Fully 71 percent of Americans say the Founding Fathers would be ashamed of the direction the country has taken in recent years, a new survey from Gallup indicated on Thursday.
Gallup asked respondents in two June telephone surveys of first, 1,529 adults and then, of 2,048 adults: “Overall, do you think the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be pleased or disappointed by the way the United States has turned out?”
In 2001, an estimated 42 percent said the founders would be pleased. But now — not so many.
The numbers vary by region and political affiliation, as well as by age of respondents.
For instance, 74 percent of respondents from the South and 74 percent of those in the Midwest said Founding Fathers would see today’s America as a disappointment. But only 67 percent in the East and 66 percent in the West said the same.
Moreover, 83 percent of conservatives said the founders would be displeased. That’s compared to 54 percent of liberals and 68 percent of moderates.
By party, the differences are wider. Eighty-six percent of Republicans said Declaration of Independence signers would be disappointed in America, circa 2013, compared to 56 percent of Democrats and 73 percent of independents.
Those aged 65 or older expressed the most negative view, with 77 percent believing founders wouldn’t be happy with today’s America. That’s followed by the 18- to 29-year-old crowd, at 70 percent.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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