Why are Republicans happier than Democrats?

Question

http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20060214-111128-5493r.htm

I know this has been asked before but I'd still like to explore it.

But before I do, I'd like to eliminate two possible negative answers:

Rather invariably, I expect a person from the left to say, "Ignorance is bliss." Or, a person on the right to say, "Intelligence leads to the means and ends to create happiness." Every study done to date has found no correlation between party affiliation and I.Q. scores.

My theory:

Republicans are more conservative by nature. Conservative means to want to preserve things the way they are. A person satisfied with their current situation will not desire change as much as a person dissatisfied. Satisfaction and content are key factors in a happy mindset.

It might not be that liberalism leads to unhappiness, as much as discontent leads to liberalism, and discontent is closely associated with unhappiness.

(Please no partisan attacks or ad hominem. Thanks.)

I'm a moderate. I'm just asking a question and looking for theories.

I'm terribly sorry, but I'm rather dissappointed in alot of the answers here.

Abraham Lincoln was a very troubled man, yet we regard his accomplishments and virtues as amongst the most important of our nation's history.

This was never a question of ideological superiority. I thought that was made clear.

This was a philisophical question to clarify and add meaning to seemingly arbitrary facts. It seems many have been offended by these facts and have elected to attack me personally instead of offering any sort of explanation. I'm already receiving hatemail.

Answer 1

because they can rape the people and know they will get off of all charges.

Answer 2

Republicans are happier because they are non conformist, very rich and powerful. The attitude and belief of the republic rich is that with money you can buy everything and anyone. They are content with their situations because they believe that their money can give them all the power they need. Because of this belief they will go to any extent to keep the money in their family ( other republics or other rich people who are close to them) Sometimes they are ill informed because they do not understand or believe that helping people less fortunate then them can help improve their financial situation. So for the lack of a better word, the are somewhat economically limited. Democratics are more about doing the work, they usually will get up and take on a mission. So to do this sometimes you do not appear to be as happy as others because of the responsibility and challenge. Democrats are often rich themselves, however more so with the wisdom the wealth is measured not only in money but what you achieve. So the two of them are like the two Old men - Republicans (like the smiling happy man who sat in his chair all day) he is content with the world. The other old man - Democratic ( he is the old man who can't be still and will continue to exercise his mind and soul)

Answer 3

I think Republicans are happier because they are not always looking for the bad or who to blame. They have an inner peace because they have a higher power they can turn to. I believe Republicans are more content with their lot in life. They are hard workers, have high ethics, and morals. I am not including politicians in this because I think they are very sef-centered on both sides of the aisle. Instead of waiting for handouts, Republicans quietly get the job done, which leads to more satisfaction with their life.

Answer 4

I think democrats or left-leaners as they may be tend to take things a little more personally than conservatives. Its easy to find something to complain about if you are always looking. Conservatives seem to be a little more laid back in their politicking because they feel their lives offer enough diversity and challenges that they don't necessarily need to seek out reasons to be upset with others.
I think these things combined with your own observations are many of the reasons why some consider conservatives to be "happier" than liberals.

Answer 5

Phooey, your restrictions take all of the fun out of it and I'm a died-in-the-wool Republican.
But then, you're generalizing by saying that Republicans are happier than Democrats.
I'm a Republican and have been since I first voted in 1952.
Always voted a straight Republican ticket until now.
This year I voted for Spitzer, which was a 'no contest' to my way of thinking and with carpet baggers like Hillary Clinton throwing her wig in the ring, the only good thing that could come from that would be New York getting rid of her.

Answer 6

nora22000 -

I am a republican and i work more than 40 hours a week, sacrifice time, comfort and well-being so ALL Americans can be happy or unhappy.

Where do you get that I am walking on Democrats to get where I am now? Hell, the majority of the Service is Republican.

Our Soldiers are the ones with the Scars and Bruises to prove they are just being used and mostly by liberal organizations and Democrat politicians.

When you have protected 300 million people and defended two countries that weren't yours, you'll understand. Until you do, don't tell me who is getting "used" here.

Answer 7

I think the left is constantly looking for reasons to be unhappy. The left attempts to rebel against the status quo and to do so they are constantly looking for reasons to find fault with things (as you eluded to). Democrats also seem to feel immense guilt about a great many issues.

Answer 8

Well from my experiences I worked like he11 to get what I have and then they want to come in and take the fruits of my labor for free. It reminds me of share cropping and also of slavery and the little red hen where they are not allowing me to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Then any programs they establish with my money I am barred from using because I am not at the poverty level.

So why even work if the powers that be are going to take most of my money and then the give it to people who do nothing.

Also these social programs promote the uneducated to key on these systems and allows them to basically be stupid and live a lifestyle not much different than mine. They have food, shelter, medical cards, power bills paid etc my question is why did I bust my a$$ to live a lifestyle not much better than a person on welfare.

Also your programs do not work so you are wasting my money.

Have a good day.

Answer 9

We're happy with our moral standing, our churches, our beliefs and our lifestyles. Although I must admit I'm rather poor, I still have my true and ultimate faith in God. Maybe that's why you'll find more happy Conservatives. It's NOT ALWAYS about MONEY.

Answer 10

Lots of sex. All of them must be married to make the facade of happy family men. Here and there, they have sex with those wives. Then they have sex with their - naturally, Catholic - priests. Then they have sex with young boys who work for them, e.g., pages. Democrats only get an intern once in a while and even that turns into a big hoopla by republicans, as fro them it is immoral to cheat on your wife with women.
Furthermore, republicans are either stoned all the time or totally delusional - just see how Wheel above states how republicans live in service of others, or how dumbya the bush stated "Mission Acccomplished," how cheney the dick saw a duck insted of his friend's face... too much LSD, I tell you.

Answer 11

Many liberals have plenty of personal possessions, good educations, nice homes, cars, families and money. I know that I do, but I also have a conscience. I want other people to have what they need. I want the poor to be able to afford education and healthcare. I want elderly people to be able to have food and healthcare. I want people with disabilities taken care of with dignity. I won't be perfectly content until that happens. So if you call that an unhappy liberal, then I guess maybe I am.