The War of the Polls
A second poll shows majority disapproval of the NSA’s phone database, if by a slender margin. Here’s how the question is worded (an oh-so-important consideration):
Based on what you have heard or read about this program to collect phone records, would you say you approve or disapprove of this government program?
That’s pretty neutral wording, I guess, though it’s bound to get some dunderheads who haven’t heard of the program to say they disapprove in a knee-jerk anti-government reaction. In any event, to that question, 51% disapprove to 43% who approve.
As I’ve said many times, I don’t put much stock in polls – nevertheless, I point this out as yet another example of the work that lies ahead for the Bush administration if they want to rebuild their standing with the American people. A prime-time address on the subject of national security might be in order, if you ask me, instead of the upcoming immigration speech…
What is the difference between making a list of calls people make in an effort to find patterns to stop terrorism and making a list of people who buy certain cold/sinus medicines at their local pharmacy in an effort to find patterns for people who are making meth? The negative media attention for the NSA records far outweighs that of the meth issue (most reporting I’ve seen has been positive on collecting those records, especially when people are caught), so, why the dichotomy? Might be because there haven’t been any terrorists with foiled plans making it into the news…or none at all? Damn classified programs…
Based on these two links, I’d say that the latest NSA program is quite legal, well at least if they buy them, like everybody else.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-privacy05.html
http://www.democrats.com/spy-on-them
This would render these polls, this issue, moot.
No attacks foiled at all? Really? CNN says there are 10. I’d say that’s probably a more reliable source than “liberal oasis.” And perhaps I’m remembering this incorrectly, mike, but didn’t you say you were a moderate?
Aaron, the link you provided are just 10 plots that were foiled, but not necessarily because of the NSA program. Liberal oasis (did you read the link?) said that none have been confirmed because it’s “classified”. My point was that if it was confirmed that plots had been foiled because of the program the media coverage might be more friendly (like with the meth lab stories). Not trying to say anything further.
I am a moderate. I dislike both conservative and liberal talking heads, but tend to vote for democrats because I value privacy over money. I can always make more money if needed, but I would be perfectly content paying an additional $2-4K per year (which is probably the difference between Kerry and Bush, even though I’m now paying an additional $1-2K/year since interest rates on college loans have increased and you know as well as I how much Rose-Hulman sticks it to you, or maybe you won’t be paying for it like I was forced to…)