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How concerned is the public about their own government and politics in general? The news itself is alarming: Poor government leadership on the part of the White House, Congress and combative politicians was deemed the top problem in 2014 - more than the economy, terrorism, racism, the federal debt, unemployment, healthcare, immigration and a host of other troubling issues. No, really. This is research from a Gallup poll released Friday and it is also the first time government leadership has been No. 1 on the list since the pollster began tabulating such sentiments 14 years ago. Interesting too that concerns over the nations moral decline is ranked in the top-10 as well. See all the numbers in the Poll du Jour at columns end.

AN OPPORTUNITY, NOT AN ENTITLEMENT

Grassroots conservatives in South Carolina are wasting no time establishing their political stronghold and feisty message. The 2015 South Carolina Tea Party Coalition Convention gets underway at a beach resort in Myrtle Beach in just two weeks, with this theme: The American Dream: An opportunity, not an entitlement. The 40-person speakers roster is bristling: Among those confirmed for the three-day event: Sen. Ted Cruz, Reps. Jim Bridenstine, Jeff Duncan, Louis Gohmert, Mike Mulvaney and Tom Rice; Rick Santorum and Ben Carson. This group is serious, showcasing activist workshop with titles like Building a Grassroots Machines that Lasts! Senior officials from the Heritage Foundation, FreedomWorks, and multiple tea party and activist groups will also be present.

We expect to hear some common sense, pragmatic and positive solutions to the crises tearing our nation apart, a spokesman notes. In 2015 we will shift the emphasis a little to include more training in our convention because honestly folks, just voting isnt good enough anymore.

Interesting to note the political makeup of those who will attend, with a few subtle differences emerging through an online poll for attendees. So far, it reveals that 44 percent describe themselves as independent/conservative, 25 percent are grassroots/tea party, 22 percent are Republicans, 8 percent Libertarian and under 1 percent are Democrat or liberal.

RAUL LABRADOR TO CONGRESS: SEIZE THE MOMENT

Lawmakers cant help but notice that public opinion polls consistently reveal that voters are weary of Congress and weary of gridlock; some job performance ratings fall as low as 9 percent favorabilty. So now what? The opening day of Congress looms.

We have a chance to restore confidence; we must not let the moment slip away. I understand the publics harsh opinion, says Rep. Paul Labrador. Weve failed to tackle the issues that matter most to the American people. To repair that relationship, Congress must advance policies that empower individuals, not the government.

The Idaho Republican has a must-do list to address: the federal debt crisis, tax reform that lowers rates and boosts the chance for Americans to thrive in a free market, plus a pro-growth tax policy and some regulatory relief for entrepreneurs.

We should move to overturn the presidents executive action on immigration, which I consider unlawful. It is the duty of Congress to enact a lasting legislative solution. I believe a step-by-step process is the best path to reform, with a string of bills that assure the American people their Congress strikes the right balance between security and a modernized immigration system, Mr. Labrador concludes.

Continued here:
Inside the Beltway: More than the economy - Americans most alarmed by their government (Gallup)