The New York Times reports on another poll showing President Bush's approval ratings on all fronts to be in the toilet. No news there. What really stood out in the article was summarized in the opening paragraph:

Americans have a bleaker view of the country's direction than at any time in more than two decades, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. Sharp disapproval of President Bush's handling of gasoline prices has combined with intensified unhappiness about Iraq to create a grim political environment for the White House and Congressional Republicans.

Mr. Bush's approval ratings for his management of foreign policy, Iraq and the economy have fallen to the lowest levels of his presidency. He drew poor marks on the issues that have been at the top of the national agenda in recent months, in particular immigration and gasoline prices.

Just 13 percent approved of Mr. Bush's handling of rising gasoline prices.

79% of respondents disapprove of the president's handling of gasoline prices. The thing is, the president doesn't control gas prices. The president has very little if anything at all to do with gas prices. And to the extent he has tried to help matters, for example by increasing domestic production of oil, the Democrats have fought those efforts every step of the way.

It's just discouraging to see so many Americans making these sorts of knee-jerk assumptions that everything is, or should be, controlled by the federal government.

Others:
Wizbang
JustOneMinute