Welcome to the arena
Here you will find my opinions about the application of political principles to the news of the day. My perspective is clearly from the conservative point of view. This is a place to express my concerns, passions, irritations, and commentary as they apply to the current political issues of the day. Political is defined loosely in this blog. There may be posts that are not strictly political, such as movie reviews, medical topics, religious commentary and thoughts on history. I hope interest will be generated by blending my thoughts with current events. I anticipate that there will be honest disagreement. I encourage feedback to my posts with the goal of achieving clarity of disagreement. I will strive to keep the conversation polite and respectful, while avoiding political correctness and maintaining tension to keep things exciting. Hopefully, friends and family will enjoy frequenting the arena for a little intellectual stimulation and good ol' fashioned debate.
The Pew Research Center has been conducting the General Social Survey since 1972. As part of this survey, it has collected all kinds of information that may pertain to a person's happiness. One of the data assessments involves comparing characteristics according to self-described political party affiliation. The surveys are a random, representative sample of 2000-3000 people. The survey has identified various statistically significant differences between Republicans and Democrats. Overall, it appears that Republicans tend to describe their lives as happy more often than Democrats. Other findings about Republicans include the following:
- They have more money.
- They have more friends.
- They are more religious.
- They are healthier.
- They are more likely to be married.
- They like their communities better.
- They like their jobs more.
- They are more satisfied with their family life.
- They like the weather better. They have fewer financial worries.
- They’re more likely to see themselves doing better in life than their parents did.
- They’re more likely to feel that individuals -- rather than outside forces -- control their own success or failure.
- They have more of what they most value in life. (No, it’s not money).
There is an interesting article analyzing these findings and discussing possible reasons for them. You can
read the full article here. Figuring out the various reasons why Republicans tend to be happier makes for a fascinating discussion topic.
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