Survey finds Americans wary of bailout

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (UPI) -- Americans' opinions about the U.S. House's defeat of the $700 billion bailout plan reflect a wariness about their leaders in Washington, a survey indicates.

In interviews across the country, The Washington Post found citizens reacted to the vote and the subsequent market plunge with worry.

"There's got to be some kind of bailout, but the bottom line is that I just don't trust these guys," said Peter Kane, an entertainment lawyer in Santa Monica, Calif.

One analyst said the public doesn't have faith that the government can do the right thing to resolve the credit crisis.

"You've got massive public distrust and dissatisfaction, with the bailout specifically, with government in general, and (President) George Bush and the entire political establishment," said Doug Muzzio, professor of public affairs at Baruch College in New York.

Yvonne Fogerty of Skokie, Ill, a retired federal probation officer, said she supported the bailout because she doesn't see an alternative.

"The government has a role in keeping the economy going. If they don't do this, there's going to be a big crash. The economy could go down the drain," she told the Post.