Opinion polls on government's performance, priorities etc., suggest that people are primarily concerned with economic issues. If you're expecting protest marches on DC over this I think you're in for a disappointment.
people are primarily concerned with economic issues
That's true, and I'd venture that it's nearly always true, with the main exception being when people feel unsafe and security becomes #1.
However, public opinion alone doesn't drive policy. There is also elite opinion. Elite opinion may shift on this, and if it does then there will be policy changes, though perhaps not profound ones.
True, but I think the point still stands. The nature of government means that we don't like everything they do, we just protest the things that matter most. If this doesn't matter, it'll be allowed, and will be forgotten.
Comments
"The general public agrees with Obama for the most part."
Evidence?
Opinion polls on government's performance, priorities etc., suggest that people are primarily concerned with economic issues. If you're expecting protest marches on DC over this I think you're in for a disappointment.
people are primarily concerned with economic issues
That's true, and I'd venture that it's nearly always true, with the main exception being when people feel unsafe and security becomes #1.
However, public opinion alone doesn't drive policy. There is also elite opinion. Elite opinion may shift on this, and if it does then there will be policy changes, though perhaps not profound ones.
Being primarily concerned with something else doesn't constitute agreement.
True, but I think the point still stands. The nature of government means that we don't like everything they do, we just protest the things that matter most. If this doesn't matter, it'll be allowed, and will be forgotten.
Certainly not, but as a practical matter apathy in politics amounts to passive consent.