ONE WEEK LATER – AT 7:55 A.M. ET:  You may have noticed what makers of war documentaries like to call "a lull in the fighting."  It's clear that many people in Washington are exhausted by the fight over health care.  The barbs are still being thrown, but little is really happening. 

For the American people, though, the worries are just starting.  A new Gallup poll, announced today, shows that, contrary to the liberal image of America, the citizenry is engaged, interested, knowledgeable, and concerned.  Who are these peasants to think for themselves?

PRINCETON, NJ -- One week after the passage of historic new healthcare legislation, Americans remain worried about the bill's effect on costs -- both for the nation as a whole and for them personally. A majority of Americans say healthcare costs in the U.S. and the federal budget deficit will get worse as a result of the bill. Half of Americans believe that healthcare costs for themselves and their families will get worse...

...These data underscore the results of previous Gallup research on healthcare reform legislation; costs have been the most frequently cited response when opponents have been asked to explain their opposition in their own words.

The public does not view all aspects of the bill negatively. Americans are slightly more positive than negative about the bill's impact on healthcare coverage in the U.S. and on the overall health of Americans in the U.S.

Americans break even in terms of whether the bill will make their and their families' overall health better or worse (although the majority say it will have no impact either way). Americans are more negative than positive when asked about the impact of the bill on their healthcare coverage and quality of healthcare received.

COMMENT:  You would think that, given the vast changes this bill will bring to American life, more care would have been taken to have the American people on board.  But the arrogance of the crowd running things in Washington never allowed for that.  Nanny is in charge, and nanny knows best.

It's worthwhile to read all the poll results.

March 30,  2010