[avacado]

Some funny comments in the comment section from both Conservatives and Liberals.

Here's one from a Conservative:

"Conservatives know that people can think for themselves. The elephant never forgets. Conversely liberals assume that people cannot think for themselves and thus have the burden of having to do it for them. Forget the donkey. Chicken Little is their guy."

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

For example, a conservative might support the idea of a meritocracy – that if you work hard and perform well, you’ll move up the economic ladder… and if you don’t, you probably won’t. But the study shows liberals tend to be troubled by this.

So, liberals are disconnected with reality, is that what they're saying?

Reminds me of a guy I saw this morning. Was standing by the side of the road, with a sign that said "Down and Out, please help". Completely able-bodied, looked to be late 30s/early 40s. Had a cigarette dangling from his mouth. I thought "Dude, if you'd stop springing $3.50 a pack, you might not be so down and out".

Guess I was just "rationalising an inequality".

[BlueStateBlues]

They are happier than liberals because they get to laugh at liberals.

[WayneS]

I think it is because for the most part, conservatives want to see EVERYONE work hard and be successful; and they are pleased when they see this happening.

Liberals, on the other hand, prefer to see everyone except themselves and their favorite “chosen” groups do poorly; and they are horrified that it is not happening.

[Intimidator]

Well if you read FR or DU long enough you’ll realize neither seem to be too happy. Lots of bitching and moaning and angriness all around.

[MNJohnnie]

Maybe because Conservatives assume responsibility for themselves while Liberals, including the author of this article, are always sitting around whining for someone to fix everything to their own personal standards.

Someone need to write “Quit whining and get over yourselves” a Self help book for Liberals.

[Non-Sequitur]

We have Rush Limbaugh, they have Chris Matthews. What more do we need?

[MortMan]

Conservatism is built on self-responsibility. If a change is needed, then make it yourself - usually by changing yourself.

Liberalism is built on societal responsibility. If a change is needed - then you must force everyone to change.

No wonder they’re frustrated! ;-P

[Paperdoll]

Why not just come right out and say it?

True Conservatives have wider vision; can quickly discern any situation; and being well balanced will quickly bounce back from adversity with undiminished optimism, and a workable plan, while Liberals enjoy rolling in the mud.

The problem is, where are these True Conservatives? :)

[workerbee]

it’s because conservatives are better at rationalizing inequalities.....conservatives also score highest when it comes to the ability to justify inequalities.

This is libspeak for "they're too stupid to know they should be miserable." See this explained in the comments to the article ("Ignorance is bliss", "they don't know any better.")

Not many things in life more predictable than a lib.

[vietvet67]

Liberals wouldn’t be happy working in a pie factory even if they could eat every other pie..

[Post Toasties]

Why are conservatives happier than liberals?

Probably has something to do with not being as challenged by reality.

[enough_idiocy]

I don’t recall the original study (showing cons are more happy) getting much press, but this “explaination” sure is getting around the media.

Cons don’t care about others so much that they are the ones who give to charity overwhelmingly while the liberals who care so much about the little guy give less. Hell, look at taxes. Obama and Kerry only pay 25% in taxes, no where near the top margin.

[ccmay]

Inequalities take a greater psychological toll on liberals, apparently because they can’t rationalize away the gaps in society and thus end up more frustrated by them.

Inequalities are the way of the world, from which wolf gets to eat the deer's liver, to which football star or tycoon gets to bang which red-hot model chick. You'd think a bunch of confirmed Darwinians would have no problem understanding this.

If anything requires "rationalizing", it's the notion that laws and government spending can eliminate such inequalities permanently.

-ccm

[Stegall Tx]

Seriously, I believe a survey was released a year or two ago which indicated that conservative areas of the country tend to be more generous with their own money (i.e., individuals tend to support charities more than those in liberal areas do). I believe it is much more satisfactory to see the results of your own effort or the efforts of the charities you support than the results of just one more failed government program (JOMFGP).

[b4its2late]

[vpintheak]

I great line from the movie "Bruce Almighty": Some of the happiest people on earth go home stinking to high Heaven every day.

Wealth is not an indication of happiness folks. Sure money helps, but when you are free, you are the happiest.

[RachelFaith]

‘I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.’-Philippians 4:11

Happiness is NOT the natural state of man. Wicked conteptuois contentiousness is his natural state. Babies are not taught how to whine and cry, they must be taught how NOT to whine and cry.

Conservatives therefore, are mature, and Liberals are literally unlearned whiny cry babies.

[kenth]

Conservatives are happier than liberals? THAT’S NOT FAIR!

[TASMANIANRED]

Poor liberals are mired in victiomology...No happiness there.

Elitist liberals are mired in jealousy...There can only be one apex and if you aren’t it you have to settle for a lesser peak.