Published: October 08, 2008 11:50 am            

Bailout not supported by online voters

Phil Riddle, Democrat Editor

Phil Riddle

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

Congress last week hurriedly passed legislation in an attempt to stop the monetary hemorrhaging plaguing the nation’s economy as fallout from the sub-prime mortgage lending boom.

Rocky economic conditions continue after the bailout was ratified.

Voters in this week’s weatherforddemocrat.com online poll opposed the plan by about a 3-to-1 margin.

An overwhelming 72 percent of respondents said no to the question, “Do you support some form of taxpayer bailout to help improve economic conditions?”

Just 22 percent of voters supported the bailout and more than 6 percent said they were unsure about the course to be taken.

The poll is not scientific in nature and reflects only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

In a similar question to local residents for a recent “Talk Back” feature for the Democrat, the proposed $700 billion price tag staggered some taxpayers.

“It seems like an excessive amount of taxpayers’ money to subsidize private business,” Greg Lance said.

More than the cost of the plan are questions raised about the future of the nation’s — even the world’s — economy.

“It makes me nervous,” Wendy Field said. “I’m glad they’re addressing it. It needs to be resolved. It makes you evaluate the economy for the future generation, which includes my children.”

Karl Westendorf is concerned for the future, as well.

“I’m concerned why they didn’t catch it before,” he said, “and I’m concerned for my retirement. Somebody dropped the ball.”

To participate in this week’s poll, click on www.weatherforddemocrat.com. This week’s question is “What is your greatest fear?”

        

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