, 2010 9:46 am ETHello

Only CNN is surprised, most of us have known this since King Obama took over.Everything he does seems to come from Presidente Chavezes play book.

RightStuff February 26th, 2010 9:45 am ETMy daddy always said "Fear government, pray for the country." What a wise man!

Dean February 26th, 2010 9:45 am ETWhere was all this outrage when Bush and Cheney were taking away our rights?

Mr. Moderate February 26th, 2010 9:44 am ETI bet Republicans did not think that when their guy was in charge.

Benjamin Cook February 26th, 2010 9:44 am ETThat is not a "partisan divide". It only shows how much liberals are either A. out oftouch or B. clinging to their biases.

The natural inertia of government (all government) is to grow. Our Federal systemis out of control. Just because "there ought to be a law" doesn't mean in falls tothe Federal gov. to provide it. Just because we need health care reform, doesn'tmake it the job of Feds, or make it Constitutional.

We have 50 states capable of making strides if the Feds would back off.

Bill February 26th, 2010 9:43 am ETWith this loser president, what did you think was going to happen. He HATESAmerica...

Beckwith February 26th, 2010 9:43 am ETIt isn't the government.

It's the socialists in the Democratic Party, and their "Dear Leader."

And, I don't know what the hell he is.

speedy February 26th, 2010 9:43 am ETwe are living under a communist government.

freedom4all100 February 26th, 2010 9:43 am ETwhat happen to limited goverment? States Right? what is next socialism, adictorship? Time for more TeaParties, this time a real party.

Pedro February 26th, 2010 9:43 am ET

Funny that so many GOP respondents think the government is a threat given thatit was the Bush administration that tried to do away with Habeas Corpus and hadthe military and NSA listening in on the phone conversations of American citizenswithout having to secure a warrant.

Yeah, I for one feel much safer with the government now.

jacklordGOD February 26th, 2010 9:42 am ETCNN is reporting this? Wow, that means things are way worse than I thought forBO. When even CNN has this kind of take, I would say we are looking at aDemocrat bloodbath in November.

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Charlie Johnson February 26th, 2010 9:42 am ETI love my Country but don't trust my governmant

Frank February 26th, 2010 9:41 am ETI agree. I'm even reluctant to put my full name in this comment. We are moving

toward a totalitarian state. I never thought it would happen in the USA. The presshas become complacent with truth.

Woody February 26th, 2010 9:40 am ETA 60/40 split in the senate that votes 60/40 is a partisan divide. CNN would also

call it partisan if 37% of those 60, let's call them democrats for arguments sake,voted with the 40, who we'll call republicans. On the other hand, if 30% of the 40republicans voted with the 60 democrats, well, that would be bipartisan.

Perspective, Pablo Steinhauser. Perspective.

Does CNN ever interpret a poll objectively, or are its employees merely makingup news stories to agree with their own political philosophies, regardless of thepoll results?

The real conclusion is that MOST Americans (the total of democrats,independents, and republicans) believe that government is dangerous that it istoo big and powerful. We also believe that it is the greatest source of corruptionlegal and moral in America.

Reginald February 26th, 2010 9:40 am ETThe freedom grab has been going on for years, people. Our freedom has beendying the death of a thousand cuts. No single BIG jump to stealing our freedomhas or will occur. This process is a slow erosion and designed to be that way sothat anyone spekaing about it will be labeled a nut. By the time enough peoplerealize what has been happening, it will be too late. We will be without our gunsand the government will control our access to health care, food and access to ourmoney and, therefore, they will own us. Laugh and mock now, people, but in 25years I will be crying as I tell you "I told you so."

Helen Beringer February 26th, 2010 9:40 am ET. . .and this is a shock to no one.Also, this (everything) is George Bush's fault.

john February 26th, 2010 9:40 am ETOur Founders went to war over far less than we are subjected to now.

bravado in boston February 26th, 2010 9:40 am ETWHAT?

Why now? Why didn't all these whiners take to the streets when GeorgeWWWWW Bush was in the process of eroding our civil rights, having telecomcompanies spying on us, capturing our data, and tightening our ability to movefreely in the country and to Canada?

Why now? WHAT? What are these people talking about? Whine to theRepublicans who TOOK YOUR FREEDOMS AWAY!

You're all a bunch of looney-tune wackos!

Conservatism equals

illiterate ignorance February 26th, 2010 9:39 am ETJust more prrof, as if we needed anymore, that the despicable campaign tacticsof the Greedy Old Pigs has eroded the confidence of the American public in thierown government. What can you expect when party continually practices baldfaced lies and half truths to gain their way in politics, pretty soon everyone losestrust in the government.

Pete February 26th, 2010 9:37 am ETThe funny thing is that the conservatives whining about their rights being taken

away were more than comfortable with the previous Administration listening in onour phone calls and detaining American citizens for years on end withoutcharges or even a trial.

Jeremy Vaught February 26th, 2010 9:37 am ETThe way this President is trying to force things down the throats of Americanswho have realized they don't want his kind of change... I can see why they arethreatened.

Bill February 26th, 2010 9:37 am ETOnly 56%? It's what I have long suspected: The other 44% is either stoned, drunk(aka in college), or stupid.

Chris Marengo February 26th, 2010 9:36 am ETGee, I thought there would be more at this point in time.

Kevin Stowell February 26th, 2010 9:36 am ET... and the rest are public (Democrat) school graduates.

Carolyn Lacy February 26th, 2010 9:35 am ETAmerica has been complaining about the pleathera of "bureaucrats" for eons andyet their numbers continue like an avalanche, suffocating America's basic rightsand freedoms, regulating EVERYTHING, eliminating an individual's r ight to

choose, to think for oneself, or be secure in one's privacy. NOW THAT'S POWER!Politicians have long felt it their right to infringe on the masses with their greed,self-importance and grasp of power. To imagine the casting of one's vote for anhonest and forthright politician that might make a difference is sheer folly. It's the

Grayson caught in Niger coup
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4/23

politician with the richest coffer that gets elected and Washington will surelycorrupt anyone with any sense of integrity who inadvertently is elected.Representative and Senator terms should have a limitnot a life-timemembership. No one can withstand Washington's corruption for 30 or 40 yearsand call themselves a voice for the people.

Virginia Menzel February 26th, 2010 9:35 am ETThis is a remarkable bit of data. It almost single handedely demonstrates thedifferences between American citizens and European citizens.Could it be that ourconstitution specifically states the risksof a too big,too powerful government wetake it seriously.

Bill February 26th, 2010 9:35 am ETInteresting how you changed from 63% to 7 out of 10 when reporting the results.7of 10 is 70%, so independents and Republicans are actually very closelyaligned. I am not surprised that you tried to skew the presentation.

Jack February 26th, 2010 9:35 am ETThey'd better do something about it quick.

Mary February 26th, 2010 9:34 am ETWhat do you think we been saying for the last two years. You are a litte late to theparty CNN. Wake up!! Both Bush and Obama have been " transforming" Americainto socialism. The American people have known this for two years

now........where have you been. Oh, I know your head up your butt and ingnoringthe signs. Go figure! You wonder why your ratings are falling..........because youdon't tell the truth and refuse to say anything negative about Obama and hismafia henchmen! Wake Up!!

liberal wing nut February 26th, 2010 9:34 am ETChange we can believe in!

demwit February 26th, 2010 9:34 am ETThanks Obama!!

Jack February 26th, 2010 9:34 am ETFrom a first glance this is a pretty idiotic poll. I'm not sure what rights werespecified in the poll. Were any? What rights are being threatened? The right tohave health insurance if you have a pre-existing illness? The right to collectsocial security? The right to collect unemployment insurance? The right to sendyour child to a public, non-denominational school? The right to choose whether

or not one wants an abortion? I'm not sure what the fear is here. i think there isfear, but it is the fear of our economic stability which is being confused withrights. We fought two wars (one definitely unnecessary) and got tax breaks. Nowthe bill has come due. Now our nation has to pay off its credit card debt.

JIM February 26th, 2010 9:34 am ETIt's striking to see the difference of opinion between democrats and the rest of thevoting public. They're about as far out of the mainstream as the president andcongress at this point. November can't come soon enough!

JT February 26th, 2010 9:33 am ETOf course they're a threat....they're the biggest corporation in this country and they

control our money and rights. As Mark Levin says, a government that has controlover what kind of toilet you can put in your own home has all the control they'llever need.

Fan February 26th, 2010 9:33 am ETlies and fear mongering from GOP is what is driving the polls. CNN please, you

can do better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TM February 26th, 2010 9:32 am ETWhere were those 7 in 10 republican voices when Bush was spying onAmericans without a warrant and Cheney was torturing anyone he wanted to? Ifgovernment has grown too large and too intrusive it's because republicans stood

mute for Bush's entire presidency. It was Bush that oversaw the largest growth ingovenrment in a generation along with the greatest errosion of liberty andfreedom in the nation's history. Republicans NEVER said "No" to Bush andCheney. I guess they think they can make up for it now by saying NOTHING but"No" now.

Graciey February 26th, 2010 9:32 am ETWho are the people who don't think it? Fed and State employees and benefitrecipients of all kinds. That's about 40%. They don't bite the hand that feedsthem. The rest of us are just units to be juiced, or else.

MBrannon February 26th, 2010 9:32 am ETWhy do we switch from percentages to fractions (7/10) when giving thebreakdown? Strange.

Steve Hamilton February 26th, 2010 9:31 am ET

I'm not so afraid of our government as I am of people who vote strictly along partylines or people who don't vote at all. We should all take responsibility for the folks

WE elected into office. Quit jumping on every political bandwagon that comesalong and start paying attention to the issues that affect us all. Contact your repsin congress and tell them what you thinkdon't just send form letters. The mediashouldn't dictate the way we think.

dinah February 26th, 2010 9:31 am ETIf the government needs to get bigger than it is now in order to rein inout-of-control corporations, I'm all for it. I'd rather be governed by big gov than bylarge and corrupt corporations as we are now, or more fearfully by the ever


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encroaching church sayers.

thx 1139 February 26th, 2010 9:31 am ETWith the party of 'ignore the people' in power, represented by Obama, Pelosi, andReid, what can you expect? And the majority is absolutely right.

Ben February 26th, 2010 9:30 am ETI am sure there are members of the Democrat party that read this blog and I havea couple of questions for you. Does the Democrat Party still have the ideals andpolicies that you believed in when you joined the Democrat Party? How does itfeel to be included with the Liberal/Progressive/Socialist elements of this

society? If you feel comfortable with your answers after honestly answering thequestions then by all means remain a Democrat. If not, you know the alternative.

Dick Sicario Las Vegas. NV February 26th, 2010 9:30 am ETStart fixing the problem by electing people to the house and senate that will listed

to and do the will of WE THE PEOPLE.Then 24 months later elect a president who cares about AMERICAA really good start would be of course to impeach the moron we currently have tocall POTUS. But no one currently in the house or senate has the balls to start thatprocess.

David W Johnson February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETQuestion: How do you eat an elephant?Answer: One bite at a time.

That's exactly what the Government has been doing to our rights since thebeginning of this country.

bill February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETPfff...typical Fox news propoganda....ummm..wait, this is CNN....

WhiskeyTango0311 February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETSomeone slap me, CNN has finally stopped catering to the far left and ooglingover Obama? Nahhhh, couldn't be the ratings, could it?

It hurts having less viewers than local public access shows, doesn't it?

Cujo47 February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETAnd this from CNN. WOW, didn't know they were capable of telling the truth.

Brian February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETIt's good news that the Republicans and Independents are waking up... but I'mafraid a lot of Democrats have gone back to sleep now that Obama is president. Ithink if they had been reminded that the CIA was still part of government, that theirpercentage would be much higher... for that matter, had this poll been taken lastyear while Bush was still President, I bet it would have been higher than theRepublicans.

scott51 February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETThis should be a shock to no one. The left wants more G'ovt contol over our lives(that's the 63% of liberals). One question for liberals.... Why can't you keep yourgreedy little fingers off other people's money. Use your own and develop a privatesystem that gives you want you want...HANDOUTS!

Doctor Dan February 26th, 2010 9:29 am ETIn Virginia I have seen houses kicked in and families destroyed, sometimespeople even KILLED over literally TINY amounts of marijuana. Please help usAmerica. Please help Virginia. I know SOMEBODY who can help us is readingthis. They are punishing us with police, using them to enforce the least free statein our blessed Union. They use a "Commonwealth" tag to explain why we arenever truly free. Please help our children before they take them away. Please.

kogk February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ET

"Love Your Country. Fear Your Goverment"

Rick February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ETThis is correct. what else can i add except that we the American people shouldchange this fast!

Michigan February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ETWhat? I thought I was the only one who thought that. Maybe we should look at thatConstitution thing again.

enigmaforever February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ETWhen a president, and the speakers of the house, and speaker of the senate allhave said things such as they will go against the will of the people to getwhatever bill they want into effect, because they have the power, that they knowbetter than the people what is good for them, and that they don't want or needbipartisanship that could add fuel to the distrust. Calling people who disagreenames associated with evil doesn't help their cause either. And saying the the"Constitution is flawed", or that they have been able to get a differentinterpretation of what the Constitution says scares hell out of me too. Vote thetyrants out in 2010 then in 2012, then establish term limits.

MrLittle February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ETAnd this is a surprise? just one example: The Patriot Act

Ohio_Matt February 26th, 2010 9:28 am ETThose who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safetydeserve neither liberty nor safety. ~ Benjamin Franklin


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Sherry February 26th, 2010 9:26 am ETIt's not the government that is a threat to citizen's rights, but the influence ofcorporations and lobbyists. People don't have a say, MONEY does.

Russ February 26th, 2010 9:26 am ETOf the fifty six percent, how many individuals, their children, grandchildren, orparents, are collecting Veteran Benefits, Social Security, SSI, Pell Grants, studentloans, receive Medicare or Medicaid, work for companies that receive governmentmoney, receive subsidies, have money in the bank guaranteed by the FDIC, etc,etc.? My taxes have not increased and fo lks still have their guns. I haven't seen

any rights or freedoms taken from anyone. Our government is adversely affectedby the inability of our elected officials to make sound decisions based on realfacts and the media personalities who disseminate misinformation keep thingsstirred up for their own monetary gain and ratings.

Jackalope February 26th, 2010 9:26 am ET

The right-wing fear machine, led by FOX 'news' has succeeded in doing its job:dividing Americans against ourselves by making us fear one another.

Fed Up February 26th, 2010 9:25 am ETAgreed.

Many of the practices put in place by the Bush Administration ARE a threat to ourrights and freedoms.

The really sad thing is that the Obama Administration has done little, if anything,to correct the situation.

Neither party is anything of which I would be proud to be a member at this time.

Stanley February 26th, 2010 9:25 am ETSome more banner reporting:

'The survey indicates a partisan divide on the question: only 37 percent ofDemocrats, 63 percent of Independents and nearly 7 in 10 Republicans'

So what you really mean is that everybody in the country understands that theirfreedoms are at risk, other than the left, who make up the minority as the countryis more center right. To be honest, I am actually just as concerned that almost 4in 10 liberals are concerned also...

Tram February 26th, 2010 9:25 am ETWe lost so many of our civil liberties and Constitutional rights under theBush/Cheney fascist dictatorship. Now, so many are still at risk.

peceptions February 26th, 2010 9:25 am ETFifty-six percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporationsurvey released Friday say they think the federal government's become so large

and powerful that it poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms ofordinary citizens. Forty-four percent of those polled disagree.

.....FYI the Federal Government = Democrat Party

Charlie in Maine February 26th, 2010 9:25 am ETMy biggest fear is that the Republicans will take power again. Please electorateremember what they accomplished the last time you trusted them with power.

Dave February 26th, 2010 9:24 am ETWell just look at yesterdays Dog & Pony show and how it ended with a THREATto Reps to either join the Dems in TAKING OVER 1/6 of the economy or else besteamrollered by the Dems using reconciliation which has never been used forlegislation.

Kitchen Police February 26th, 2010 9:24 am ET

I guess these lizard brains who answered the poll would happily do withoutpolice protection, the military to protect us against terrorism, trash pickup, roadconstruction, sewage maintenance, public education, utilities, insurance,consumer safety, parks, etc.

Deb (Long Island) February 26th, 2010 9:24 am ETBaloney...they certainly did not poll me or people that I know. Where are thesepolls being conducted in the deep South?

Ben Farleigh February 26th, 2010 9:24 am ETRight on and more so. When the federal government provides assistance to theindividual, it takes control of the individual. Does the Constitution assign thoseresponsibilities to the federal government? I think not. It is time to take all thesefederal "assistance" programs before the Supreme Court and make adetermination if they are legit In accordance with the Constitution.

Me February 26th, 2010 9:24 am ETYou can't fool all the people all the time unless they're Democrats.

JD in OK February 26th, 2010 9:23 am ET......on we the people can fix it. But if we keep sending the same ol' players backand expecting different results, I doubt we will. In my state we have Inhofe andCoburn....c'mon!!!! These morons can't fix anything but their ownpocketbooks.........

BobbyB February 26th, 2010 9:23 am ETIt took a Chicago thug to awaken the sleeping giant that is the American citizen,


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but finally the giant is up and awake! The telling number here is the percentage ofDemoncrats who welcome tyranny. As you can see though, they are FARoutnumbered by freedom lovers. The key now is are we just gonna talk about it,or are we gonna take the country back from the tyrannical few???

SCOTO February 26th, 2010 9:23 am ETAnd the right believes that this huge monolithic all controlling Federal apparatushas been built up in the last 13 months?

Ziggy February 26th, 2010 9:23 am ETWhy do people want to depend on the government to make choices for them?Take personal responsibility, make intelligent choices, plan for the future, and be

a good parent (if applicable). The government should be augmenting our needs,not providing for our wants. The mentally ill, the phsycially handicapped, theelderly poor, and the short term welfare needy are examples of areas where thegovernment and the private sector should step in and help. We have made it too

easy to do nothing and be rewarded for it.

Jerry in Ohio February 26th, 2010 9:22 am ETI guess the fear spewed at Faux news is working. Nice job Fox. Dividing thecountry? Mission Accomplished!

Sgt. USMC February 26th, 2010 9:22 am ETThe government shouldn't have done anything to prevent a depression. I wonderwhat the polls would show then.

Mr. Pragmatic February 26th, 2010 9:22 am ETBig government got you down? Well, you can thank Ronald Reagan for that. Heexpanded the federal government more than any prez before him while running

up the deficit more than every president before him combined.And this was the guy who claimed that government was evil and should beshrunken. What a hypocrite! Wait, isn't hypocracy part of the GOP platform?

Time to Think February 26th, 2010 9:22 am ETThese results really show the ignorance of the citizenry. Without a representative

government, we wouldn't have any rights and the entire society would collapse.Go to China, where the gov't tells you what to do; go to Somalia were there'sessentially no central gov't. We have a nasty habit of failing to think thingsthrough.

On another tack, what kind of poll is this? How were the questions actuallyworded? There's so much potential for all sorts of radical media spin, for thesake of advertising dollars, that I begin to have little faith in polls of any kind,conducted by anyone.

Volt007 February 26th, 2010 9:22 am ETUh, Ya Think? Ya think Obama's Communism and corruption might be a threat toRights? IMPEACH BARRY SOTORO !!!

Vociferous February 26th, 2010 9:21 am ETMany trends predictors and financial/economy historians have been of latepredicting social unrest. When people wake up to their sorry situation things willhappen; like people flying airplanes into buildings and many more serioussituations. The Happy wall street crowd are building their safe havens as weread. Maybe they see the writing on the wall. Politicians better see it as wel l.

Beef King February 26th, 2010 9:21 am ETWords are important. The writer/editor of this story used the phrase-'only 37 percent of Democrats... say the federal government poses a threat to therights of Americans.That is a huge percentage of DEMOCRATS!Our government is the problem.

Jason February 26th, 2010 9:21 am ETHey CNN,

Why do you list specific percentages for democrats and independents, but say"nearly" for republicans? Don't give some specific percentages and some vague

percentages. I have noticed this in a few different articles lately.

Try giving the actual numbers in all instances from now on.

WyEtte Burke February 26th, 2010 9:21 am ETThe Staffs are the problem. they are organized to protect their jobs and thus theyprotect their leaders. Ask any clean town how they do it. They tickets everybodyand the city cleans up. In Congress we can only penalize the leaders thruelections and their staffs just go from office to office. They have no alliegence toanything except a paycheck and thus those around their leaders protect their turfat all costs. How else could pay, benefits, bonuses,m and pensions be alwayson the rise.

Jeff February 26th, 2010 9:20 am ETDemocrats side with big government. Hey CNN skip the poll and give me a callnext time. I'll tell you this information for twenty bucks.

Bozwell February 26th, 2010 9:20 am ETConclusion: At least 44% of Americans have their heads in the sand.

j February 26th, 2010 9:20 am ETBig Gov`t was expanded greatly during the Bush years along with spending and"tax cuts". The Repubs don`t seem to be able or willing to "practice what theypreach"


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John February 26th, 2010 9:19 am ETThe government ultimately has one job to PROTECT the natural rights of itscitizens. How did we let it come to this? Too many years of apathy andcomplacency I guess. The question now is what will you do to reverse this trendand restore your rights?

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserveneither liberty or security" Benjamin Franklin

Jilli February 26th, 2010 9:19 am ETThis country is really starting to reek of paranoia.

I was actually more concerned about my rights under the bush admin whoviewed the constitution as just a gd piece of paper. And they proved it with theiractions.

Moe February 26th, 2010 9:19 am ETI totally agree that the government has decided that it knows best, and WE, thepeople, are stupid. I say vote 99 percent of them out, and vote new peoplein...These people in Congress are egotistical, cocky, and demeaning.

Mike A. February 26th, 2010 9:19 am ETBig surprise that people who support the Dems (i.e. rely on them for handouts)don't think the Federal Government infringes on people's rights.

Though it should be a huge alarm bell to the Dems that 37% actually do think so.

sean February 26th, 2010 9:18 am ETYeah republicans are crying about the power of government that was obtainedunder republican rule. How convenient. They are a threat, but remember whomade them that way. The right and left are equally responsible for the power our

government has.

Term limits for all govt positions and expiration of the patriot act would be a goodstart to stopping the momentum.

Bevroper February 26th, 2010 9:18 am ETNovember can't come fast enough!

ProfBill February 26th, 2010 9:18 am ETBen Franklin's fears concerning the inability of the masses to effectively"rule" (consistently elect competent legislators to run a country (think Greece andRome)) are coming true.....the easy swayed masses (the so-called

independents) are part of the death throes of the Republic.....

Logix February 26th, 2010 9:18 am ETIt's natural progression for a government to exceed it's limits.

Every so often there needs to be a reset button..Guess it's time to press it!

As for fixing the government as it is, you can't fix stupid!

These politicians have no clue and are bought and sold by lobbiests.

Term limits and no access from lobbiests needs to be the law.

Stefano February 26th, 2010 9:18 am ETSo are you happy about "the One" you were duped into voting for?

relee February 26th, 2010 9:18 am EThopey and changy...the Leviathan has begun......

Albert February 26th, 2010 9:17 am ETIt is good that 56% of the country has their heads out of .... the sand.The "Bill of RIGHTS" was written SPECIFICALLY for times such as these. Thoughthe LAW cannot STOP the depredations of a corrupt government, the Bill ofRIGHTS alerts the People to the danger by the abuses of it BY the government.Just like warning lights on your dashboard ...... Roman General Sulla, "stopquoting the law, we have swords."

Boehner's a boner February 26th, 2010 9:17 am ETThanks Fox and CNN.

Juan M February 26th, 2010 9:16 am ETOf course they are a threat to the rights of citizens. Governments all over the worldhave consistently violated rights of the people they are supposed to "govern." OurConstitution was written with this in mind. The more power a government takes,the greater the chances that they will over step their boundaries.

"When a people fear their government there is tyranny, when a government fearsthe people there is liberty"

BJ February 26th, 2010 9:16 am ETNot surprising.

jgoodson February 26th, 2010 9:16 am ETHard to believe cnn just figured this out.

ReConUSMC February 26th, 2010 9:16 am ETToo Quote the far left .""" That 56 % "" doesn't know what they are talking about !


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Oh Yea ! Wait until NOV !

gadawg007 February 26th, 2010 9:15 am ETActually, this shouldn't be a surprise at all. The whole reason that the Constitutioncontains a Bill of Rights is that the Founding Fathers of the Country saw

government as a threat to people's rights. Accordingly, they passed a list ofthings that the government should not be allowed to do. This shouldn't be ashock at all.

chris February 26th, 2010 9:15 am ETonly the failing CNN would find this a surprise.

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN CABLE NEWS FOX has been reporting this for aLOOOOOOOONGGGGG time.

Jim Bertram February 26th, 2010 9:14 am ETI am not surprised that 37% percent of the Democrats are still STUPID! You

cannot fix stupid. You can only elect more Scum like BO.

God!..... what a sorry mess we are in.......

cj l February 26th, 2010 9:13 am ETUmmm...hey CNN, just to clarify "The survey indicates a partisan divide on thequestion: only 37 percent of Democrats, 63 percent of Independents and nearly 7in 10 Republicans"

37% is still pretty bad. I think this pretty much sums up the perspective of allhardworking americans, and it points out exactly what the Nancy Pelosi's of theUS don't get. Our sentiment is 'do good, but do not EVER sacrifice the rights ofone man to benefit the 'greater good', because that is always a ploy'.

spk2moi February 26th, 2010 9:13 am ETONLY 37% of Democrats agree? And those Democrats are all agreeing that the

federal government is so large and powerful that it poses a threat to all our rightsand freedoms????? That's huge. The Obama nation is crumbling from within.His bubble is no more impenetrable!

jon February 26th, 2010 9:13 am ETThe Feds are obviously a threat to both our personal liberty and to our economicfuture. The Health Bill is a perfect example. Obama et al are totally ignoring thewill of the great majority of Americans and trying to ram a bill thru that will greatlylimit my personal choice over my body, my family'e health, and my finances. Thesame is true for the Cap and Trade Bill, the EPA regulating carbon, theEndangered species act which is ruining agriculture in California, etc, etc.

Obama is a statist and a Euro-style socialist. The Dems have become the newfascists (who were socialists by the way).

Shante' February 26th, 2010 9:12 am ET

What is shocking is that 44% dont understand that it is a threat to our freedomsand how so few people understand that the constitution was meant to limit thegovernment not limit the people. It is also sickening how so many people willtrade their value as individuals for phantom government comforts. My rightsshould end where yours begin and so on, that is the bottom line and I wouldrather be poor and destitute than to conform to mediocrity & be a subject of thegovernment.

mar246 February 26th, 2010 9:12 am ETOur government has been under siege from special interest groups andlobbyists representing corporations for years. The people of this country have nothad any representation long before the present administration. Governmentcould be compared to "urban sprawl" under the Bush/Cheney administration as itgrew in leaps and bounds, limiting more and more of the average American'sfreedoms. And providing and showing less and less concern for the averageworking person.I believe until the senate & congress can get their act together, and represent and

work for the American people, they should not be able to receive any salary.Obviously they're not hurting enough. I think it's time to put a hold on any

paychecks to any elected official who isn't working in the best interest of theaverage American worker. Jobs & health care should be paramount.

Brian February 26th, 2010 9:12 am ETWhy is this a surprise to anyone? The Founding Fathers knew that the singlebiggest threat to the liberties they fought for was an oppressive government. Not

a distant government imposed by a conquering enemy, but OUR OWNgovernemnt. That's why they wrote the Constitution the way they did, so that itwould keep the federal government LIMITED. But thanks to the liberal left, activistcourts, and apathetic conservatives, the Consititution has been bastardized andoutright subverted. Its been done insidiously over the last 40 years since FDR,but now Obama isn't even trying to hide his Marxist ideology.

ran February 26th, 2010 9:12 am ETIt is now time to start doing polls that include those other than land lines CNN orat least say so in your set up because for me and most people I know do nothave a land line but use the Internet or cell phones.

Also, why not inform what political association those being polled (IE how manyRepublicans vs Democrats) belong to.

Because for me theses polls are starting to become meaningless if they do notat least try to be impartial.

steve February 26th, 2010 9:12 am ET


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Big deal. They finely figured out that bif gov. is a threat. They create a monstor andthen have no way to control it., Well my question to all of these supposedlyshocked people, How do you fix it?

Jason Locke February 26th, 2010 9:11 am ETLet's see CNN anchors put a liberal spin on these results! lol

The people have spoken and it is unanimous, smaller government is the way togo.

Ben in Texas February 26th, 2010 9:10 am ETI don't know why any Democrat would say the government is not a threat toindividual rights, after 8 years of Bush/Cheney. Remember how they broke theFISA law, imprisoned people without charges, and tortured prisoners? Surely youhaven't forgotten that, Dems?

It's also a violation of the rights of the middle class when Repugnants give taxbreaks to their rich buddies, leaving the bill to working folks. And neo-cons arealways threatening to take away rights from women and anyone who doesn't fitwith their narrow version of "Christianity", which is mostly based on Old

Testament eye-for-an-eye philosophy. In fact, the Party of No is all aboutrestricting individual rights. That's why they should never be allowed back intopower. Each time they are, they chisel away more individual liberty.

Tom B February 26th, 2010 9:10 am ETIs it really the size or the actions of the government which are a problem? I am

more concerned about the spying on Americans, torturing of people and otheractions the government may take rather than simply the size of the government.

I am curious as to whether Republicans felt this way during the BUshAdministration when the government was equally large. Or does this poll simplyreflect partisan politics?

Adam February 26th, 2010 9:10 am ETWait so republicans are scared of government interference in the rights ofAmericans, yet they are perfectly fine legislating morality and preventing gayunions?

Cheryl February 26th, 2010 9:09 am ETFinally some others are starting to publish the truth instead of all the propagandaobama has been pushing!

Angry Vet February 26th, 2010 9:09 am ETThis is proof that civics is not taught in public schools any more. Additionally, it isproof that the republicans don't think for themselves, for if you asked them onequestion, which right do you fear losing, they could not tell you one.

Bob The Cleaner February 26th, 2010 9:09 am ET

I'd like to know who the 30% of Republicans are who do NOT believe thatgovernment is a threat. I thought... oh, I don't know... that this was ... maybe... ACENTRAL TENET of Republican doctrine.

These RINOS need to be purged from the party.

Scariest words? "I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help..."

Ferret out the BS February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETThey didn't tell us how many paranoid schizophrenics were intervied probably 7out of 10 just looking at the numbers.

Rick McDaniel February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETSome of the things being done in the government, right this moment, border onthe kinds of things you expect in a dictatorship.

I think the government of this country is teetering on the brink. That is whathappens, when corruption becomes rampant.

Paul H February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETGovernment is getting to big. And the proposed legislation that's on the table willexpand Government into our living rooms. Things l ike: Cap and Trade will put

such a hold on industry, and current energy sources that cost would go up onpractically everything in the market. Any tax break a person may get is only givenright back to the system.The health care debate is more of the same. Government take over of a freemarket institution.It's got socialistic over tones even if they don't what to actually say "Socialism"

more cnn spin February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETonly 37% of stupid libersl, 63% of independents, but wait almost 7 in 10republicans think this!!! Am I the only one who reads this and knows that CNN isintentionally saying 7 in ten rather than reporting a % much like independents,because 65% is nearly 7 in 10. one again the communist news network hasdenuded itself of unbiased news. This is why Fox is killing them in the ratingsand why nearly 7 in 10 Americans believe Fox news is the most trust worthy.Thank you cnn for reinforcing my dislike for your site.

Tom February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETWhen a government is willing to effectively say we have NO CHOICE and have togo buy a product or go to jail it should be more than obvious they are very muchwilling to trample on individual rights. When they decide the constitution doesn'tapply it should be unquestionable. I am surprised the number isn't much higher.If the media were doing it's job it would be.


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RefreshTheTree February 26th, 2010 9:08 am ETThey are a threat, and it is naive to think they are not. In New Orleans guns wereconfiscated by heavily armed police and national guard, which is in direct andblatant violation of at least two amendments of the Constitution (2 and 4), and ifyou say, well it was an emergency then you are part of the problem. Can you sayinalienable? Do you know what it means? Our new American nobility (congressand the cabinet) do not work for us, welcome to King George 2010. Ben Franklinsaid it best in two quotes:-"...once the people realize they can vote themselves money, that will herald theend of the republic"And-"...those who would give up essential liberty for temporary security deserveneither liberty nor security."

C. Farrell, Houston, Tx February 26th, 2010 9:07 am ET

I wonder what questions were asked of people who were polled because justsimply asking does the government pose a threat to rights and freedoms is a yesor no question. I'd like to know how, why and when these polled individuals havebeen directly threatened and not just some propaganda they heard.

Scott February 26th, 2010 9:07 am ETIt is not a surprise that the majority of Americans are now very concerned aboutour future and the size of government. The President and his party have decidedto force through a government take over of Health Care. With that they now controlsome of the largest banks, AIG Insurnace, two of the three car companies all

mortgages and it is growing. Control of health care will allow the government todecide all facets of what is "healthy" in our life, such as what we eat, drink, whatwe play as sports (e.g. hunting), and maybe even to much stress coming fromnot saying the "right" thing. Hopefully they won't force the American people out theback door of the White House because the Chineese Government says so.

Listen America . . . it is time to take back our future for our children. Give them the

same opportunities we had. Freedom does not guarentee a success, we have towork hard for it!

proud mother and sister of a

soldier February 26th, 2010 9:07 am ETObama clearly expressed his opinion yesterday at the health care summit thatthe citizens of this country do not understand the complexities of these issues.Consequently, government must step into play. I was insulted bu his stammeringas he looked for a word other than "dumb". The progressives would like nothingmore than have big government.

Humanrights1st February 26th, 2010 9:07 am ET"One person's rights end where another person's begin"U.S. started violating our human rights when they decided that it is perfectlyacceptable to forcibly take one person's money/property and redistribute it toothers. It's been all downhill since. When the "Common Good" takes precedenceover human rights, it opens the door to a whole host of abuses.

JMA February 26th, 2010 9:07 am ET63% of independents speaks volumes. Democrats are fine with big governmentas long as their party is in power, and Republicans didn't seem to care aboutBush's massive expansion of government powers when it was in the name of"homeland security".

Vic of New York February 26th, 2010 9:06 am ETGoes to show you how good the Right Wing brainwashing message has gotten.

Joe Mccarthy anyone?

ARAPIKOS February 26th, 2010 9:06 am ETWhat were the statistics from the years 2000-2008?Give us some more meat to your polls, not just assuming that we will take thebait and run with it. "Just the Facts, ma'am; Just the Facts" says Joe Friday.

p. harris February 26th, 2010 9:05 am ETThere have been some really bad administrations in the past. J. Carter comes tomind but nothing like this one. The press has much for which to answer forpalming off this man, completely unqualified on our country. The real problemthough too many uneducated people who voted for this bunch of thugs.........

haren February 26th, 2010 9:05 am ETIn yesterday's summit you can see that each and every Republican hasorchestrated talking point of 'step by step' and 'start all over',It is obvious they came in summit with close mind not to support a blackpresident.

Mel February 26th, 2010 9:05 am ETIt's not the government itself. The government has become an instrument forhuge multi-national corporations that have gotten so big, so rich and politicallypowerful that they consider themselves to be global entities with no loyalty to any

one nation. Through our cash-driven election system they get what they wantusing a government they run through lobbyists and lobbyists-turned-congressional staffers. Government's action (or inaction) is only a symptom ofthe real problem. Our Congress and state legislatures have been bought.Government takes the rap but the only way to get government working for us is toFIX THE MONEY. Focus like a laser beam on that and it will enable the fix foreverything else.

Eva from Tampa February 26th, 2010 9:04 am ETThe Republicans have done a masterful job in whipping up this "fear"mongering. What they are really saying is "we fear a black man in the oval office".


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What an amazing shame for this country.

Tom Ashbarry February 26th, 2010 9:04 am ETStrange that CNN the first of all the "established"media to release a poll, that hasbeen broadcast for the past 13 months by Fox News, I wonder if the other Media

(MSNBC/ABC/CBS/NY Times/Washington Post) are beginning to see the vastmistake made by the voters in 2008 election?????? More than likely thiscomment will NOT be posted

Danny Ross February 26th, 2010 9:04 am ETThe amazing thing to me is that anyone thinks that government is not a threat to

their rights. It is what governments do. As Robert Heinlein says, "Laws are notpassed for the benefit of the governed." More to the point, President Obama isarguably the most extreme proponent of government control of the individual.

Will Crain February 26th, 2010 9:03 am ET

Jefferson, whom was considered a "Liberal" during his time, had one of thegreatest quotes, "A goverment big enough to give you everything you want, canalso take take it all away.".

Roger February 26th, 2010 9:03 am ETGood to see that the public is beginning to wise up. Are you listening,Democrats? Obama?

fourtunato February 26th, 2010 9:03 am ETPeople thought Bush was taking away rights. What a laugh. Obama's socialistutopia will strip us all of more and more of our freedom. As soon as he getscontrol of our health system, he'll accelerate getting as many people as possiblereliant on the on govt. for jobs. Just like every socialist country. Then we are dead.

The US is toast with this guy.

IntelliQ February 26th, 2010 9:02 am ET

Im surprised that it's only 56%.

Indoctrination at the early ages in our public schools will eradicate the holdouts.Eventually.

Matt Trey February 26th, 2010 9:02 am ETThis poll also demonstrates that 63 percent of Democrats have no idea what isgoing on around them.

CL OT February 26th, 2010 9:02 am ETThis should not be a surprise. I hope that everyone in Washington sees and

understands this.

libra February 26th, 2010 9:02 am ETCnn how come u didnt take this typeof poll when g w bush was wiretappingamerica u r getting more like fox thats why i watch bbc news

Marilyn February 26th, 2010 9:02 am ETWhy is all this coming as a shock to msm agencies? People have been veryvocal. Could it be that after more than a year they haven't been able to silence themajority into submission, that maybe there is something to it? They have beenbowing and kissing the feet of the annointed one for so long they have forgottenthe people that actually see the emporer without clothing.

jo e February 26th, 2010 9:01 am ETobama and his gang of thugs want to control every part of americans lives.. intheir world the only ones with rights are them not you.. government control is notthe answer.. name one thing govt does that is done wisely.. waste, fraud, abuse..

KATHLEEN February 26th, 2010 9:01 am ETWith the Democrats posturing to pass a freedom oppressing health care billthrough reconciliation I am not surprised at all by this poll. This administration

has been overreaching since the beginning of its tenure.

The spending and increase of government size by 24% in one year in the midstof a serious financial crisis shows that they really don't care about the Americanpeople.

They will be voted out of office for doing additional damage to our economycloaked in the disguise of a stimulus bill and all of the other spending whichwere mostly payoffs to cronies for helping win an election.

Ancient Texan February 26th, 2010 9:01 am ETNot long now, November 2010, we can begin rebuilding the America we knowand love. Not the nanny state that's been under construction for the last fourteenmonths.

Kris February 26th, 2010 9:00 am ET

This is the "duh" poll of the day. Of course the US government is a threat to ourrights. All they need is the right emergency to pass any legislation they want. Justask Rahm Emanuel; that's his plan.

Lawrence February 26th, 2010 9:00 am ETThe government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to takewhatever it wants.

anchorbeach February 26th, 2010 9:00 am ETWe have career politicians and a President printing money and financiallybreaking our bank while attempting to make un-Constitutional policies in the


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lying. His actions are telling us what he is. Slowly taking control of our freedoms.Stand up America before Freedom is gone.

Sissy February 26th, 2010 8:56 am ETOf course the government is a threat to individual rights, you dolts. Why do you

think the Bill of Rights exists in the first place. Government, in whatever form, willinherently seek to invade the rights of its citizens. That's not always bad, such asin most law enforcement contexts, but it's just a reality. How can anyone possiblythink any powerful government is voluntarily going to look out for weak, powerlessyou?

Pastor Paul J February 26th, 2010 8:56 am ETBut when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the sameobject evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is theirright, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards fortheir future security

dlb-Texas February 26th, 2010 8:56 am ETThe poll indicates that Americans are generally optimistic, even in the face of verychallenging times. Yet, the fact is our country is broken. The more educated weare on the issues of the day, the more "broken" things appear. Because of ourJudeo/Christian foundation and heritage, many of us run to our source of truehelp: wisdom from God. But our human nature also cries out for one true patriot.We wanted to believe that President Obama could offer change and trueleadership, working with members of both parties. Now it is CLEAR..that heoffers his own agenda even while our country suffers. If it were not for the deepseated hope in godly wisdom as an individual citizen, I would feel hopeless. Thatis why tea parties, etc strike a cord with many of us, even if we choose not toparticipate. We are trying to have some control over our lives because it is"PERFECTLY CLEAR" that Washington can NOT be trusted to do the right thing.

Renny February 26th, 2010 8:55 am ETGovernment is only broken when Dems. are in administration.

NYC was "ungovernable" until Giuliani cleaned up the streets, cut welfare in half,

cut taxes, promoted tourism and the financial industry, and then SUDDENLY,NYC was governable again.

DC is only "broken" because the vast Dem. majorities in House and Senatecannot solve their internal disorganization and disputes or Obamanationcarewould've passed last summer.

Cheers to the Reps. who stood up to arrogance, stupidity, disinterest, andboredom in yesterday's summit. You are winning the country back.

Roy Sparks February 26th, 2010 8:54 am ETSince Obama took office, I've become more afraid of our own government thatalmost any foreign power. Sadly, there are many like me.

Even sadder is the fact that creating fear in America is exactly what Obama wantsto do.

Liz February 26th, 2010 8:54 am ETWhat this poll shows is that the vast majority of republicans are fearful, paranoidpeople easily manipulated by their party to believe all sorts of crazy things. Theyare so far out of touch with reality, it's positively scary. And these people say theywant 'their country back.' Well, you can't have it back, you broke it! Now get out ofthe way and let the smart people fix it!

Randyrr February 26th, 2010 8:54 am ETWow, most have known this for quite a while. I hope the politicians are listening.nah,, just wishful thinking

Jeffer65 February 26th, 2010 8:53 am ETEnough with these polls ! They poll 100 people, and by that they assume "the

majority" of Americans feel a certain way. What a crock!

Michael Eckersley February 26th, 2010 8:53 am ETMost surveys have the questions so loaded that they do not necessarily reflectthe true opinion of the citizens

Jan Knox February 26th, 2010 8:53 am ETThe big news here, to me, is that it's not 100%! With the unprecedentedgovernment takeover under Barak Hussein Obama and his far-left, marxist-loving, administration, it's a wonder. Chicago politics on steroids has been ondisplay, thanks to Fox News, and "We, The People" don't like it. Go figure!

Sleeping giants have woken from their deep sleep...thank God!

Al J February 26th, 2010 8:53 am ETWhat's new? This is exactly what the Founders believed too. Time to return to theConstitution and drop the creeping Marxist agenda being promoted by the leftists

loons of the Democrat party.

Dominican mama 4 Obama February 26th, 2010 8:52 am ETExactly what freedoms have we lost since 11-04-08? The only threat in the gov'tthat I see is the resident domestic taliban the GOP.

STP February 26th, 2010 8:51 am ETI find it interesting that when the last adminstration put procedures in place toprotect the country from terrorist threats, the progressive liberals were up inarms. Where are they now? The BO aka Stinky administration says its ok to listenin on cell phones and no outrage. I guess its ok because they started with


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Americans dont mind having their cell phones monitored. Progressives I guessneed to be told how to think

Walter February 26th, 2010 8:51 am ETThe numbers are as expected for the Dems and Repubs The interesting thingis the high number of Independentswho feel this way. This group increasinglyseems to be shying away from the left. That has got to be cause for concern forObama and company as November approaches.

DwayneL February 26th, 2010 8:51 am ETI would agree 100%!!!!!

haren February 26th, 2010 8:51 am ETIs it Because a African American is president?Where were this Americans when bush was opening our mails and andaccessing our e-mail.

Fighting two wars and passing prescription drug not worrying about budgetdeficit.My request to Democrats is let us pass Health care bill with Public option,enough of water down and doing back room deal to get 60 votes. Majority ofAmericans want to pass health care with public option.Get rid of lousiana,nebraska, connecticut purchase and pass the bill with 51votes.

Lynn February 26th, 2010 8:51 am ETPlease oh please - call me just once for an opinion poll, Quit calling the samearea codes and get some real opinions from free thinking Americans.

Publiusj February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETThe Senate is breaking government, and we can all see that now. When theframers created the institution of the Senate, they built-in minority protections byallowing each state two Senators regardless of population. On its own, the

Senate has adhered to a rule of only allowing an up or down vote on legislationafter clearing a 60 vote hurdle. Over time, legislators have used thisparliamentary tactic to essentially extort things for their home state from theFederal Government. If you want to fix government, fix the Senate.

southerncousin February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETWe are definitely being led in to a Hugo Chavez situation by this idiot that wasinstalled in office by George Soros and SEIU/ACORN. For the libertards thatdegrade and demean the TEA party, the jig is up, you have managed to turnAmerica against you with the smug, smarmy and elitist attitude you demonstrate.Hopefully, democrats will throw the people who hijacked their party out and bereborn as true democrats again. Otherwise we could slide in to a one partysystem for decades starting in November.

Dorothy Fitzpatrick February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETThe rights of Americans were taken away during the Bush Administration. ThePatriotic Act allowed the government to enter homes, arrest people, and

interrogate them all under the guise of terrorism. Now, I am all for preventingterrorists from harming Americans any where in the world, but, especially onhome soil.

Perhaps the 1,023 adult Americans questioned in the poll forgot about thePatriotic Act, or, probably were only allowed to answer yes or no to the carefullyselected questions.

I think the survey is a farce. What geographic area was surveyed, and how werethe people selected?

TAKING CORPORATION

TRIPS & MONEY February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETWHAT A DEMOCRAT(Rep Rangle) surely we can find a way to blame this onBush.Maybe the poll was wrong.It is CNN's fault.He has only had a year.It wasRacism.

xJonx February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETTo fix it, shift the power of the purse to the States. Do this by disallowing theFederal Government from taxing the individual. Instead have the FederalGovernment tax the States per representative in Congress (House and Senate).This will have a couple consequences. First, it will establish a DIRECTrelationship between representation and taxation. Second, it will cause themoney to flow UP from the States instead of DOWN from the FederalGovernment. In other words, the States will no longer need Federal funding forANY programs. They will get whatever money they need directly from the people.And since We the People have a greater say in our State governments over ourFederal Government, We the People will have a greater say in how OUR MONEYis spent.

WeThePeople February 26th, 2010 8:50 am ETIt does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keento set brush fires in people's minds.."

Samuel Adams

Remain vigilant people. The tireless minority want a hand-out, and will continueto demand that the government provide a nanny state, and cradle to gravebenefits.

Jack February 26th, 2010 8:49 am ETGovernment has always been the biggest threat to freedoms! Just read yourhistory, it has always been government that has oppressed people around theworld and in the USA. That is why we were set up to be a REPUBLIC "to be ruledby law" the Constitution. If you haven't read the Constitution lately please do, youwill notice that most in our Gov do not uphold it!!


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GET OUR OF OUR LIVES Washington!!!!!

Jack

Mike February 26th, 2010 8:49 am ETWe the people started losing our rights after George Bush & Dick Cheney tookoffice. If that trend continues under Obama, shame on them. Both parties areguilty of ignoring the will of the people in favor of their own stubborn ideology. Ifind both parties to blame for our current mess.

Anonymous February 26th, 2010 8:48 am ETDid you know that Arthur W. Degener was indicted for embezzeling $98,000.00from Virginia Tech and then had a nervous breakdown?

Kate February 26th, 2010 8:48 am ETThe federal gov. has already taken a civil "right" away, access to healtcare. Ourgovernment only works for some, the wealthy and the powerful. This is mygreatest fear about government, it only favors the rich and those in government.Healthcare for instance, our President is trying to find a way to make it possible tohave healthcare for Americans and some of the congress sits there, and mainlyrepublicans, fight against a public option, but they themselves have the best

health care and insurance which is paid for by the taxpayers who sent them toCongress to represent us. As I watched the health summit and watched andlistened to John Boehner and John McCain who are against the averageAmerican bring up the same ole talking points and lies instead of reaching outand working with what both sides al ready have in common. OUR GREATESTTHREAT TO US LIES WITHIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY,and I am an EXrepublican!!

Pilgrim February 26th, 2010 8:47 am ETWhat do you expect with this kind of leadership, we fought against this 230 years

ago. It's time to fight back!

p.h.balanced February 26th, 2010 8:47 am ETWhat do you mean ONLY 37 % of Dems think the federal government poses athreat to their rights? That's over 1/3 of the Democrats! Obama's own peopledon't trust him! Add that to the nearly 2/3 of independents and 3/4 of Republicansand these numbers are devastating. Even during the hippie era of the 1960'sthere wasn't this rampant distrust of government.

lukuj February 26th, 2010 8:46 am ETIt is too bad that our president and Congress don't really care what the peoplethink and seem to actually desire to limit citizens' rights unless, of course, theybelong to a politically correct group or a group that contributes heavily to theircoffers (like trial lawyers). People have started to see what Obama and his ilkwant and it is reflected in this poll. You don't take over a chunk of the economylike health care without liminiting freedoms.

Phil in NY February 26th, 2010 8:46 am ETWho cares about rights. Give me more handouts!!

MIchael February 26th, 2010 8:45 am ETOf course its broken, wake up those of you who said its not a threat. We need tovote out 95% of incumbents!!

MeA February 26th, 2010 8:45 am ETThis isn't shocking. With the Federal gov't slowly siphoning power away from the

individual, it becomes more controlling and intrusive to our everyday lives.Solution: VOTE VOTE VOTE for candidates who will SHRINK the government andits power.

Pamela Powell February 26th, 2010 8:45 am ETI cannot understanding how people are working so hard against having some

type of health care reform. The republicans should be ashamed of themselves.

When they had the chance to get it started they did nothing. All they do is talk.What I saw yesterday was just some of the same old things that was happeningby the same class of white men who can't seem to relate to the plot of America. Itno wonder our country is in the shape that it is in.

Jan February 26th, 2010 8:45 am ETIt boggles the mind that the stats are that good for government. Our forefather'smain concern was that the Federal government would get too big and becomeour master. Well, that is exactly what we see happening and has been for 100years. Slow but sure, and now they are so bold, the Obama admn. is going to justdo what they want without our consent. Obama, the dictator.

joel palmer February 26th, 2010 8:45 am ETAgain a poll clearing demonstrating the gross stupidity and ignorance of amajoitry of those polled. The educational system of this country is a massivefailure if this is what our citizreny believes and "knows".

All conservatives are not stupid; all stupid people are conservative

Rep Rangel to be

admonished February 26th, 2010 8:44 am ETTAKING CORPORATION MONEY & FREE TRIPS- We can not trust thosedespicable lying evil GOP corporation loving scandels OOPS he is a democrat-FORGET WHAT I SAID we know dems are honest.

UncleSam February 26th, 2010 8:43 am ETJust report the news, and attempt to be unbiased (without obvious agenda's).


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Large News Organizations just don't get it.This isn't Oprah~

th February 26th, 2010 8:43 am ETAll you people who are against taxes if there weren't taxes you wouldn't have

roads to drive on, or services to use when you need help. Everyone uses roads,bridges etc. So when you are complaining about something not being fixed lookto yourself you and your Repub. friends are to blame.

GIBWGL February 26th, 2010 8:43 am ETwow, a CNN poll? 63% independents? Pretty hard to spin these results as angry,

fringe, tea-partying white men clinging to guns and God. Gonna have to tryanother angle.

Mikeyh0 February 26th, 2010 8:42 am ETYeah, rights are being compromised but the real issue is the economy. If

everyone is broke paying for government programs that don't work I would reallylike to know where all that money goes then freedom is wiped out. Folks arestill working at a greater percentage than Europe or other places but what gooddoes it do when the government seizes that wealth in the name ofcompassionate laws/ programs? If I lose my house, can I be free? If I cannotafford food, am I free? If I sell my truck, am I free? If I must depend on thegovernment, am I free?

Joe February 26th, 2010 8:42 am ETYa dont say?!!!

Every time there is more legislation and regulation,for each new governmentagency and policy we give up a little.

Clinton Cooper February 26th, 2010 8:42 am ETfunny I remember hearing from the democrats all the time when Bush was

President about how he was takling their rights. yet in this poll it is the Dems whono longer feel that way. Yet Obama is still employign almost all the policies thatBush used like wireless phone taps and such. I guess we see that for all theiryelling was solely based on partisan attitudes.

truth is any government whether Republican or Democrat is taking our rights andthey must ALL be stopped. Democrats please wake up to this.... ...

David from Raleigh, NC February 26th, 2010 8:40 am ETAmericans should be concerned with Obama's agenda to take America down thepath towards Socialism and Marxism.

Tom in Va February 26th, 2010 8:40 am ETWell of course..

And it's no one's fault but our own! We elect leaders that want to tell you who can

marry or not marry. They decide for you if an abortion is right for YOU or not.....

We elect leaders that want to regulate your most PERSONAL and PRIVATE lives.We get what we deserve.

Gil Oberdas February 26th, 2010 8:39 am ETWhen we allow our country to wage unjust wars that are a threat to civilians andwe can only come up with, "We're Sorry!" almost daily, then our government hasbecome a threat!

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA February 26th, 2010 8:39 am ETWhatever. Government is suppose to govern. It may seem odd to some folksbecause the country has been ungoverned for the last 8 years.

John February 26th, 2010 8:39 am ETI guess the Democrats should consider NOT ramming through a bastardized

version of a health care bill, eh? Go back to the drawing board and don't try tosave face, Barry.... you're hearing....but not listening.... START OVER!!!

Jake February 26th, 2010 8:39 am ETAunt Bea/Opie/Mayberry/ & the tooth fairey = NObama/Dumocraps and socialistsuccess ALL ARE JUST A FAIREY TALE-wake up the GOP will rule and onceagain we all will win.GOP for life,the party of success.

mike February 26th, 2010 8:38 am ETYesterday's all day photo-op (sorry, "Health Care Summit") was a prime exampleof what this poll indicates. It was a fine example of bipartisanship, both sidescould not retreat from their "talking points" and nothing was accomplished. Nowthe Democrats will feel that it's OK to ram this one down our throats, too. Eventhough all polls indicate that "We The People" don't want it.

Gil Oberdas February 26th, 2010 8:37 am ETSometimes we get "Our Civil Rights" mixed up with our "Civil Privileges and CivilObligations!" We have become too "Give me, give me, give me, in our outlooktowards our Nation, family and others.

Cranky February 26th, 2010 8:36 am ETThis is NOT news to me.....I could have told you 30 years ago the our commiegovernment. were slowly eroding at our rights......Its nice to know that CNN andtheir liberal followers finally woke up!!!

Deb February 26th, 2010 8:35 am ETCan you smell the Revolution???? Obama vs The People!!!!!!


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T'SAH from Virginia February 26th, 2010 8:34 am ETI am at the point now to where I do not believe these polls anymore!!! It makesyou wonder if CNN or the Pollsters are polling the SAME people???

I, and EVERYONE around my world, have NEVER been polled!!! NEVER!! Also,whose home during the day to answer the polls?? When are the polls taken???Are CELL PHONES included??? Are BLACK people included??? Are GAYSincluded?

Another thing how could these numbers be so right when EVERY Republicanagreed with almost EVERYTHING in the Health Care Bill which means theywould have voted for it ONLY if the process was started over???? Huh? Theywant it to start over so they can LIE to the people that the PLAN passed becauseof THEM!!!

This all has to do with HEALTH CARE and so be it!!!!

dora February 26th, 2010 8:33 am ETI'm no fan of the "Big Brother" concept of government, but just what exactly do you

think you will be a citizen of without government?

We need to get the money out of elections. We need to get the money out ofpolitics (starting with K street). We need to get the money out of the newsindustry, so they can report news not gossip.

Poll question on the home page of CNN asked, "How do you view the WhiteHouse Health Care Summit? Productive or a waste of time?" It accomplishednothing productivity wise, but it was a showcase of the bullstuff that the

Republican Party has been peddling as policy.

I voted for Obama and

proud of it in Oregon February 26th, 2010 8:33 am ETya right the republicans are the threat they lie and the democrats need to get aset of Ba lls and pass health care with or with out the party of NOso its not the current president its the bush chenney rove era . 8 years of lies and

theats . its time to move on change is here lets help the president make ithappen . call email or what ever your representativetell them support the presidents plan

j j February 26th, 2010 8:31 am ETwhatever CNN, with your catch phrases!!

Candi February 26th, 2010 8:31 am ETObama & the Dem Politicians are smart.They get paid for what they do,it is themorons that follow them that are the brainless/mindless ones.Sheep going toslaughter and do not even know it.

JonDie February 26th, 2010 8:29 am ETThe Republican Tea Party solution: Turn the government over to the private

corporations like Visa, AIG and the health insurance companies that are robbingmost of us blind while denying coverage to many. Yeah, that's makes a lot ofsense. The "government" doesn't take away anyone's rights, it makes sure thatthe rich don't trample all over my rights.

Andy February 26th, 2010 8:29 am ETDems/Obama = dog and pony show/promises/lies/spin & smoke.GOP just sayNO and be proud if it,stop the dem/obama wasteful spending and socialistentitlement agenda.Government is the problem not the solution.Send the demshome in Nov.

GPC February 26th, 2010 8:28 am ETAs an Independent, I say that the most recent right wing government s haveseverely damaged civil and

majority of americans think the federal government poses a threat to rights of americans,

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