Obama's Withdraw of Troops in Iraq     

      75% of Americans agree with President Obama's plan to withdraw virtually all American troops from Iraq by the end of the year. This includes the majority of Democrats and independents, while Republicans are more likely to disapprove his decision. With the ending of combat operations in August 2010, Obama announced in October 2011 that all troops would be out of Iraq by the end of the year, with the exception of a few forces that will remain in the U.S. embassy. Most Americans a few years ago were all for staying in Iraq until we gained more intelligence on the terrorist groups. However, as more and more time passed by, the attitude of Americans towards this issue has changed. Now, we clearly see that most Americans were pushing for the removal of troops by President Obama. This has been the number one issue in our country for the past eight years and the arguments and debates can finally end with Obama's removal of the troops. Because of this, the American public will generally become more comfortable and satisfied. The public opinion will be recognized and the American people will have their wish come true.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150497/Three-Four-Americans-Back-Obama-Iraq-Withdrawal.aspx

Jobs and the Economy are Important Concerns  

     In a recent poll, the economy and lack of jobs were dominant over all other issues when discussing the concerns of the American people. When asked what the most important problem facing the country today was, 36% of people polled said unemployment and lack of jobs. 30% said the economy in general. The next highest issue was the dissatisfaction of government with 13%. Obviously the economy is first on the list of problems Americans are faced with. Because of the dissatisfaction of the economy, that leads to many other things such as overall dislike of the current conditions in the United States. Another poll was taken and the question was: "In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?". In 2007, 63% of Americans were dissatisfied and 35% were satisfied. In comparison, in 2011, 86% of Americans said they were dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country, while only 12% are satisfied. Obviously the public has not been very happy with the way things have been run over the past several years and the American people are showing it. If Americans plan on having a bright future, something needs to be done to change the public opinion. With the stock market becoming more stable, hopefully we will see a rise in satisfied citizens and our country can get back to one of the dominant nations in the world. The economy will balance itself out, as it has throughout the course of history. History repeats itself and it is only a matter of time before we start to see rapid growth and stability in our economy, which will lead to more satisfied Americans.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150722/Jobs-Economy-Remain-Dominant-Concerns-Americans.aspx

Americans No Longer Have Confidence in U.S. Banks 

     Now, more than ever, Americans are less confident in our U.S. banks. A recent survey shows that only a mere 34% of American adults are somewhat confident in the stability of our banking system, which includes only 5% who are heavily confident. These statistics show that our banking system is going downhill and confidence in the banks is getting low, even low enough to compare to the 1930's. Even with the FDIC, Americans still don't feel safe putting their money in the banks. The banking system in the United States has to become stronger and more secure in order to gain the trust back from everyday Americans. If the public doesn't even have confidence in our banks, who knows what other chaos can evolve from our lack of trust. The public will change its opinion on banks and gradually gain more confidence in our banks, but because of the diversity of our people, the public opinion is always swaying from one idea to another. If banks continue to produce a lack of confidence from our people, the future looks bad for our economy.

 http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/general_business/november_2011/confidence_in_u_s_banks_dips_to_new_low 

Americans generally happy with removal of Paterno 

     In a recent poll, 51% of Americans were unfavorable of Joe Paterno, while only 30% were favorable of the long time Penn State football coach. Half of Americans are happy with the decision Penn State made when firing Joe Paterno. Even though Paterno didn't have a direct connection to the sex scandal at Penn State, he disclosed his knowledge of the scandal, which makes him guilty in the eyes of Americans. However, even with these feelings, Americans don't believe the team should be disqualified from a Bowl Game if they qualify. Obviously when it comes to serious scandals such as this, Americans turn against all involved, as they should. Even if Paterno wasn't truly involved, he has knowledge and decided to keep his mouth shut. Because of his wrongful actions, Paterno should have been fired. Americans seem to keep this same viewpoint when it comes to scandals where public figures are involved. This is one of the few examples of times Americans don't change their opinion from one side to another. Paterno may not be found guilty but he will live with the personal guilt of not releasing information to authorities for the rest of his life, and Penn State had no choice but to remove him.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/lifestyle/people/november_2011/30_have_favorable_opinion_of_paterno_51_unfavorable

Americans Paying More for Groceries

     Even with the economy balancing itself out, 90% of Americans say they are paying more for groceries this year than they did a year ago. With this, 81% of Americans say they are somewhat concerned with inflation, while only 47% say they are very concerned. Inflation is something that will continue to occur in America as long as the economy is down, and until it is booming, this will remain in tact. Grocery shopping is one thing each and every American must do and with the rising prices of simple groceries, many people are unhappy. This unhappiness comes especially because a year ago the economy was much more unstable than it is now. If anything, grocery prices, as well as gasoline, should become cheaper rather than more expensive. Because Americans are paying more for their groceries, that leaves less money for other goods, which will cause them to rise as well...which is basic inflation. For this to end, Americans have to have more trust in the economy than we do now. 

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/general_business/november_2011/90_say_they_re_paying_more_for_groceries_compared_to_a_year_ago