Greater threat: big government or big business?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A majority of Americans see big government as a greater threat than big business... A new Gallup poll shows 55 percent of those surveyed are concerned about big government; but that number is down from 61 percent in 2006.
Meanwhile 32 percent of Americans say they're worried about big business; and that number is up from 25 percent three years ago. Only 10 percent view big labor as the greatest threat; that number hasn't changed much since 2006.
The poll also shows partisan differences. No big surprise here... More Republicans now view big government as the most significant threat to the country than did 3 years ago. And the same goes for Democrats who see big business as a bigger threat. Independents' views didn't change much over this time. More of them say they're concerned about big government.
Gallup suggests these numbers show that the change in administrations from Republican to Democrat - along with the government's actions to stabilize failing companies and try to right the economy - have not caused the fear of big government to grow beyond what it was last year.
Meanwhile failing banks, CEOs that jet around on corporate planes to beg Congress for handouts, and companies that blow taxpayer money on things like bonuses and lavish parties without a second thought... these have probably not helped the image of big business.
Here’s my question to you: Which is a greater threat: big government or big business?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
OK to use "enhanced interrogation techniques" if they worked?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President Obama's national intelligence director says that Bush-era interrogation techniques - which many call torture - may have worked. Dennis Blair wrote in an internal memo: "High-value information came from interrogations in which those methods were used and provided a deeper understanding of the al Qaeda organization that was attacking this country."
Nat’l. Intelligence Director David Blair says interrogation techniques have hurt America's image; and the damage they've done outweighs any benefits.
Blair added that he'd like to think he wouldn't have approved such methods in the past, but doesn't fault the people who made the decisions at the time and will defend those who carried out orders they were given.
He says the information gathered was valuable in some cases, but there's no way of knowing whether they could have found out the same things using other methods. Blair says the bottom line is that these techniques have hurt America's image around the world... and the damage they've done has outweighed any benefits.
Former Bush officials have argued the interrogations were an important part of the war on terror. Former CIA director Michael Hayden says the use of these techniques "made us safer." Former Vice President Dick Cheney agrees and says he's asked the CIA to declassify memos showing what was gained from harsh interrogations.
Just yesterday, President Obama left open the possibility of criminal prosecution for former Bush administration officials who authorized this stuff. But he continues to insist that CIA officers who carried out the interrogations shouldn't be prosecuted.
Meanwhile a new Senate report shows senior Bush officials authorized aggressive interrogation techniques - like waterboarding and forced nudity - despite concerns from military psychologists and lawyers.
Here’s my question to you: If so-called "enhanced interrogation" techniques yielded results, does that make them okay to use?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Pres. Obama's biggest accomplishment in first 100 days?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A week from today will mark President Barack Obama's 100th day in office. And whether you agree with him or not - it's fair to say that the president has been one busy guy. According to one report - a top White House aide says of the 100-day marker: "This isn't Biblical. You don't do 100 days and rest," but acknowledges that President Obama's first 100 days have been the most productive since FDR's.
First 100 Days: What has been President Obama's greatest accomplishment?
Here's only some of what's been on the president's plate:
– When it comes to the economy: the passage of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill, the bank bailout plan and housing recovery measures.
– Setting a fixed timetable for withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq and ordering an additional 21,000 troops to Afghanistan.
– Ordering the closing of Guantanamo Bay prison and ending the use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques."
– Lifting President Bush's restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
– Meeting with leaders around the world, promising a new era of American leadership and cooperation.
And there's no indication Mr. Obama plans to slow down any time soon. The White House often speaks of his top goals of reviving the economy, health care and energy. And then there's education, immigration, tax reform. and on and on...
But some wonder if by trying to do so much, the president could wind up accomplishing little.
Here’s my question to you: As he prepares to mark his first 100 days in office, what has been President Obama's greatest accomplishment?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
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