good stuff.

More than 3/4 of Americans think corporations and the rich are too powerful

This is pretty interesting, especially since only 44% of Americans support the Occupy Wall Street protests (although just 35% disapprove). So, an overwhelming majority supports the principles behind the protests but not the protests themselves. Furthermore, only 29% approve of the way the protests are conducted. How the protests are portrayed in the media obviously influences these numbers. However, even though most believe the rich are too powerful, people still generally agree that hard work will get you success.

On the whole, Americans continue to say hard work leads to success; 58% agree with the statement that “most people who want to get ahead can make it if they are willing to work hard,” but this is substantially lower than the proportion expressing this view in previous surveys. Today, 40% agree that “Hard work and determination are no guarantee of success for most people,” which is up six points since March.

This Pew Research poll also touches on the poor congressional approval ratings (9%). The general conclusion is that the GOP is in big trouble. Republicans don’t want to see most Congress members reelected, Democrats and independents say GOP leaders are to blame for congressional failures, only 49% of Republicans approve of the job the GOP leaders are doing, and the Republican party is overwhelmingly seen as the most extreme and unethical party.