The 25 Percenters

The latest Rasmussen poll finds that only 25% of Americans support the so-called Ground Zero mosque project.

62% oppose the building of a mosque near where the World Trade Center stood in Lower Manhattan, compared to 54% in the previous survey. Twenty-five percent (25%) favor allowing the mosque to go ahead, and 13% more are not sure.

So to sum up, three quarters of Americans either oppose the mosque or are unsure about it, with only a quarter supporting it. That's a pretty strong negative majority.

I happened to stumble onto another poll, this one by the Pew Forum from last year, on American beliefs. Interestingly enough, 25% happens to be the same number of Americans who believe in astrology. But I'd be willing to bet that many of that 25% probably keep their mouths shut about that belief, except in the company of other true believers. Not so the 25% pro-mosque believers. Instead, they've adopted a smug, self-righteous attitude. They're the true defenders of American religious freedom and the Constitution, against the benighted, bigoted hordes of Islamophobes. They are so convinced of their own righteousness, that they are willing to smear anyone who disagrees with them on this issue as a bigot. And most of them are every bit as illogical and weak on reasoning power as those who believe in astrology. They simply can't grasp the idea that reasons for offense, or for considering something to be in poor taste, differ from person to person. The can't understand -- or pretend not to -- that symbols matter, and that people also view symbols in different ways.

It's no accident that the left forms the majority of the 25 percenters. Most are badly out of touch with the American mainstream on many issues. Accusations of racism directed toward political opponents is almost a reflex action on the left. It's not much of a stretch to start screaming bigotry about an issue involving the left's favorite religion.

As others are pointing out, this poll also illustrates the massive gap between the opinion of ordinary Americans, and the so-called "political class."

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the Political Class, however, favor building the mosque near Ground Zero. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Mainstream voters are opposed.

You can't get much more disconnected. Is there any wonder that people don't trust the government, and believe our leaders are out of touch?