Public opinion is a constant. Collectively, Americans are predictably judgmental. What changes are the public’s moods and attitudes. Of all the traditional issues and institutions, the one that is in the most trouble is Congress.

At the moment, President George Bush continues his stratospheric cruise in the opinion polls. The latest Times Mirror Survey, “The People, Press and Politics 1990,” pegged his favorable rating at 76 percent.

Israel does not fare as well. U.S. public opinion has shifted dramatically against that country, possibly a reaction to Israeli policy in the occupied territory and that government’s handling of the Palestinian uprising. Three years ago, Israel received a 65 percent favorable rating, and only 27 percent unfavorable. This year, pro- and anti-Israel sentiment is in a dead heat in the U.S., 44 percent to 45 percent, respectively.

With the Soviet Union behaving more like a performing bear in the international arena, Japan is coming on strong and may soon attain least-favored-nation status. Now that the global conflict is becoming more economic than ideologic, Japan is being watched more closely by a wary public. The most compelling finding: The sentiment is becoming mainstream. It is not isolated to laid-off autoworkers.

But it is Congress that is taking the hardest hits from the public. Times Mirror found that “Since 1987, there has been a significant upswing in the feelings of mistrust of political leaders, disillusionment with politics and feelings of powerlessness.”

There are no partisan winners here. Republicans are viewed as driven by wealth and greed. Democrats are considered incompetent. Take your pick.

The results of the survey, and the cynical trend it reflects, provide ammunition to Congress-bashers, but they offer no comfort to Americans who must rely on the machinations of the House and Senate to solve national problems.

Two points:

Members of the House and Senate would be foolish to dismiss as isolated complaining the generalized simmering anger in their districts. The public is fed up. Voters in Oklahoma this week placed a 12-year limit on state legislative terms. It’s only the beginning.

It is not enough merely to dislike the arrogance or ineptitude of Congress. Voters must resent its failures and its aloofness enough to go to the polls, and to change it from within.

…and a day of outrage

Powerlessness is another common feeling among Americans. The exercise at the polling place is private. People who spend their time working, providing for themselves and their families and paying taxes rarely enjoy moments of collective achievement.

On those rare occasions when the people speak out and are heard, the success is short-lived. The public’s overwhelming opposition to the congressional pay raise during Speaker Jim Wright’s tenure later was quietly repudiated by Congress, which brought the raise in through the back door.

How can the public vent its frustrations, especially now that the Iraq issue is dominating national attention?

Some Washington-based citizen-interest groups are planning a national day of outrage on Oct. 27, with rallies and protests in congressional districts across the country.

It is an occasion to acknowledge the over-bureaucratized federal system, the taxes that support it and the Congress that epitomizes it.

It is a great idea.