I dont think its that Americans are really interested in forcing values on anyone, but when government and other institutions are forcing values down their throats that they dont agree with, you can expect some push back. Thats what I think this poll is about.

The Government is a poor entity to put in charge of “promoting traditional values,” unless, of course, one can commit totally to the principle, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Polly, I think thats why Gallup asked if government should promote traditional values vs. whether elected leaders should. It is the difference between policy and politicians.

For example, we are now funding abortions in other countries. Obamacare will pay for abortions despite a majority of Americans agreeing that it should not. And yes, government at many levels is promoting, through activist judges and even a few legislatures, marriage policy that most Americans do not support.

There are all sorts of ways that our policy is actually promoting liberal policy that most Americans dont support. I think that is what this question addresses.

It will be enough for me if any part of The Government can avoid attacking and/or dismantling traditional American values. (And I don’t consider “gay-bashing” to be a traditional American value but rather intolerance worthy of the Islamic world.)

The propensity to want the government to “promote traditional values” — as opposed to “not favor any particular set of values” — rose from 48% in 2008 to 53% in 2009. Current support for promoting traditional values is the highest seen in five years.

That’s ominous.

I just want to point out that Gallup supports what I’ve been saying about the GOP and social issues. As you say:

They have shifted right on …the role of government relative to promoting values

But even more specifically, as Gallup puts it:

The propensity to want the government to “promote traditional values” — as opposed to “not favor any particular set of values” — rose from 48% in 2008 to 53% in 2009. Current support for promoting traditional values is the highest seen in five years.

Thats a huge shift in one years time. I suspect its been an ongoing shift, and any way you look at it, its the majority of Americans caring about conservative social values.

A MAJORITY supporting the same social issues that you have repeatedly urged the GOP to “de-emphasize” at the same time public support for such issues is growing.

Reality is that the GOP has been losing not only because they have lost their way on economic issues, but also because they have already done what you prescribed and “de-emphasized” issues that are important to a majority of Americans in the past 2 election cylces.

For me, I’m hoping for a 3rd party that can bring the left-right together. Of course, speaking the truth nowadays is a revolutionary act.

I have been encouraging others to read that new, underground book just out where a small town in America stands up to federal tyranny, bad bureaucrats & crooked politicians & ends up starting the 2nd AMerican Revolution.

If you want a good read, then read this one cause it’s insightful of todays events. Great read.
http://www.booksbyoliver.com