In our latest anonymous poll, we asked readers a couple of questions relating to our recent military success in Afghanistan and Iraq. The results will surprise some readers who may have assumed that Federal employees are more supportive of the President than the general public since, ultimately, all Federal employees work for the President.
Do you feel more secure as a result of the American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan? Are the American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan likely to impact the way you vote in the next election? These are two questions that FedSmith.com asked readers a few days ago.
The majority of those that answered the first question (38%) said that their feelings about security have not changed because of the recent military actions. 28% of respondents said they feel more secure, and 32% said they now feel less secure.
Some of the comments we received highlight the feelings on this particular question. One reader from Illinois said:
“I feel less secure when I see most of the press highlighting problems and ignoring the positive things we’re doing in Afghanistan and Iraq; because that’s the message that’s being seen around the world. This anti-American agenda will undermine the military actions and provide additional rationale for those who would do harm to American interests.”
A Development Engineer from the SSP in Washington, DC agreed:
“Although American troops have been successful in Iraq, I feel the actions taken there have opened us up to more extremist hatred. That makes me even more leery of more terrorist attacks somewhere within our nation.”
Opinions from our readers were stronger on the second question we asked – Are the American military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan likely to impact the way you vote in the next election? The majority of respondents (42%) said they are more likely to vote for the Democratic nominee in the next election. 27% said their opinion has not been impacted by the military action, and 26% said that they are more likely to vote for President Bush when he runs for reelection in 2004.
Some of the comments sent to FedSmith.com reflect these opinions. A secretary from MEDCOM in El Paso, NM had this to say:
“I didn’t vote for GW. I won’t next time…unless the alternative is really atrocious. I don’t believe he is focusing on the critical issues. I don’t like the oilmen he has appointed running the country, and with all the changes to civil service and the military he is pushing – both federal employees and military personnel are in for a world of trouble. I think his personal agenda outweighs his regard for the American people.”
In contrast to this opinion, a scientist from the Department of Defense in San Diego, CA felt even better about President Bush due to the recent military actions:
“Though I would vote for him anyway, I am more enthusiastic than ever to vote for him because of his determination to rid the world of terrorists.”
Thanks to all of our readers who took the time to vote in our latest survey.
