I'm sure some people remember a study done several years ago. It seems that conservatives are happy optimists, while liberals are sad pessimists.
Conservatives, as a generalization, tend to be pessimistic about the efficiency of almost any process, except capitalism. So, it seems that pessimism about government produces happy people. I'll accept that, but I don't know why that would be.
On the other foot, the chaos of a better life through political progressiveness peaked in the 70's. Most people are on the pragmatism bandwagon these days.
But if one were to ignore the optimists, and the pessimists, I think we would find that the pragmatists are happy people too.
The pragmatist latches on to new technology, or at least I hope so, to get from point A to point B.
1) Electronic health care records
2) New fuels
3) Robotic transit
4) Distance learning
5) Social networks
6) Cutting edge "electronic" regulation
7) "Portable" everything
8) "Transparent" everything
I find that President Obama is open to these ideas, which are outside the traditional rhetoric.
One thing is for sure, people have noticed that new technology is moving exponentially faster, while political processes have not. The entire political spectrum will be effected more by technology than by democracy, or capitalism.
The world is changing fast, and I'm sure that both conservatives, and liberals, may find something to like.
I, for one, like that technology has no partisan agenda. That makes me happy.
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Comments: 4
I am a conservative with some bent on technology. Yes, I do like computers, internet, cell phones and order online. But I also am a true believer in KISS principle. Why spend $1 million for a zero gravity pen when a simple mechanical pencil would do. A book would work well and cheaper vs. Kindle. The current crisis (collapse) in economy and finance could have had its origin in computer trading and almost invisible bank drafts, CDOs, and derivatives.
I am not against technology. I am against technology at all costs, being apethetic to underserved countries while creating humongous waste and debris, green house gases, and inefficient consumption. There seems to be no common sense - middle of the ground application of conservative but reliable high-tech innovations.
Call me old fashioned, but I still choose small-footprint, low energy consumption, green lifestyle, with some small technologies available to me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/10/AR2009071003242.html
Electronic health care records? What about privacy? So abortions would become part of this? How about mental illness? STD's? Drug addiction? Rape?
Obama is open to transparency? I really cannot see anyone with intelligence making this statement from either side.
We are no longer moving at the speed of politics. Used to, when I was a kid (a long time ago).
Does it even matter what the politicians want?
China outspends us 100 to 1 on new rail, and some bright bulb of a Congressman chides them about getting serious about global warming. These guys need remedial math.