[Izzy Dunne]

Then why in the hell do we elect such people as we do?

[TBP]

“I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size. I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom. My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them. It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel old ones that do violence to the Constitution ... or have failed their purpose ... or that impose on the people an unwarranted financial burden. I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is ‘needed’ before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible. And if I should be attacked for neglecting my constituents’ ‘interests,’ I shall reply that I was informed that their main interest is liberty, and in that cause I am doing the very best I can.” — Barry Goldwater

[relictele]

Eleven percent (11%) are not sure about it.

These are the 'moderates' and 'independents' we are told to lavish with praise and attention.

[SnakeDoctor]

Makes you wonder about the other 8%.

SnakeDoc

[edcoil]

We already have them. Called the Constitution and Bill of Rights!

[fireman15]

As a person who is still employed by a local government... I have seen the inner workings at a local level and we should all be very afraid. It is very scary what just a little power does to many people. I think that in previous generations this may have been held in check more frequently by peoples’ moral compasses.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Voters believe too much government power is a dangerous thing and put a very high value on protecting the rights of the individual.

The problem is that everyone only thinks of the individual rights that matter to them when considering this issue. If you encourage or tolerate government intrusion on individual rights you either don't care about or actively oppose, you can expect government intrusion on the individual rights that matter to you. The nature of government and the people who work in it is to grow and seek more control.

[pallis]

I wish it were that simple. When Marxists start meddling with reason, nothing is simple, and people, most of whom have never thought through the origins and consequences of their beliefs, are walking contradictions, wanting freedom, and voting serfdom.

[PeterPrinciple]

Voters believe too much government power is a dangerous thing and put a very high value on protecting the rights of the individual.

---

meaning them as an individual but willing to use govt to restrict their neighbors rights. Folks, there are a LOT of conservatives here who agree with this...............

[No One Special]

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Likely U.S. Voters agree with the statement that a government powerful enough to do everything you want is also powerful enough to take away everything you have.

48% of these think this is a feature and not a bug. ;-(