Jun
30
Independence Day for Right-Wingers?
“Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party,” according to a new study by two assistant professors from Harvard.
What’s more, since the political right seems to have more successfully appropriated patriotism in 20th (and 21st?) century America,
“[T]here is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans.”
Hmmmm.
Honestly, there’s not really much to this article. But, I can just imagine the liberal response articles/posts, complaining about those evil Republicans who brainwash their kids from such a young age. As if they don’t try to teach their own children their own liberal/progressivist worldview.
The study has found that such youthful indoctrination increases the odds that, once the kid turns 18, s/he will identify as Republican, vote Republican, and donate to Republican causes. How much influence do these biased Independence Day celebrations have on youngsters? Likelihoods for such behavior apparently were shown to increase in the neighborhoods of a whopping 1 to 4 percent! And, “the impact on political preferences is permanent.” Oh, my!!
Seriously. With all due respect to the researchers, is this really all that notable? Should Democrats lose any sleep over this? (Especially when they can just get the newly-refurbished ACORN to conjure up some votes from dead and fictional individuals or bus in illegal immigrants to places where voter ID still isn’t required at the booths.) Perhaps the Dems should just pass a law that forbids 4th of July celebrations, just to make sure the Republicans don’t have an unfair advantage.
“Republican adults celebrate Fourth of July more intensively in the first place.”
and…
“Democrats gain nothing from July 4th parades.” (Really?!!)
Perhaps the reason that Republicans tend to be, or at least feel, more patriotic and get into the spirit of Fourth of July festivities is because of… dare I say it… ideological differences. As a member of the political Right, I not only appreciate the sacrifices and significance of the American Revolution (as do most of my friends on the Left, I’m sure), but I also think that the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are more faithfully reflected in the values and policies of modern conservatism than modern liberalism.
Some on the Left think the Constitution should either be replaced or rewritten in their image. Many are basically ashamed of our nation, so it’s no wonder their patriotism is half-hearted. While America is not perfect, I am (generally) very proud of our nation and our heritage, and I don’t believe the Constitution should be re-interpreted to suit the prevailing political winds or modified to look more like that of a European socialist republic. America is exceptional, and I aim to keep her that way.
Happy Fourth of July, y’all!!
