DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Rasmussen: 27% want government-controlled economy, 42% of Democrats

**bubborn** · 12-09-2010, 11:48 AM

Since you have to pay to see the actual questions and results, I have to dismiss any stories because of possible slant. I was only able to see this question, and it does appear slanted:

4* What is the appropriate role of government in the economy? Should the government manage the economy, provide programs like unemployment insurance to help people through difficult times, or should the government stay out of economic decisions entirely?

Rasmussen and news outlets could easily slant the results to say that if you believe the government should provide unemployment benefits then you believe "the government should manage the economy."

The truth is, the government does manage the economy. The Fed sets interest rates, regulates monetary policy and regulates banking (not very well at times. Congress approves the Federal Budget and approves what we spend and what we tax. The Constitution allows for taxes, other government agencies regulate the securities industry, trade, exchange rates, antitrust, enviornmental laws, saftey laws, etc. The government provides financing for roads, schools, public parks, college tuition, home mortgages, small business loans, social progams and the military.

The poll itself is a red herring, constructed to score political points. I would expect nothing less from Rasmussen.

12-09-2010, 11:48 AM	#2
bubborn Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 449 Senior Member	Since you have to pay to see the actual questions and results, I have to dismiss any stories because of possible slant. I was only able to see this question, and it does appear slanted: 4* What is the appropriate role of government in the economy? Should the government manage the economy, provide programs like unemployment insurance to help people through difficult times, or should the government stay out of economic decisions entirely? Rasmussen and news outlets could easily slant the results to say that if you believe the government should provide unemployment benefits then you believe "the government should manage the economy." The truth is, the government does manage the economy. The Fed sets interest rates, regulates monetary policy and regulates banking (not very well at times. Congress approves the Federal Budget and approves what we spend and what we tax. The Constitution allows for taxes, other government agencies regulate the securities industry, trade, exchange rates, antitrust, enviornmental laws, saftey laws, etc. The government provides financing for roads, schools, public parks, college tuition, home mortgages, small business loans, social progams and the military. The poll itself is a red herring, constructed to score political points. I would expect nothing less from Rasmussen.
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