What Divides America?
While conflict over race may be America’s most historical and inflamed division, more Americans currently see divisions between immigrants and native-born Americans, as well as rich-poor divides, as stronger social conflicts.
Obama Addresses More Popular U.N.
Opinion of the United Nations has grown more positive since 2007 in 12 of the 25 nations surveyed by the Pew Global Attitudes Project. And in no country have favorable ratings improved as much as in the United States.
Take this Job and Love It
The self-employed are far more satisfied with their jobs and more likely to work because they want to and not for a paycheck. But if you decide to strike out on your own, don’t count on financial security.
U.S. Image Improves in Canada
While Canadians were never as negative about the U.S. as Western Europe was, America’s image is up among its northern neighbors. However, differences still remain over Afghanistan and America’s economic influence.
Declining Support for bin Laden and Suicide Bombing
Confidence in al Qaeda’s leader has dropped considerably in recent years, particularly in Indonesia, Pakistan and Jordan. Violence against civilians in defense of Islam is also increasingly seen as never justified.
Obama’s Approval Ratings Slide: By the Numbers
In April, 62% of the public approved of Barack Obama’s performance as president, but in August, just four months later, 52% approved. Obama’s approval rating has declined across nearly all major demographic and political groups.
Few in NATO Support Call For Additional Forces in Afghanistan
Proposals to increase troop levels may face considerable opposition in many NATO countries, which were opposed to Obama’s original call for more forces.
Coping With End-of-Life Decisions
While most Americans approve of laws that say treatment can be stopped if that’s what a terminally ill patient desires, they are split on what they would do personally in that situation. Only 27% have put into writing their own wishes regarding end-of-life care.
Would Americans Welcome Medicare if it Were Being Proposed in 2009?
Much of the opposition to health care reform today is being fueled by anti-government sentiment that did not exist during the mid-1960′s.
Go West, Old Man
Searching for a modern fountain of youth? American’s West has the highest concentration of older adults who don’t think of themselves as old. Older Westerners also feel healthier and get more exercise than older folks elsewhere.
