For many people, maintaining happiness is a constant struggle. There are people who go through life with many different worries. Like, how am I going to pay for my children to go to college? When will these gas prices lower? Can the economy get any worse? Many people make themselves miserable worrying about these things.
Except for conservatives.
In a provocative new study, researchers from New York University have found evidence that supports a 2006 PEW Research Center survey. The survey showed that 47 percent of conservative Republicans describe themselves as "very happy" while only 28 percent of liberal Democrats describe themselves similarly.
An article from LiveScience finally cites the all-important reasons why conservatives are so happy. They scored highest on measures of rationalization. They were best able to "explain away" inequalities in our country. Liberals tended to be "frustrated and disheartened" by gaps in economic status. The study was unable to determine whether or not Libertarians have emotions. That last line, by the way, was a joke.
Conservatives who are reading have probably already written off the study as "biased." After all, it was done at "a college" in "a city." We all know what kind of stuff goes on there. Liberals who are reading might be smiling at these results. The proof of their unhappiness is perhaps making them happier. As an admitted liberal, I snickered about the results of this study. At first.
Then I actually thought about it. What does this have to say about us on both sides? Is it really the case that half of the country is out of touch and happy? That the other half is depressed over the struggles of mankind? Maybe it's the case that studies like this one help only to further divide our already split nation.
We've all been affected by this. At the Karl Rove event at the University of Pittsburgh earlier this year, I looked around the room to figure out where the College Democrats were and where the College Republicans were. A group of white young men wearing suits and American flag lapel pins sat in the front of the room. I quickly identified them as the Republicans.
A group of students near the back of the room sporting Obama stickers as if Rove was Barack's presidential competition were easily identified as the Democrats. They weren't wearing lapel pins, so I can only assume they were also members of Hamas.
By now conservatives and liberals know where the other side stands on the issues. What conservatives and liberals do not need to know is who is statistically more miserable or more ignorant. I don't care what the survey says. I know plenty of miserable Republicans. So let's get together and celebrate our differences.
What we need is ... a mixer.
Come on, political clubs, let's do it. Yes, even the Libertarians. I promise we'll pretend that Ron Paul still matters. Democrats, I promise that all the cups will be made from recycled paper. Republicans, I promise that each cup will have American flags printed on them.
I have not been exposed to enough conservative humor, if there is any. I've only heard rumors. But this mixer can change all of that. Please, tell me some conservative jokes. "Git-R-Done" doesn't count. And no, Dennis Miller isn't funny.
And what better a time for this to happen? For many of us, November will be the first time we vote for a president. Seventy-one percent of the country is unsatisfied with the past eight years. There is some unity here, and most people are looking for a change.
I, for one, will not assume that the candidate of my choice is perfect. I will not assume the opposition is completely imperfect. This country was founded on the idea of a well-informed, well-connected citizenry. Both candidates, both parties, both sides have legitimate ideas for solving the problems facing our nation. The beauty is that we can have such conflicting ideas and beliefs without violence or tyranny. Instead of bickering and dividing, let's hear one another out. I'm sure we could learn a lot from each other.
But my side is still right. t&c;
