The people's priorities
According to a new poll, "eliminating poverty" is more important to most Americans than "fighting terrorism" or "establishing democracies" in the Middle East. You'd never guess it if you listened to our politicians.It's surely safe to assume that the recent Hurricane Katrina disaster helped draw pollees' attention to the issue of widespread poverty, but disaster victims make up just a small percentage of the more than 37 million Americans living below the poverty line, according to the U.S. Census.
The best news contained in the New American Media poll is the evidence of a strong national concensus that something should be done about it. Even two-thirds of whites-- a more conservative majority-- agree with the statement that government "should do everything in its power to eliminate poverty."
The best news not contained in the poll is that something can be done about it. We are still the wealthiest nation in the world, with high per capita productivity and an abundance of food, technology and capital.
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Are you an old school sports fan like author and Esquire contributor Chuck Klosterman?
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I'm a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan, but I have no use for the stadium urinal used by the players.
I should say I have no need for it. I have a biological use for it.
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I participated in an on-line vote for the LA Times earlier today, but I don't know what exactly to make of the results:
Q: Do you believe female members of the group Breasts Not Bombs (in action today in Sacramento, CA) should be allowed to go topless in public protests?
49.0% (10314 responses) - Yes, it's free expression
51.0% (10755 responses) - No, it's offensive
posted by CM @ 6:33 PM
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