Survey: Republicans Happier than Democrats

[superconnected]

Overall happiness among U.S. residents has not changed much over the years, according to the latest survey by the Pew Research Center that finds 34 percent of adults are very happy.

Among 3,014 telephone respondents, half reported being pretty happy, and 15 percent said they are not too happy.

The survey, released this week, points out several disparities based on lifestyle, beliefs and political persuasion:

Republicans are happier than Democrats.
People who worship frequently are happier than those who don't.
The rich are happier than the poor.
Whites and Hispanics are happier than blacks.
Married people are happier than the unmarried.
Dog owners and cat owners rate the same.
Sunbelt residents are happier than everyone else.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060316/sc_space/republicanshappierthandemocrats

[smoogatz]

1. Ignorance is bliss. n/t

[saigon68]

13. Remove part of the brain

The give a shit or I'm hungry part

[katty]

66. Frances Farmer lobotomy syndrome-What, me worry?

[BiggJawn]

40. If "Ignorance is Bliss", a LOT of ReTHUGs must be ecstatic. n/t

[Rambis]

48. Lobotomy! Lobotomy!

"Teenage Lobotomy"

Lobotomy, lobotomy, lobotomy, lobotomy!
DDT did a job on me
Now I am a real sickie
Guess I'll have to break the news
That I got no mind to lose
All the girls are in love with me
I'm a teenage lobotomy

Slugs and snails are after me
DDT keeps me happy
Now I guess I'll have to tell 'em
That I got no cerebellum
Gonna get my Ph.D.
I'm a teenage lobotomy

[rppper]

59. R.I.P. joey and dedee

johnny can go do whatever........

[riona]

51. and restful for the brain

[sakabatou]

57. Freedom is Slavery

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. I wish they'd link IQ to happiness.

That'd be interesting.

[TallahasseeGrannie]

8. I teach both gifted kids and low ESE kids

the lower kids are happier by far. There is something to the theory linking intelligence and "happiness."

I think so many Republicans are happy because they are in power and they approve of Bushco. And they approve because they are less than astute intellectually. All is well. We got the big bombs, nothing to worry about.

[sutz12]

3. Yep, denial ain't just a river in Egypt.... nt

[BlueEyedSon]

4. The average repub is rich, religious, white, in the sunbelt, etc

[Gormy Cuss]

10. Yes, those poll results are begging for a cross-tabulation. n/t

[Psephos]

36. Actually, the average republican is not rich, and not in the sunbelt

The average Republican is middle class, and substantial numbers of them are lower middle class. Geographically, they are widely distributed, outside of coastal urban centers. Religion is less a factor than we think.

Check out this Pew Research report on the American Electorate. Lots of stereotype-busting info here - I think it's critical we be knowledgeable about the actual electorate before election season begins.

http://people-press.org/reports/pdf/196.pdf

Peace.

[BlueEyedSon]

38. You're probably right. However, most of the RICH are repubs.

[mike923]

50. No, they aren't.

Our base is very rich and very poor. The GOP is mostly the in between. There are many many extremely wealthly democrats.

[BlueEyedSon]

54. The rich are being bribed with tax cuts and engineered stock market gains

i think they're on board with the bushies

[manic expression]

63. Let's make a list....

1.) George Soros.....

....

Guys?

....

..............................................................

Anyone else?

[superconnected]

5. 1. I don't believe repukes have always been happier since 1972

They're full of hate and have never been happy with anything.

2. It reads like propaganda.

Wonder how much buschco paid for this.

It also lists unfactual information. Legitimate reporters usually point to facts when saying things like republicans are richer than dems. I see no proof.

[Atman]

6. Republicans LIE on polls more than Democrats

Unless they polled only Bush's base, why would anyone be happy to be a republican these days? It's up there on the popularity chart with trial lawyers and used car dealers. And Congressmen.

[AlCzervik]

7. well when you have no conscious things tend not to bother you.

[neoblues]

19. Yes, they have no conscience...

therefore no sense of obligation or guilt over the harm they've caused...

[Epiphany4z]

9. now ask

who lies more?..lmao maybe they are just lying about being happy...really how do you measure happiness?

[superconnected]

16. It reads like propaganda, but

I don't doubt that republicans are happy when everyone else is miserable.

or should I say, beause everyone else is miserable.

[soleft]

11. They're always happy til you find the bodies in the basement

[Dhalgren]

12. In Nazi Germany, Nazis were happier than anyone else...

[KansDem]

14. "The rich are happier than the poor."

Duh! Ya think...?

Anyone who claims that money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop--anonymous

[progressivebydesign]

46. That was the stupidest one.. really.

Oddly, polls used to show a level of happiness amongst the poor, because they were often more grateful for the simple things. Now.. it's just a matter of survival, because poor = little or no health care. Hard to be happy when you're sick and cant' afford to go to the doctor.

[Megahurtz]

61. I'd be happy if I were rich too. n/t

[neoblues]

15. Republicans more delusional than Democrats too.

What's not to be happy about--they're in power, things are going their way, the world is perfect--there's record profits, the U.S. is "showing" the world how powerful it is, we're "defeating" the terrorists around the world (it's just a matter of time till we achive "Victory"), given the starvation of the federal government thanks to the wonderful tax-cuts--soon the "New Deal" "welfare" programs like Social Security will collapse under their own weight and the middle-class will join the ranks of the poor and the poor will be poorer still (soon they'll be able to bring back slavery--and include all skin colors! (see, they're not "racist"; they hate everyone (who isn't wealthy/republican))). It's a complex form of delusion; it has elements of reality--but only as convenient to support their fantasies about how the world is and should be.

Mentally ill people who are inexplicably and unnaturally happy are said to be "manic", and make no mistake, Republicanism is a mental illness.

[katty]

67. Denial + Power is an incredible 24/7 high

[phantom power]

17. Can't... stop.... fingers....

He was a mongoloid, he was a mongoloid,
happier than you and me...
He was a mongoloid, he was a mongoloid,
one chromosome too many!
--Devo

[Teaser]

20. Ever been to Devon PA?

When I was growing up, all along the highways near Devon PA, some enterprising Devo fan had spraypainted over the n of every sign advertising the proximity and location of Devon.

It was an inspiring sight.

[Teaser]

22. blank

I said blank dammit.

[phantom power]

24. wow, that's Devo-tion.

[The Stranger]

18. Being in denial is NOT happiness.

It is a chronically pathological state of being.

And of course someone in denial is going to deny their profound, deep unhappiness.

[happyslug]

21. Happiness is tied in with interaction.

Basically the more you interact with people in a common activity (at something more than the ordinarily course of living) the happier you are. People are SOCIAL ANIMALS, being Social Animals we are happiest when we are working with others. Thus people who go to church (and active in their Church not just attend) are interacting with other people in a common cause and as such fulfilling the basic Human need to interact. Thus Church Goers tend to be happier than non-churchgoers NOT do to their beliefs, but that their are interacting as a member of a larger group.

For example people in this forum who post frequently will tend to be happier than lurkers. Why? Because we are interacting for a common good. People who tend to be "Joiners" tend to be happier, but these are the same people who not only Join their church but other social groups. Not when I use the term "Join" I mean something more than sign up and pay dues, I mean you work with others in the group. This working with others to a Common goal is what makes people happy.

One of surprising statements in this study is that mere wealth does NOT make someone happy, increase money that takes someone out of poverty DOES increase happiness dramatically, but once that basic need is satisfied increase Income loses its ability to make someone happy.

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

23. "Normals" vs "outsiders" is all this poll measures

When you feel "normal" because you're like your neighbors, you feel the happiness that comes with fitting in. You know, the kind of feeling that children and adolescents crave.

When you're not an "outsider" you're not attacked for your differences:
"Why aren't you married yet?"
"Something's wrong with someone who doesn't go to church."
"If you're poor it's your own damn fault. Don't ask me for help."
"Those people are lazy and they steal. They're all the same."

Screw normals. Fuck happiness.

:)

[JitterbugPerfume]

25. it you are to happy these days

there is something wrong with you THESE are not happy times folks!



besides----define happiness . the word is to suggestive

[Igel]

27. The odd thing about the poll is

that the figures are relatively stable. They scootch up and down a bit, but never (IIRC) in such a way as to reverse the relationships between dem/repub, rich/poor, etc.

Back to 1972. Dems in power, repubs happier; repubs in power, repubs happier. As well as those that are married, wealthier, etc.

[mike923]

52. I'm happy...

sure there are things that upset me when i follow the current events. But it isn't healthy to let it effect me emotionally. It's just politics.

[dogman]

26. Taxes are down for the rich, people are dying, and the poor are suffering.

What could make a Republican happier?

[saigon68]

43. Yes the Pepukes are cheering over the POOR SUFFERING

The Poor in their eyes are unworthy, lazy and they smell bad.

[NVMojo]

28. black and white stupidity is bliss

inability to reason and deal with reality is bliss

[David__77]

29. And Nazis were happier than anti-Nazis in 1933-1945 Germany...

This isn't really news...

[BR_Parkway]

30. Funny, if you argue with a Repug, that veneer of happy disappears

really, really quick!

The rich should be happier, they have less to worry about. Trying to decide between the heat bill, food bill or going to the doctor would put a damper on anyone's fun.

Wonder what the stats are for people who want to be married, but their second class stature won't permit it?

[Kare]

31. You have to be kidding me!

The rich are happier than the poor?
where do they get these ideas?
:sarcasm: :sarcasm:
They had to do a study to find that out?
They could have asked me.

[ugarte]

32. Why shouldn't they be happy? It's a rigged game

and they're the house.

[KittyWampus]

33. Don't Republicans Have More Nightmares Then Democrats?

IMO, just ASKING people "are you happy" is meaningless.

Especially, if it neglects to ask:

how much do you drink
what medications are you on
do you have a job
is your job rewarding
how many hours do you work
how much sleep do you get
how much time do you get with your family
would you like more time with your family
does your spouse abuse you physically
does your spouse abuse you emotionally
do you hit your child

[progressivebydesign]

47. I remember that poll about nightmares.

And.. I remember that historically Democrats are happier and more optimistic. Of course, now we're all pissed off because of the republicans. I think it's a temporary condition.. until 06 and 08.

[Minnesota Libra]

34. Apparently neocon stupidity is such bliss, but I'd rather be........

....educated than happy.:think:

[shrike]

35. Of course they are. They live in LaLa land.

[MGKrebs]

37. That's just because we haven't indicted the rest of them...yet.

[wordpix2]

39. as long as repuke$ are making lots of money they're happy--let the rest of

the world suffer, is their motto

[Mz Pip]

41. Well, I suppose I

would be a lot happier if we had a Democrat in the WH and controlled on branch of congress.

THe rich are happier than the poor. Duh.

I suppose healthy people are happier than sick people too.

And people without headaches are happier than those who have them.

These surveys are stupid.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Libby2]

42. I can believe it

After all my dog is pretty happy and oblivious.

[Xenotime]

44. I'll be happy to see * impeached.

[progressivebydesign]

45. Really... because it has ALWAYS been the Dems are happier.

Methinks someone is pulling something. Historically, Democrats are happier people. Perhaps we're unhappy this time because the republicans are FUCKING UP THE WORLD!

Oh brother... those who worship frequently are happier?

This sounds like something straight from the Office of Propoganda.

Worship.. be Republican. Be Happy! sheesh.

[Seabiscuit]

49. What an incredibly stupid, stupid poll.

[Tight_rope]

53. Now if this ain't the biggest bullshit I've ever read..

then I don't know what is. :rofl:

[area51]

55. Interesting.

I know nazis that are always angry. They listen to hate radio & Faux to get further angry & validate their anger. And the "draw" of hate radio and Faux is the sheer hatred of the hosts for "others". :shrug:

[mike923]

58. I see more hate on the DU each day than anywhere else.

It's okay, because it is hatred of Bush and republicans, but still the hatred i read on this board daily trumps the hate i see anywhere in real life. I think that is why so many are unhappy. It isn't healthy to hate so much.

[Psephos]

68. It's an uncomfortable little truth, isn't it?

I heard someone say hatred is the weak man's anger, and I have to agree.

I differ with you that hatred of half our country is ok. Hatred leads to dehumanizing those you disagree with; once that happens, you're free to commit the most beastly behaviors toward those you hate. On an international level, dehumanizing your enemy leads to war.

There have been conservatives and liberals as long as humans have come together to form societies. That's no accident; the predisposition is genetic, and has been maintained because it conferred survival advantage to evolving humans. Our societies need both mindsets. Liberals to provide new ideas, a strong sense of belonging, visions of what might be. Conservatives to preserve that which our ancestors found valuable through trial and error. Neither end of the political spectrum deserves hatred by the other, because both serve the other. The hatred that now runs rampant is borne of religious impulses, of the undisciplined urge to blindly support the Ingroup and despise the Outgroup. To my eyes, such religious impulses have been among the most destructive in human history.

Our country is riven by hate, and not just from political opposites. I've been subjected to blistering rudeness on DU many times for expressing an opinion not identical to someone else's. We'd be better served on this board and elsewhere by emphasizing more of the cohesive and problem-solving emotions that are the true heart and soul of progressive thinking. Our strength is our vision.

My opinions, nothing more, nothing less.

Peace.

[Raine]

56. No sense no feelings

course they are happy they don't concern themselves with the misery of others. :-(

[Critters2]

60. The rich are happier than the poor

Someone was PAID to measure this?!

Damn! And I have to work for a living!

[pokercat999]

62. Hmmmmmm....are people with telephones generally

"happier" than folks without?
My guess, totally unscientific guess, is HELL YES....stupid bastards what a waste of oxygen on these spuds. Why didn't they ask "are people that masturbate happier than people that don't"?.....kind of offsets that religious question thingy, and no the married/unmarried question does not address the masturbation question, the cat/dog thing might though.

[geniph]

64. They are less willing to admit it when things aren't perfect

that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

[Rex]

65. Why wouldn't they be happier?! They own the gummit!

No shit their happy! Just look at the planet and what is going on around us! I hope Mr. Pew didn't waste a zillion dollars on that study. What a waste of money. :eyes: