The Sixties were known for divisiveness, revolution, hippies, assassinations, strife, war, and societal upheaval. And apparently, that’s about how bad people feel things are in America today.
At least, that’s according to a new poll from the Washington Post.
Seven in 10 Americans say the nation’s political divisions are at least as big as during the Vietnam War, according to a new poll, which also finds nearly 6 in 10 saying Donald Trump’s presidency is making the U.S. political system more dysfunctional.
The Washington Post-University of Maryland poll — conducted nine months into Trump’s tumultuous presidency — reveals a starkly pessimistic view of U.S. politics, widespread distrust of the nation’s political leaders and their ability to compromise, and an erosion of pride in the way democracy works in America.
Yeah, that’s not great. Take a look at this question.
Seven in 10 Americans say the nation’s politics have reached a dangerous low point, and a majority of those believe the situation is a “new normal” rather than temporary, according to the poll.
[Read full poll results| How the poll was conducted]
The poll finds that 7 in 10 Americans view the Trump administration as dysfunctional. But dissatisfaction extends well beyond the executive branch: Even more Americans, 8 in 10, say Congress is dysfunctional, and there is limited trust in other institutions, including the media.
“It’s just messed up now,” said Patty Kasbeck, 37, a veterinary technician in Bartlesville, Okla., and a Democrat. “It’s not even a political system. It’s a reality show.”
You can read all the analysis, including the Vietnam question, at The Washington Post.
What do I think it means? (Besides that Texas should be its own country.) Well it’s the fault of two groups. Neither group wants to hear that, but it’s true. It’s the rabid wing of Trump supporters (a minority of Republicans) and the rabid wing of liberals and socialists (a majority of Democrats.)
Maybe we’re not so bad as the Sixties, not yet, but times are, dare we say ….
… turbulent.
I mean, it’s also the greater microscope we all have because of things like Twitter, but yes, the protests and rallies, both the good and the bad, give the impression of great political strife. And of course, it is correct to get the impression of strife, though not necessarily to the degree indicated in the poll.
Things are messed up, as one respondent told the WaPo. That pretty much says it.