Americans see out-of-control spending, rising federal deficits as the biggest threat to freedom

Natalie Gonnella
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As Americans pay tribute to the country's 235th birthday this weekend, a new poll from US News and World Report reveals that most voters believe that Washington's wasteful ways are the biggest threat to American freedom.

With just under a month to go before a potential default, nearly 40% of Americans feel that uncontrolled spending and rising deficits are the biggest concern facing the country today.  This compares with:

• Terrorism 28%
• Politicians who don't listen 20%
• Government regulations 10%
• Gun control 3%

USNWR's Washington Whisper's blog also points out that:

The poll jives with the rising concern in the nation that Washington isn't attacking federal spending with enough gusto and comes at a time when Democrats and Republicans remain divided on how to cut the deficit.

With budget negotiations currently at a standstill, and just week's to go before the debt ceiling is reached, it will be interesting to see how voters views may change as the August deadline approaches.