American stupidity: the "income gap"

I just read a "new poll" that shows Americans' feelings on the income gap in America.

WASHINGTON - Income differences in the U.S. are too stark, and the government should provide jobs and training for those having a tough time, according to majorities in a national poll released Thursday.

Yes, because the government can magically come up with the money to provide jobs that don't previously exist. (Actually, they really do a pretty good job of that as it is.)

About seven in 10 said discrepancies between income levels are too large, a sentiment voiced by nearly two-thirds of those from households earning at least $80,000 a year, the survey said.

These are the same people who accepted the raises that brought them into $80,000+ territory. I also wonder why these wealthy individuals can't just scrape off some of their income and donate it? Why does the government have to do that for them?

Further proving America's schizophrenia:

In the survey, 58 percent said large pay differences help get people to work harder. Yet 61 percent said such discrepancies are not needed for the country to prosper.

And again:

Two-thirds said the government should make sure there is a job for everyone who wants one. ... Even so, nearly two-thirds said it is not the government's responsibility to ease income differences.

I don't even know what to say to those results. I think if I were running the poll, I'd conclude one of two things: my audience was really screwed up or I've got some staff that need to be fired.