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Slicing the pie, or creating it?

Monday, 30th June 2008

Gallup have just released a fascinating poll in the US on attitudes to wealth redistribution. As the report puts it:

When given a choice about how government should address the numerous economic difficulties facing today's consumer, Americans overwhelmingly -- by 84% to 13% -- prefer that the government focus on improving overall economic conditions and the jobs situation in the United States as opposed to taking steps to distribute wealth more evenly among Americans.

What's really interesting is that this is not a party divide, and it's not a divide across income groups, either:

Republicans (by 90% to 9%) prefer that the government focus on improving the economy, as do independents (by 85% to 13%) and Democrats (by 77% to 19%). This sentiment also extends across income groups: upper-income Americans prefer that the government focus on improving the economy and jobs by 88% to 10%, concurring with middle-income (83% to 16%) and lower-income (78% to 17%) Americans.

I can't find a similar poll here - if you know of one, do post a link please in the comments. But I'd be astonished if there wasn't a much narrower gap between the two preferences here in the UK, and probably a complete reverse in much of the EU.

UPDATE: My friend Johhny Munkhammar has alerted me to the Eurobarometer polls on similar questions. They show that 64 per cent think that competition is the best way to secure prosperity, and 24 per cent don't; 62 per cent think the government interferes too much. But here's the big difference: 64 per cent want to see 'equality' and 'justice', even at the expense of freedom.

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Ian C

June 30th, 2008 5:42pm

It is these sort of deep seated instinctive attitudes that make me think that when it comes to the choice they will more likely go for McCain and a Dem. Congress. They love their specially pled spending but don't want to be taxed like a European nation - and if they vote in a Dem. President and Congress that is what they are likely to get.

I wish I had your confidence about Britain who are well down the European attitude path with such a newly bloated public sector.

john moran

June 30th, 2008 7:01pm

please post this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvg7lRsCVJ8&feature=related

Verity

July 1st, 2008 6:51pm

Agreed, Ian C. There is a robust thread of independence running through the American psyche. The British psyche, like, as you point out, the European psyche, is infantile and dependent. It has become especially so since the voters listened to the siren song of the malign Tony Blair and tossed their common sense to the winds. Three times.