81%, just some more legacy for Georgie

According to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, that's the percentage of people who think this country is going the wrong way. And they are thinking this much earlier in the recession cycle than ever before.

The dissatisfaction is especially striking because public opinion usually hits its low point only in the months and years after an economic downturn, not at the beginning of one. Today, however, Americans report being deeply worried about the country even though many say their own personal finances are still in fairly good shape.

Maybe Georgie is right, maybe things have changed. There is one good point in all this mess.

In assessing possible responses to the mortgage crisis, Americans displayed a populist streak, favoring help for individuals but not for financial institutions. A clear majority said they did not want the government to lend a hand to banks, even if the measures would help limit the depth of a recession.

“There are a million and one better ways for the government to spend that money,”

Amen!