Whispers…the government is a threat
According to a recent September 9-13 Governance poll conducted by Gallup, Americans are equally divided on the question of whether the US Federal Government poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens. Some 49% of Americans responded “yes,” and 49% responded “no.” The number of those believing the government is a threat to American rights and freedoms has climbed from 44% since 2006 and 46% early in the current administration. Republicans have remained in the 63-65% range in believing government is a threat. Democrats, however, have increased from 24% in 2006 to 32% in believing government is a threat to citizens’ rights–an 8 point jump.
Of those who perceive the government as an immediate threat, 19% say there are too many laws and that government is too big in general; 15% cite violations of civil liberties; 12% say the government is a threat to Second Amendment rights; 10% say there is just too much government involvement in people’s private lives; 6% cite infringement on religious freedom; 6% freedom of speech, and 6% believe the government is a threat because it is socialist. Gallup concludes: ” The persistent finding in recent years that half of the population views the government as an immediate threat underscores the degree to which the role and power of government remains a key issue of our time.”
Essentially, half of the 1,025 adults surveyed believe the government is an immediate threat to citizens rights. I would wager that if you took a survey of anyone who actually owned property in this country, that figure would be far higher. Those who own small businesses would likely register higher as well. In other words, those who have a stake in this country through owning a piece of it and/or doing business here, would believe that the government is an immediate threat. In September 2011, Gallup released a poll that indicated a record 81% of Americans were dissatisfied with the way the country is being governed. These numbers have increased dramatically since the current “president” took office.
Recently, a citizen posed a question to Republican Candidate Donald Trump and made a statement that the “president” was Muslim and not an American. In response, the “president’s” press secretary Josh Ernst condemned all Republicans, saying ” I don’t think that anybody who’s been paying attention to Republican politics is at all surprised. The reason for that is that the people who hold these offensive views are part of Mr. Trump’s base.” Ernst then insinuated that Republicans were “David Duke” racists. This is offensive and insulting. This is an example of the soft tyranny of an overreaching government.And it’s why an increasing number of Americans see their government as an enemy, not a servant. Proverbs 29:2 says, ” When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.”
