# What Americans Say Is Wrong With America

> People describe America’s problems: inflation, political ads, and a lack of community.
- Title: What Americans Say Is Wrong With America · The Boston Globe
- Summary: People describe America’s problems: inflation, political ads, and a lack of community. Two-thirds of Americans believe the country is moving in the wrong…
- Keywords: inflation, political ads, community, magnets, boston common, chicago, boston cup, rolls royce, quincy gas station, revival chelsea, news, local
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/19/metro/trying-times-all-our-souls
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: inflation, political ads, community, magnets, boston common, chicago, boston cup, rolls royce, quincy gas station, revival chelsea, news, local
## Poll shows two-thirds of Americans feel country is wrong way
Two-thirds of Americans believe this country is moving in the wrong direction, the polls say.
## Thomas Paine’s words on trying times
These are the times that try men’s souls, as Thomas Paine would say.
## People don’t like hard work, want everything free
People don’t like to do hard work. That’s what’s wrong. Everyone wants everything for free.
## Michael Paquette on inflation and respect
Michael Paquette says people don’t respect each other and want everything for free.
## Michael Paquette on lawyer ads
Michael Paquette hates lawyer ads on TV because they make people act hurt after minor accidents.
## Van Chim on inflation and side hustles
Van Chim says inflation is not just Trump’s fault but CEOs who raise prices.
## Van Chim on affordable housing
Van Chim says people without side hustles can’t get affordable housing in Chinatown.
## Mr. Smiley spreads positivity
Mr. Smiley spreads positivity by making people smile outside the MBTA station.
## Mr. Smiley’s story of depression
Mr. Smiley became homeless after depression and now spreads love through smiles.
## Erick Michael feeds pigeons
Erick Michael shares snacks with pigeons to lift his spirit.
## Jay Miller on MAGA and government
Jay Miller says MAGA has caused the government to give up separation of powers.
## Gary O. fills tank at gas station
Gary O. fills his tank at a Quincy gas station and criticizes Trump’s policies.
## Food bank line at Revival Chelsea
A woman waits at Revival Chelsea for food boxes from 5 a.m. to noon.
## Key takeaway

Two-thirds of Americans believe the country is moving in the wrong direction due to inflation, political ads, and a lack of community.