Fads — whether food, health or attire — come and go. But despite climate change, terrorism threats and an increasingly nasty political divide, some things never change. For instance, John Q. Public continues to hate the government.

When it comes to industries, occupations and services, the government is at the bottom of the heap.

A new poll by the Gallup organization once again ranks government at the bottom of the heap in terms of negative ratings. It may be hard for some people to believe it, but Uncle Sam ranked below (as is worse than) the pharmaceutical industry which — in addition to giving us marvels, lifesaving drugs — continues to charge Americans some of the highest prices in the world. The government also ranked below the health care industry (not including doctors) and even everybody’s favorite heavy, the oil and gas industry. And, of course, lawyers.

The Gallup group noted, as if it were needed, that the government regularly ranks at or near the bottom, survey after survey.

So whom do we trust and admire? According to the poll, the image rock stars are the restaurant industry, computer outfits, groceries, followed by farming/agriculture, accountants and the travel industry, despite the occasional cruise ship horror stories we see on nightly TV.

So what is it? What (if anything) are you doing wrong?

Do people who hold the government in such low esteem include FEMA personnel literally up to their necks in water in Louisiana? Like now! Do they mean federal firefighters, park rangers and others who routinely risk — sometimes lose — their lives fighting forest first? Like now.
Does that include Homeland Security personnel on the sometimes dangerous borders? Or DEA agents whose undercover assignments would curl your hair? Or the man or woman who delivers your mail?

One reader said it rather well: “People hate the government … or at least say they do. But they like individual federal workers they know.” He said that may be one reason so many people loath Congress as an institution, but keep reelecting their member of Congress and the same two senators election after election.

Maybe the pollsters are asking the wrong question. Any thoughts? mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

Why The PR Black Eye? Coming up Monday: One of the reasons the government gets a bad rap from the public. Check this space.

Nearly Useless Factoid

By Michael O’Connell

Celery is the most hated vegetable in Great Britain.

Source: Daily Express

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.