Growls

A poll released on Friday by the Gallup organization, based on a May 5-8 Gallup poll, shows that Americans oppose raising the debt ceiling by 47% to 19% with 34% saying they "don't know enough to say." Only 8% of Republicans approve raising the debt ceiling while 70% oppose with 33% of Democrats favor raising the ceiling and 26% opposing raising the ceiling. Independents oppose raising the ceiling 46% to 15%.

Interestingly, 21% of Republicans told Gallup they "don't know enough to say," but 40% of both Independents and Democrats say they "don't know enough to say." Unfortunately, only 57% of Americans "say they are closely following the news about 'discussions to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, the maximum amount of money the U.S. government can borrow by law.'"

In commenting on the implications of the poll, among other things, Gallup said:

"Regardless, it may be worthwhile to think back to what happened with the financial bailout legislation -- the so-called TARP -- in 2008. This was another unpopular piece of financial legislation that the president, the Treasury secretary, and the Fed chairman all supported, saying it was essential for global stability. After first voting this legislation down and watching the markets plunge, the Congress passed TARP. Efforts to pass unpopular legislation to raise the debt ceiling could create similar challenges."

Arlington County taxpayers concerned about debt ceiling may want to take a few minutes to voice their concerns to their poohbahs on Capitol Hill. Better yet, write to them at the links below:

• Senator Jim Webb (D) -- write to him or call (202) 224-4024.

• Senator Mark Warner (D) -  write to him or call (202) 224-2023.

• Representative Jim Moran (D) -- write to him or call (202) 225-4376.