It's depressing being a liberal Democrat

[Montgomery Burns]

Why are Republicans happier than Democrats?

Why are conservatives much happier than liberals?

Election results do not explain this happiness gap. Republicans have been happier every year since 1972--the year Pew started doing this survey.

It can't be dismissed as just another poll, because they've gotten the same result 34 years in a row.

I see that married people are especially happier. I suspect that they tend to vote more conservatively.

People who attend church regularly are also much happier than non-churchgoers, and we know that religious people also tend to vote more conservatively.

Are there more reasons?

Your thoughts?

[gerryhatrick]

Your thoughts?

What's the old saying about ignorance?

My dog is the happiest girl I know!!

And maybe Conservatives are just more likely to answer a question like that by saying they're happy. A lot of rightwingers are the "nya nya boo boo" types who will always claim everything is great (ie. Iraq).

And if religion is a factor then of course convincing yourself that the BIG questions are all answered for you is going to take a load off your mind.

Man, it's depressing to think I could have been a rightwing Conservative!

[Liam]

How can a group who are constantly worried about what's going on in their neighbors' bedrooms be all that happy? They might say they're happy, but they're about as happy as puritans in a brewery.

[Montgomery Burns]

Gerryhatrick:

What's the old saying about ignorance?

My dog is the happiest girl I know!!

WTF? Conservatives are much happier because they are ignorant?

And maybe Conservatives are just more likely to answer a question like that by saying they're happy. A lot of rightwingers are the "nya nya boo boo" types who will always claim everything is great (ie. Iraq).

Good point. That could explain why liberals are unhappy. They do seem to be a doom-and-gloom lot. Iraq is a quagmire, the civil war, the earth is warming and we're all going to die, can't buy that big auto and have some fun; I might hurt the enviroment, the productive are making too much and don't want to share it with me, I'm going to stay on unemployment, or welfare, until someone comes along and offers me a $25/hr job--when no one does, I get depressed...much have constant relelentless class warfare.

Or is it guilt - for the tens of millions of innocent babies they have murdered - that makes them so unhappy?

And if religion is a factor then of course convincing yourself that the BIG questions are all answered for you is going to take a load off your mind.

Then why are liberals so unhappy? They look to their Dear Leader to hold their hands and guide them through life so they don't have to make any decisions themselves. Everything is taken care of for them so they don't have to make any decisions. They simply rely on Nanny to look after them.

[geoffrey]

Conservatives are happier because we have the money, and generally the socialists don't. Unless your a union leader, in which case, your not happy because your an asshole. Or the silver spoon socialits, that have no sense of achievement because they decide that the world should give everything to them. Exactly why.

Or maybe because Conservatives are way more likely to take responsibility for themselves. For example, wow look at what my hard work got me, my house, my nice car, smart kids in college. Go me! Then, we have the liberal types, as well off, saying, wow, I feel so bad because those that don't work as hard as I, have less.

All comedy of course, though there might be a little truth in the first point. I think those that vote Republican are generally better off?

[Riverwind]

Are there more reasons?

Spirituality, wealth and stable relationships all add up to greater happiness. Furthermore, people who are happy tend to support the status quo (i.e. if it ain't broke don't fix it) which means they feel more confortable with 'conservative' policies.

[Black Dog]

There's certainly nothing inherently positive about conservatism ("Culture war! Murdered babies! Gay agenda! Islamofascism!"). I expect their "happiness" stems from their collective self-satisfaction and bvlack and white world view: I've never met a conservative who didn't believe they have all the answers.

Conservatives are happier because we have the money, and generally the socialists don't

But of course studies have shown that wealth does not lead to hapiness. Oops.

I think those that vote Republican are generally better off?

But I thought the G.O.P was the party of the workin' man and the Dems were all latte suckin', Beamer drivers?

[Liam]

I am pretty liberal by US standards but I am a happy person and optimistic about my life. (I am not happy about the political direction the GOP has taken my country, but I know the pendulum will swing back and they'll be in the minority again some day.) I truly believe things will get better. I am the kind who thinks the music, the clothes, the food, almost everything is better today than when I was a teenager (I am 38) and I expect things will continue to evolve in a way that will interest me. On the contrary, the conservatives I have been exposed to are, in general, so afraid of life outside their comfort zone that they cannot possibly be truly happy people. Content, maybe. Compromising and self-limiting, absolutely. But happy? I find that hard to believe.

[geoffrey]

There's certainly nothing inherently positive about conservatism ("Culture war! Murdered babies! Gay agenda! Islamofascism!"). I expect their "happiness" stems from their collective self-satisfaction and bvlack and white world view: I've never met a conservative who didn't believe they have all the answers.

And I've never meet a liberal that doesn't believe they have all the answers. Of all things to pick from the Conservative view points, none of which I agree to, it really reflects on your intolerance of beliefs other than your own. You hate things just because they are 'conservative.' Sounds like your comment would be better reflected at your own self.

Conservatives are happier because we have the money, and generally the socialists don't

But of course studies have shown that wealth does not lead to hapiness. Oops.

Studies have never been able to measure happiness as a quantifiable variable. None the less, I don't think its hard to draw the conclusion that when your up all night worrying about how you'll pay the bills, or working two jobs, or piling up massive debt, your not going to be very happy.

I think those that vote Republican are generally better off?

But I thought the G.O.P was the party of the workin' man and the Dems were all latte suckin', Beamer drivers?

I don't think so anyways.

Did I fail to mention that religious (especially Catholics) people are happier as well, and most religious people tend to be conservative?

[Black Dog]

And I've never meet a liberal that doesn't believe they have all the answers. Of all things to pick from the Conservative view points, none of which I agree to, it really reflects on your intolerance of beliefs other than your own. You hate things just because they are 'conservative.' Sounds like your comment would be better reflected at your own self.

In other words: "I know you are, but what am I?" Well played...not.

Studies have never been able to measure happiness as a quantifiable variable. None the less, I don't think its hard to draw the conclusion that when your up all night worrying about how you'll pay the bills, or working two jobs, or piling up massive debt, your not going to be very happy.

No, but once you hit a certain level of material propserity, your happiness is pretty much stable. The rich are no happier than the middle class.

I don't think so anyways.

Did I fail to mention that religious (especially Catholics) people are happier as well, and most religious people tend to be conservative?

Kinda supports my viewpoint that happiness comes to those who think they know it all.

[Montgomery Burns]

Black Dog:

There's certainly nothing inherently positive about conservatism ("Culture war! Murdered babies! Gay agenda! Islamofascism!").

There's certainly nothing inherently positive about liberalism (Class warfare! Murdered babies! Gay GAY GAAAYYY!! There are no terrorists!)

I expect their "happiness" stems from their collective self-satisfaction and bvlack and white world view: I've never met a conservative who didn't believe they have all the answers.

Conservatives believe in the people's ability to come up with answers. They believe in less govt regulation and govt interference. They believe that they should have the freedom to solve more things on a local or state level, instead of some centralized behemoth thousands of miles away interfering in their lives. Conservatives have compassion for the victims of crime, not the perpetrator of the crime. How's that for black and white?

But of course studies have shown that wealth does not lead to hapiness. Oops.

Interesting that you brought thta up. MacLeans recently had an article about a study that showed that the wealthy are happier. I wasn't surprised. It's just plain common sense. How's that for black and white?

But I thought the G.O.P was the party of the workin' man and the Dems were all latte suckin', Beamer drivers?

I don't know. 24 of the top 25 largest donations through those 527 groups went to the Democrat Party. I suspect the caricature of the GOP being full of rich people isn't true.

I know that Harper's CPs got far more grassroots donations ($200 maximum) than the Liberals and the NDP.

[geoffrey]

No, but once you hit a certain level of material propserity, your happiness is pretty much stable. The rich are no happier than the middle class.

How do you know this? What do you call middle class? Have you been both rich and middle-class? I could be considered someone that might have experienced both, but I don't know where to draw the lines.

Everyone calls themselves middle class, I know I do, but to others, I probably wouldn't be middle class, I'd be 'rich'. And to others, I'd be 'poor'.

What is middle class in your books?

I think the stat is around $50,000 for average household income? So is a 6-figure household rich? I personally don't know?

I know I'd be more happy if I could go on vacations to Europe 6 times a year or have a condo in Mexico. I also know I'd be less happy without my car and frequent outings with friends and sporting activities, all which do cost a considerable amount of money.

See what I mean? Money really does buy happiness. It isn't the sole determinier of course, having friends, loved ones, ect. are arguably more important. But the more money you have, the happier you will be. As long as your not destroying the other aspects of your life (health/fitness/friendships/relationships) to get there.

[newbie]

"...Money really does buy happiness..."

Not in my case. Chasing the almighty buck caused my illness and forced me to retire early. I have less possessions, a lot less money but am a whole lot happier. In fact I'm still getting rid of stuff. I think the "money buys happiness" is an immature illusion. And as far as the depression part, the black and white world of Monty's ilk don't seem too happy. Check out some of the angry posts on this slightly right leaning forum.

[Montgomery Burns]

"...Money really does buy happiness..."

Not in my case. Chasing the almighty buck caused my illness and forced me to retire early. I have less possessions, a lot less money but am a whole lot happier. In fact I'm still getting rid of stuff. I think the "money buys happiness" is an immature illusion. And as far as the depression part, the black and white world of Monty's ilk don't seem too happy. Check out some of the angry posts on this slightly right leaning forum.

Sorry to hear about your illness.

It is just common sense that wealthy people are happier. Can money buy you happiness? In some ways, yes. In some ways, no.

Back to topic: This is 34 yrs in a row that Pew has shown Republicans being happier than Democrats. It was 45 to 30 this year, and when you break it down to 'conservative republicans' versus 'liberal democrats', the gap widens to 47 to 28.

It's not the rightwingers who are angry; it is the liberals. I admit I find their seething amusing and when they explode, it can be pure comedy gold. Check out some of the posts on this forum.

[Guest American Woman]

I'm a liberal/democrat who feels very fortunate. I'd say I'm happy, but I also know that life is a series of ups and downs, so I don't have to say that my life is perfect, and my children and I are always happy as larks, etc. like some I know do ... and I think those who do are trying to convince themselves and/or others of their happiness. I do believe that conservatives as a whole do have more of a need to say they are happy, just like they have more of a need to stick together no matter what. I think they put more stock in what they say than what they feel, as if saying something is a certain way convinces them that it is that way. They have the need to present the illusion that things are as they think they should be.

Money most certainly isn't synonymous with happiness. Of course it takes some of the pressures off of life, but it doesn't make your kids happy and well adjusted, it doesn't make love stronger, it doesn't guarentee health, etc. and it can bring on pressures too ... the fear of losing it, the overtime work it takes to keep the high salary coming in, the stress that usually comes with high paying jobs. It's not a guarentee of happiness and if you need money to be happy, I think something important is missing.

It's interesting to note that it was the rich who lost everything who jumped out of buildings during the depression. Those who didn't have a lot of money weathered it just fine. So who was happier?

But really, trying to determine who is happier when there is such a variation on the answers is pointless. I do think there is something to the saying that "ignorance is bliss." It would be easier to remain ignorant of the hurt, death, famine, poverty, etc. that goes on in the world, but then nothing would ever change; and to me, doing something to make a difference is part of happiness.

On the same note, if it's the liberals who are angry as some are saying, I'd say it's because they are aware that there is a lot to be angry about right now ... and trying to remain blissfully ignorant of that fact is not going to solve anything or make them happier in the long run. Anger is sometimes necessary for change to come about.

[margrace]

This is an interesting discussion. Does money buy happiness? Well it may if it is not used to control others, because that can back fire big time, just ask my sister. She made money the sole reason d'etre of her life.

Her husband died in a extenda care bed with less than adaquate care, he didn't trust her to look after him. Her oldest son, whom she has always tried to control with money is a uncontrollable drunk, her adopted son leaves a lot to be desired, her daughter and youngest son fled to Australia.

She is furious because she cannot collect Old age pensions. She claims she is paying for mine. I have never had more than $30,000 in my life to live on and I do pretty good.

So thats what having money does for one.

[gerryhatrick]

It is just common sense that wealthy people are happier.

Actually, no. Your "common sense" has been proven false actually.

Once people have enough money for the basic neccessities, there's no correllation between hapiness and money.

Perhaps the "common sense" you're trying to exercise here is in reference to people who live in abject poverty and want for food or shelter. Otherwise, your common sense falls flat.

WTF? Conservatives are much happier because they are ignorant?

Yes.

And you missed the religion point. I don't know if you're playing dumb or just.....ignorant?

[Black Dog]

How do you know this? What do you call middle class? Have you been both rich and middle-class? I could be considered someone that might have experienced both, but I don't know where to draw the lines.

It's official: Money can't buy happiness.

Surveys have found virtually the same level of happiness between the very rich individuals on the Forbes 400 and the Maasai herdsman of East Africa. Lottery winners return to their previous level of happiness after five years. Increases in income just don't seem to make people happier--and most negative life experiences likewise have only a small impact on long-term satisfaction.

[August1991]

Once people have enough money for the basic neccessities, there's no correllation between hapiness and money.

Define "basic neccessities". And if there's no correlation between money and happiness, why are my taxes so high?

From link above:

There is a very small correlation between wealth and happiness--accounting for about 1% of the happiness reported by people answering surveys.

People's answers to survey questions concerning their happiness are utterly meaningless. BD, I always had you pegged for being naive.

----

Here's an interesting, related article:

Which worries are most likely to keep this country's very, very rich from resting easy in their beds? Lazy offspring and the chance they may not be able to keep up their current lifestyle, a study of Canadians with more than $10-million in personal assets has found.

"The benefits of wealth are offset by some real challenges," said Rob Dawson, president of Sensus Research Inc., the company that surveyed 165 of what the investment industry calls "ultra-high-net-worth individuals."

"A lot of these individuals are self-made and they want to make sure their children are carrying on that strong work ethic and don't become complacent," he said.

Indeed, one-quarter of the survey's rich respondents said their biggest worry is that their children or grandchildren will be less motivated because of their family wealth. More than one-third of the sample said they worry most about maintaining their lifestyle.

G & M

[newbie]

It's not the rightwingers who are angry; it is the liberals.

But what about the very angry and very public Ann Coulters, Rush Limbaughs, and Bill O'Reillys of the right? I think their left wing counterparts (Al Franken, Michael Moore) are just funny, employing satire, not anger.

[newbie]

People's answers to survey questions concerning their happiness are utterly meaningless.

No more so than political polls, which appear to be quite accurate. Do you think people lie on these surveys regarding their happiness?

[Black Dog]

People's answers to survey questions concerning their happiness are utterly meaningless. BD, I always had you pegged for being naive.

Then why are you posting articles about "meaningless" surveys? Yeesh.

[Montgomery Burns]

It's not the rightwingers who are angry; it is the liberals.

But what about the very angry and very public Ann Coulters, Rush Limbaughs, and Bill O'Reillys of the right? I think their left wing counterparts (Al Franken, Michael Moore) are just funny, employing satire, not anger.

Coulter and Limbaugh are professionally angry. Not sure why you lumped O'Reilly in with the other two.

Franken made a video when he released his last book, showing him beating up a conservative, including smashing a chair over his back. I thought I was watching WWE for a second. I couldn't believe that Amazon allowed that video on their site to promote his book. Franken also used force when he tackled a heckler to the ground during a Howard Dean rally.

I don't recall any righties throwing pies and other objects at liberal speakers. Conservative speakers have been attacked numerous times. 2 guys even tried to assault Ann Coulter, and she is a woman.

Take a look at the anger from elected Democrats. Howard Dean, Ted Kennedy, Dick Durbin, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, etc. You can throw in the fire-breathing al-Gore in there too, Al Sharpton, Charlie Rangel, etc.

[newbie]

Coulter and Limbaugh are professionally angry. Not sure why you lumped O'Reilly in with the other two.

They are as Republican as you can get. You don't count media then? Too bad. I was going to throw Bob Novak into the mix. Are you saying O'Reilly isn't frothing from the right? Oh, and I guess you don't count hitman Pat Robertson then either. How about George Allen or Karl Rove? And then there's that self-righteous Mormon Orrin Hatch and scandal laden Tom Delay. And of course, the grand daddy of em all, good ole Dubya his self. There's so many they even have a group: http://groups.msn.com/AngryRepublicans

[Montgomery Burns]

Coulter and Limbaugh are professionally angry. Not sure why you lumped O'Reilly in with the other two.

They are as Republican as you can get. You don't count media then? Too bad. I was going to throw Bob Novak into the mix. Are you saying O'Reilly isn't frothing from the right? Oh, and I guess you don't count hitman Pat Robertson then either. How about George Allen or Karl Rove? And then there's that self-righteous Mormon Orrin Hatch and scandal laden Tom Delay. And of course, the grand daddy of em all, good ole Dubya his self. There's so many they even have a group: http://groups.msn.com/AngryRepublicans

O'Reilly is as Republican as you can get? Get real! He's pro-gun control, pro-abortion, anti-death penalty, and supports gays adopting. I'll admit that overall he leans to the right, but he is hardly "as Republican as you can get."

Pat Robertson is on the fringes of the Republican Party and does not speak for the GOP (although he was right about Hugo Chavez). Btw, do you want me to bring up all the hatemongers on the left? In my previous post I just issued a short list of the angry representatives of the Democrat Party.

George Allen has a 50/50 chance of getting the GOP nomination for the 2008 election. He is a fine conservative and is one of a small number of politicians with low negatives.

Karl Rove rules! The Evil Dark Lord™ has the left totally psyched out.

Tom DeLay has been convicted of nothing.

Orrin Hatch. He's religious! Ergo, self-righteous!...unlike us progressive liberals.

Dubya: Liberated over 50 million people from 2 murderous regimes in 2 wildly successful liberations, author of the Bush Doctrine, a steely resolve in the War on Terror, and a man who will be treated kindly by history as the ME slowly changes in the future.

Number of people freed from totalitarian dictatorships by anti-American Bush-bashing terrorist-appeasing whining elitists? Zero.