Most of us Americans (nearly 7 in 10 to be exact) believe that the U.S. government has a right to intervene and create laws that impact at least some aspect of our lives from our children’s education to our own recreation. However, what’s interesting is that a majority of us don’t agree on where those boundaries should be. In fact, less than half of Americans feel the government should be allowed to create laws that regulate the following:
So re-stating the obvious, it appears that very few Americans think the government should take a wholly interventionist approach to our lives; however, most of us think the government should be allowed to intervene on occasion.
My interpretation is that the vast majority of us draw a circle around safety matters and appear more comfortable with governmental protection over our choices when they may influence the health or well-being of others. But when it comes to recreational activities where the link to safety may be harder to draw clearly and directly, we would like the government to let us decide for ourselves, especially if the activities are occurring in the privacy of our own home.
That’s my take on the list above…. What’s yours?
Betti says
March 31, 2012 at 7:30 pmI agree, Peter, seems pretty obvious that most people think there are some things in which the government has no role. However, it amazes me that in this current political environment the Republican party speaks a lot about personal freedom, but when it comes to issues of sex it seems okay that the government get involved even though, according you your numbers, only 4% of Americans think that’s okay! And, as for those folks who don’t want the government involved in helmets…are they going to cover all the costs of their medical care, if they don’t wear them? And, just don’t get me started on guns….!