Hello Flash,
Originally Posted by
Flash
Never heard Thomas Edsall accused of having a conservative slant. Would a liberal slant be more acceptable?
The sentence you cited was from only one of the studies. Clearly, some of the other studies have a different slant.
I have no opinion on this issue, but do you have any evidence to support or challenge the assertion that conservatives are happier than liberals?
Most of the studies cited on JPP showing any difference in IQ, knowledge, etc. between liberals and conservatives are somewhat questionable (although statistically sophisticated). The operationalization of terms is simplistic.
Liberals and conservatives on JPP seem bitter, cranky, foul mouthed, hostile, and think the other side is evil and responsible for the world's problems.
The problem with such studies is there is no way to exclude personal opinion. The way the questions are asked produces bias. We have seen these studies show the exact opposite results depending on who conducts them.
Since there is nothing truly quantifiable on the subject I have nothing more than my own personal point of view.
I am liberal, quite happy, and quite content with my life. I love my life. I love people. I love being a human on Earth and being an American. Naturally, I find it hard to accept a study that says my experience should not be possible. I don't like to talk about myself here so I can't really give any details of how I have such a wonderful life, but I know I most certainly do. How else could I come in here, such a rough place, and so easily deal with all these really rude people? I've got my priorities in order. Respect is the key.
Even when I place somebody on Ignore, I don't insult them. I actually wish them well. I sincerely do hope that they have a good life and find the personal peace I know.
Life can be so fabulous. I know it because I live it. I know most people are not ready to accept such civility and peace so I have to simply push them gently away. That is how I protect my own space. I don't want my thoughts poisoned with such stress. I think the key is stress management. Taking active measures to protect oneself from stress and grief. That is how it is done.
I'm sure there are conservatives who have done this. There are some here, such as yourself, who are able to conduct civil conversations. Although I don't know if you really consider yourself a conservative. Your views seem that way to me because I am liberal. But even you. I have seen you go off on others. I don't know if you are as happy and satisfied with your life as I am with mine. And what difference would it make if we could quantify such a thing? It can't be done.
Personal anecdotes are the last thing to be convincing of anything in a discussion board. These studies are tainted with them in hidden ways. There is just no way to scientifically gauge happiness. One can only opine. Which is all I have done, and all they can do. All I know is I am there. I feel so lucky to be so content. It didn't come naturally. I wanted it. I had to make it happen. I did. I am not allowing anyone to mess it up. I know how to nurture happiness. And it can totally be done as a liberal. I flatly reject the study results on that simple basis.
I don't think political views have anything to do with happiness and contentment. No correlation can be made.
Personal Ignore Policy PIP: I like civil discourse. I will give you all the respect in the world if you respect me. Mouth off to me, or express overt racism, you will be PERMANENTLY Ignore Listed. Zero tolerance. No exceptions. I'll never read a word you write, even if quoted by another, nor respond to you, nor participate in your threads. ... Ignore the shallow. Cherish the thoughtful. Long Live Civil Discourse, Mutual Respect, and Good Debate! ps: Feel free to adopt my PIP. It works well.
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