Why poll at all? Perhaps president ought to rethink ignoring American people's opinions.

What is it about the Obama administration and polls?

Why do they even have pollsters if, in the end, the president is going to ignore what they say -- as well as the thousands of letters, phone calls and e-mails from citizens who say they think he is headed in the wrong direction?

The latest controversy is the proposed mosque a couple blocks from Ground Zero in New York City.

The president announced this week that he was aware of the polling data, but that he did not take it into consideration -- that he did what was right.

Hmmmmm. OK. Right for whom?

When something so distresses the American people that they are vocal in their concern, perhaps the nation's leader should think before he wades in with yet another lesson in tolerance and international relations?

There is a funny thing that happens when politicians head to Washington. Almost universally, they forget who put them there. They ignore the rules, get too big for their britches and think that they, and they alone, know what is right for America.

They do not remember that the American people are usually pretty wise until election time comes around.

In some ways, you can sort of feel sorry for the president this time. A comment at a White House dinner for Muslims -- a crowd-pleaser there -- turned into yet another controversy.

But then again perhaps this might be a good lesson.

If you are going to ask us what we think, you had better at least listen to the answer before holding your press conference.

Published in Editorials on August 18, 2010 10:42 AM