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MIAMI, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2001) -- Even though
nearly one-third of Floridians say that their personal economic
situation has deteriorated since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks,
most remain strongly optimistic that things will either improve
or not deteriorate further over the next 12 months, a new poll
reveals.
But the survey, conducted by the Institute
for Public Opinion Research at Florida International University
in Miami, also revealed significant disapproval with Florida state
government's efforts to get the economy moving. Almost half (48.7
percent) said it should be doing more, compared with only about
one-third (35.7 percent) who felt that way about the federal government.
The wide-ranging, 39-question poll was intended
to gauge Floridians' attitudes about the Sept. 11 attacks, the
national and state economy, the anthrax crisis and what they feel
the future holds. It was conducted via phone during Oct. 17 -
23, and included a random sample of 600 respondents from most
Florida counties.
Nearly six out of 10 respondents said they
were only a little concerned or not concerned at all about the
threat of anthrax to them personally. But Florida's public health
system didn't seem to hold much comfort for them: 71 percent said
the state will have some difficulty or great difficulty in handling
bioterrorist threats. Still, only 43
percent said they extremely, very or somewhat concerned about
the anthrax threat.Beyond immediate
threats to health and the economy, about 58 percent revealed that
they are very or somewhat concerned that the current crisis will
have long-term negative effects on their kids. And about 38 percent
have had difficulty or sometimes have difficulty with their job
or normal activities since Sept. 11.
Respondents seem prepared to sacrifice some
privacy and convenience to achieve greater security. Nearly two-thirds
of respondents said increased security measures concern them,
but that such actions are necessary. Another 24.1 percent said
they're not concerned about such measures. Only 11.6 percent were
concerned that those measures will violate people's rights.
Complete results of the poll are available at www.fiu.edu/orgs/ipor/911/.
IPOR is the survey research center of FIU.
Founded in 1983, it has conducted more than 60 surveys reaching
more than 57,000 respondents. Over the past 10 years, it has become
well known for its annual FIU/Florida Poll -- one of the most
comprehensive public opinion surveys conducted in the country
covering such issues such crime and drugs, education, transportation,
health, taxes and politics. Responses are tracked annually to
determine whether and how views are changing.
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