According to a new poll on the national temperament by Ipsos Reid, carried out for Canwest News Service and Global Television, 71 per cent of Canadians are “really angry or upset” about skyrocketing gas prices.
But consumer complaints aren’t the only thing making us hot under the collar.
Of the 1,022 people surveyed in the poll, 62 per cent say they’re angry about inaction on environmental issues, 53 per cent are angry about taxes, 51 per cent are upset about neighbourhood crime, and 47 per cent are upset by Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
On the eve of the Beijing Olympics, 43 per cent are even angry about the Chinese government crackdown in Tibet.
In total, 55 per cent of all poll respondents say they’re angry or upset about one of these six issues, compared to only 26 per cent who say they’re content, or 18 per cent who aren’t happy, but are “resigned” to the current state of affairs.
The angry majority consists of two volatile groups: one - 20 per cent of the total - who are doing or planning to do something to show their frustrations, and another - 35 per cent - who are bottling up their anger because they can’t “do anything about it.”
The real shocker 29% aren't angry about gas prices, I thought for once unanimity ruled the land. Good to see some pent up frustration on the environment, another indicator that it will be a focus issue in the next election.
4 comments:
62 per cent say they’re angry about inaction on environmental issues, 53 per cent are angry about taxes, 51 per cent are upset about neighbourhood crime, and
47 per cent are upset by Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
On the eve of the Beijing Olympics, 43 per cent are even angry about the Chinese government crackdown in Tibet.
Conservative election strategy:
1) With our G8 partners we acted decisively on the environment (that's it, no details - next issue please)
2) Taxes... Ah yes, taxes. We love this issue. We cut the GST! We cut the GST! (please don't talk about income tax... please!)
3) Crime. Conservatives are always tough on crime. We won't tell you how, or how come our policies never show a commensurate reduction in crime, but we still believe in harsh punitive punishment for young offenders, less punishment for gun crimes, less gun control, and did we say "screw rehab and re-education"?
4) Afghanistan. We didn't "cut and run"... Instead, it's the old, "run and gun", with our 18yr olds at the receiving end...
5) Tibet. Jason Kenney... Please say your piece - all across Canada - and keep it short, the leader has to speak.
"The real shocker 29% aren't angry about gas prices"
I am actually pleased by the gas prices. When I see that they are building fewer and fewer gas guzzlers and those auto companies who were most resistant to environmental responsibility are currently being socked pretty hard it makes me feel warm inside.
"62 per cent say they’re angry about inaction on environmental issues,"
I am 100% angry about that.
"53 per cent are angry about taxes,"
I feel that the amount of taxes I pay is about right. I would not fly off the deep end if my taxes were increased depending on what that money would go towards.
"51 per cent are upset about neighbourhood crime,"
The only crime in my neighbourhood is the guy across the street who get out his water hose and washes his driveway every single day. Drives me crazy.
"and 47 per cent are upset by Canada’s mission in Afghanistan. On the eve of the Beijing Olympics, 43 per cent are even angry about the Chinese government crackdown in Tibet."
I have to admit that regrettably I have been largely indifferent to these two issues.
1 angry out of six.
"I am actually pleased by the gas prices. When I see that they are building fewer and fewer gas guzzlers and those auto companies who were most resistant to environmental responsibility are currently being socked pretty hard it makes me feel warm inside."
It's actually a practical demonstration of the philosophy behind a carbon tax. You can argue whether we need one now, but there is no question you see the power of creating a disincentive, how that reverberates through our entire system, those that adapt thrive, those that don't wilt. One is artifical, the other market generated, but it really is the same concept. Throw in incentives on the other side and it tips it further.
Here in BC the fury was palatable when the gas prices soared from 1.43 to 1.52 overnight, the day when Campbell's carbon tax sank in. Naturally some concluded that the rise (after the imposition of a 2.5 cent tax) showed how the gas companies were toying with the public. But there were plenty too who let the steam build, talk show hosts and callers who couldn't tell the difference between Campbell's carbon tax and the Green Shift.
Now the price tonight is at 1.33... It should be cooling off all that anger but the right whingers are very good as faux anger.
I'm more PO'd at Sundin dragging his heels and leaving fans in Montreal, Toronto and here in Vancouver lingering on the alter.
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