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Deirdre O - Public Op

Page history last edited by doleary@... 12 years, 4 months ago

Consumer's Holiday Spending Intentions

 

A survey on Gallup.com shows that, compared to one year and one month ago, Americans estimate they will spend $50 more total on Christmas gifts.  The increase jumped from $714 to $764 total, and it went up over $100 total from the estimates in 2008 and 2009 when the economy was really struggling.  The economy still has not completely rightened itself; one year ago the nation's confidence in the economy landed at -26, but during the past week it has been -43, up from -54 in late August.  This is surprising considering Americans are planning to spend $50 more on gifts than they did last year, yet their economic confidence is down by 17 points.  The nation is so wrought by fear and insecurities but Christmas provides the time to be with family and friends and exchange loving gifts, reminisce and catch up on new ongoings.  I believe people are tired of living in economic fear and want to make the most out of this joyful holiday experience, especially since, although it is still low, the economic confidence has recently risen.

 

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150737/Consumers-Holiday-Spending-Intentions-Perk-November.aspx

 

 

Flu

 

The 2009 fall/winter flu season saw a spike in Americans suffering from influenza due to the infamous H1N1 pandemic.  The rates for Septemeber and October have been similar to last year, 2010's, rates, and researchers are optimistic that this year will have relatively normal percentages.  In October, 2.1% of the self-reported surveyers said they had the flu "the day before".  This statistic is similar to last year and 2008's percentages, but 2009's were a bit higher.  People are more aware of their bodies and illnesses, especially after the H1N1 scare so fresh in people's minds.  The amount of people who reported they had colds the day before the survey was nearly three times those who reported they had the flu the day before, indicating that people are more aware of symptons and are more likely to go to the doctor to get a correct prognosis.  Break out the hand sanitizer!

 

http://www.gallup.com/poll/150770/Cold-Flu-Season-Kicks-Off-Typical-Fashion.aspx 

 

 

Immigration

 

A recent survey on www.ramussenreports.com reports that 60% of Likely Voters feel it is more important to secure the border and gain control of it than to "legalize the status of undocumented workers already living in the United States."  This survey, conducted because of the longstanding sebate over illegal immigration shows the American majority feelings that action must be taken to stop MORE immigrants from illegally entering the United States than it is to identify and register those who are already residing here. 

 

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/60_put_border_control_ahead_of_legalizing_undocumented_workers

 

 

America's Best Days 

 

Due to the unfortunate economic situation, tumultous interactions between President Obama and government, particularily Congress, and the unemployment rate at nearly ten-percent, nearly 45% of Likely Voters say America's best days are in the past, 18% are unsure, and 37% believe they are in the future.  Only time will tell on this issue, but it is interesting to get inside American's minds.

 

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/america_s_best_days

 

 

Legalize Illegal Drugs

 

In this poll, people were surveyed over the last fifty years about their stance on illegal drugs, marijuana in particular.  In 1969, a mere 12% thought it should be legalized.  However, from then until 1995 the total more than doubled, increasing to 25%.  Since then, in the 21st century, the percentage of people who believe marijuana should be legalized is steadily increasing and is now up to 50%.  This shows the change in Americans' mindset and their acceptance of new ideas.

 

 

http://www.pollingreport.com/drugs.htm

 

 

 

 

Comments (9)

egumpper@... said

at 1:00 pm on Nov 21, 2011

For the poll on marijuana, I do not think that the mindset of America is their acceptance of new ideas, I think that they want to legalize it for multiple of other reasons, it's cheaper than alcohol and sometimes cigarettes, and it is becoming more available and easier to get (in most areas)

Maddie said

at 1:02 pm on Nov 21, 2011

Why do you think that Americans want to legalize drugs? I think they want to legalize them because it will lessen the adredaline rush from participating in an illegal act. I see more kids chew gum in school than outside of school bbecasue they think their breaking the rules ane are cool.

Taylor H said

at 3:22 pm on Nov 21, 2011

I agree totally with your analysis on Americans spending more money on Christmas presents. Families struggle so much to make ends meet that instead of worrying so much about how much to spend on Christmas there going to make the most of it no matter what. It is alittle shocking to see that Americans are willing to spend more considering many don't have jobs or are spending more on other necessities.

shammer@... said

at 5:48 pm on Nov 21, 2011

Today, everyone is looking for change; however, I question the motives as to why people really want to legalize drugs..

Michelle Deacon said

at 7:16 pm on Nov 21, 2011

I agree that the acceptance of new ideas is great, however when it comes to legalizing marajuana, I don't think Americans want to legalize it in order to be more open and accepting. I agree with Emily when she said that it has more to do with it, like it being cheaper and easier to obtain. I also agree with Sarah in questioning those Americans' mindsets and motives.

amcnamara@... said

at 11:11 pm on Nov 21, 2011

I can see how the rate to legalize marijuana has gone up over the past fifty years.... but like everyone else said their motives are definitely questionable. Also if it was to become legal I think it would lose its "cool" effect because like Maddie said people only want to do things when they can't.

J.M. Conway said

at 1:36 am on Nov 22, 2011

I'd have to defend you on the idea that the increase in marijuana approval shows an acceptance to new ideas. Whether one wants to argue that it's for economic or medical reasons, it still boils down to a new, widespread acceptance of it. Some think it would help the economy to regulate and tax it, others believe in its medicinal benefits, and there are certainly groups that see little harm in the drug. All show a willingness to accept marijuana.

C. Unruh said

at 8:59 am on Nov 22, 2011

Its hard to say the first half of the 20th century weren't some of the greatest years in america's history. Even with the war, patriotism was abound, and the economy was booming, we were a manufacturing superpower. But I still feel that bigger and better things are to come, even though the track record for historical 'superpowers' hasn't been that great (I mean, the Roman empire (SPQR, not counting the Byzantine empire) only lasted for around 500 years...).

M Radziszewski said

at 10:50 am on Nov 22, 2011

Regarding the flu poll, I agree that people are more inclined to get a flu shot with all the disease going around, especially when people don't consider others when they cough and don't cover their mouth and hand sanitizer is needed more than ever now.

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