Why are technical message boards overwhelmingly liberal?

[shira]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: Fern

Originally posted by: Vic
-snip-
I've been posting here since P&N was first opened shortly after 9/11, and there has never been a time when either liberals or conservatives, righties or lefties were afraid to post here.

I must disagree. I personally know people (conservatives) who have been afraid to post here.

-snip-

I'm not saying that were right or wrong in that opinion, just that that perception existed.

And again, many conservatives don't post here here for the very reasons many of the replies here demonstrate (mindless & stupid insult-type remarks).

Fern

I can't say who you're talking about. I do remember a time when the board was strongly libertarian and 'conservative' postings consisted of almost entirely of hit-and-run news articles (leading to the 'post comments' rule). And then yeah, the board did go far left for a while to the point where even I got regularly attacked as a wingnut, but I (along with a number of others) fought hard to bring it back to the middle. And now even most of the leftist posters have either left or gone moderate (thankfully toning down their rhetoric this election year, something they completely failed at in 2004). The far right here has become a lot more vocal and desperate with (as I noted) a number of new members that are quite radical (putting it mildly for some IMO).

Quite frankly, while I see the faults in the left, it seems to me that it's this far right who are the ones trolling the mindless & stupid insult-type remarks these days. I could search back on Corbett and Budmantom, for example, and find NOTHING but those types of posts. While JS80 and a few other conservative posters here that I used to have more respect for seem unable to do anything these days but chant Obamamessiah and Rush's daily talking points. Claiming it all comes from one side, as you implied here, seems a bit disingenuous.

So if there are more intelligent and articulate conservative posters like yourself, Fern, and they're not posting here.... well, then, that's their own fault IMO. Because I'd love to see them here to bring up the quality of the discussions.
However, whining about the political bent on a forum as relatively moderate as this one is just pathetic. Sorry, but that's how I see it. If your views are getting enough representation in your opinion, then perhaps that's because there are less posters willing to represent those views. And that should tell you something I think.

edit to your edit: ... uh, shira kinda irked me in that Atreus thread to/about eskimospy when he responded to my comments about agnosticism by proving at length that he knows nothing about the subject. I just ignored it.

Wow. Vic, I usually enjoy you posts, as you're able to get to the heart of the matter in most cases, with wit and class. But in this case, suggest you go back and read what I wrote, and refer to the dictionary definition of "agnostic:"

Agnostic

1. a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience.

Everything I wrote about agnosticism is, in fact, correct. Furthermore, the last three paragraphs of that post were clearly describing what I personally believe, with not a personal attack to be found anywhere.

So the fact you refer to that post as showing ignorance is baffling. I don't know everything, but in this case calling me ignorant on a subject is dead wrong.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab


What the poll doesn't show is that post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest.

Oh, please do post evidence of that claim!

Education Attainment in the United States

LOL, I'm pretty sure you didn't even look at the information present on that linked web page as it certainly doesn't show that "post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest". Not even close.

I suppose you missed that huge graphic that shows education in the United States?

Considering you can't even conclude from the CNN link that higher-education isn't correlated with liberal/democrat voting I'm not surprised.

Of course I saw the graphic......please explain how 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree is a larger percentage than, say, the 87.1% that don't.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: piasabird
What caused the earth to get warm after the last ice age?

Answer we dont know but we know for sure that we have global warming!

Where is there any logic in this statement? It is blind belief without any understanding or proof. It is liberalism at its core.

Using this logic, liberalism must be religious. This doesn't fit with the common antagonism "godless liberals".

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: shira
Wow. Vic, I usually enjoy you posts, as you're able to get to the heart of the matter in most cases, with wit and class. But in this case, suggest you go back and read what I wrote, and refer to the dictionary definition of "agnostic:"

Agnostic

1. a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience.

Everything I wrote about agnosticism is, in fact, correct. Furthermore, the last three paragraphs of that post were clearly describing what I personally believe, with not a personal attack to be found anywhere.

So the fact you refer to that post as showing ignorance is baffling. I don't know everything, but in this case calling me ignorant on a subject is dead wrong.

Totally off topic to this thread, but the context was that Atreus21 said that agnostics reserve a belief in God as a kind of hedge against Pascal's Law. That's what I refuted, and you seemingly argued against that as though I were incorrect. Now you go the other way. Meh.

The way I look at agnosticism is as the antithesis of gnosticism. And gnosticism means that one holds a 'special knowledge' in the supernatural. So, as an agnostic, I do believe that God exists... but only as the summation of natural laws, and in no way supernatural. That's all. OTOH I'm not concerned that some God will punish me for failure to give him appropriate obeisance, because I am certain that no such God exists.

BTW, I do understand your 'conservatives are stupid' argument that Fern objected to. Change is the only constant in this universe, and so to fight change is kinda stupid. However, he was right is his objections, because their role does serve a necessary purpose in our evolution. A kind of brake on reckless abandon if you will. The devil's advocate arguing, "we've made it this far, don't fuck with it."
It helps to see both sides.

 

[ch33kym0use]

Both liberals and conservatives are religious and non-religious, it is an individuals choice.

 

[Tab]

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab


What the poll doesn't show is that post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest.

Oh, please do post evidence of that claim!

Education Attainment in the United States

LOL, I'm pretty sure you didn't even look at the information present on that linked web page as it certainly doesn't show that "post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest". Not even close.

I suppose you missed that huge graphic that shows education in the United States?

Considering you can't even conclude from the CNN link that higher-education isn't correlated with liberal/democrat voting I'm not surprised.

Of course I saw the graphic......please explain how 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree is a larger percentage than, say, the 87.1% that don't.

Against groups like no hs yes, but case in point. Liberals are more educated than their conservative counter-parts and on average the more educated you are the more likely you are to vote for liberals or democrats.

 

[Deeko]

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: Deeko
I've found that many conservatives are basically assholes about their views, they 'know' they are right, and you are clearly stupid and a lesser person than them for not agreeing with them. Not to say there aren't liberals like that too, but it seems a higher percentage of conservatives are.

Funny, because you ARE one of those liberals. You're right up there with Craig, Dave, techs, BOBDN, Harvey, Moonbeam and the myriad of "liberal" posters who think everyone who agrees with them is a genius and everyone who doesn't is a fool.

haha I spend as much time or more in here attacking techs and jpeyton as I do you Paulbots - you are just blind, and assume anyone who doesn't want to lovingly perform fallatio on that crazy old man MUST be a liberal looney.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: BoberFett

Originally posted by: Deeko
I've found that many conservatives are basically assholes about their views, they 'know' they are right, and you are clearly stupid and a lesser person than them for not agreeing with them. Not to say there aren't liberals like that too, but it seems a higher percentage of conservatives are.

Funny, because you ARE one of those liberals. You're right up there with Craig, Dave, techs, BOBDN, Harvey, Moonbeam and the myriad of "liberal" posters who think everyone who agrees with them is a genius and everyone who doesn't is a fool.

Speaking of assholes. The difference is you go out of your way to be one:laugh:

Pot/kettle.

Look who's talking! The entire tea set plus a full set of range replacement burners! :laugh:

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
I've explained it numerous times, and I've explained why as well, but it just doesn't seem to sink in. I'm no conservative (other than a fiscal conservative). Being a hawk on Iraq does not make me conservative. For some reason, some of the "highly educated" people on this forum can't quite grasp that though.

Claiming you're not a conservative doesn't make you a non-conservative. You constantly defend right-wing positions. Maybe your screen name should be "Quacks Like Duck" rather than TLC.

But hey, how about an objective test? Here's a litmus test on your opinions:

------------------------------------------------
Are you for or against same-sex marriage? (Me: For)

Do you believe that the gay lifestyle is a choice? (Me: No)

Are you for or against essentially unrestricted first-trimester abortions (with appropriate safeguards - not barriers - for underage females)? (Me: Very few restrictions)

Would you rather see more Scalias or Ginsburgs on the SCOTUS? (Me: More Ginsburgs)

Did you support the 2003 invasion of Iraq? (Me: Against)

Should federal income tax rates be made more progressive (increase the rate on top earners and decrease the rates on the the middle and lower classes)? (Me: More Progressive)

Do you want to see more restrictions on immigration to the U.S? (Me: Fewer restrictions)

Is waterboarding an acceptable method of interrogation for suspected "high-value" terrorists? (Me: Never acceptable)

In the past four presidential elections, did you vote for the Democratic candidate at least once? (Me: Voted Democratic every time)

Should marijuana use be decriminalized? (Me: Decriminalized)

The SCOTUS's recent decision notwithstanding, do you believe that the 2nd Amendment provides a personal right to bear arms? (Me: No personal right to bear arms)

Do you believe in the theory of Evolution. (Me: Yes)

Do you believe that God created everything? (Me: No)

Do you believe that human activity is having a major effect on climate? (Me: Yes)

Are you for or against a "moment of silence" at the start of the school day (Me: against)

Do you believe that there's one correct morality? (Me: No)
-----------------------------------------------

I'm pretty liberal, and I've indicated where I fall on these 16 issues. I'm wondering on how many we agree.

 

[Perknose]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: jman19

So what's the problem exactly?

That all of the credentials of this site are liberal douchebags and don't know what a haircut or a shave is.

The problem, jman, is that spidey says the stupidest, most unsupportable things and then clings to them in the face of being proven wrong by his own lame posts all the damn time.

Going through Spidey's own link shows two who wrote for the Wall Street Journal, one who was an Asistant Professor at the United States Military Academy and another who previously worked for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

The problem is Spidey. He's a tool who can't even be embarassed by the facts, even when it he who linked to them. That's just world class, bulletproof ignorance.

 

[ch33kym0use]

Conservative core values keep status quo. They have little development in bringing change sometimes and may be corrupt sometimes. Liberals bring change in order to correct mistakes and also corrupt sometimes, it also has mistakes in change because too much change has restructuring and moral costs. If one side dominates the other then more mistakes happen. Balancing the two can be effective, when governments and private companies balance I respect.

 

[Vic]

Originally posted by: ch33kym0use
Conservative core values keep status quo. They have little development in bringing change sometimes and may be corrupt sometimes. Liberals bring change in order to correct mistakes and also corrupt sometimes, it also has mistakes in change because too much change has restructuring and moral costs. If one side dominates the other then more mistakes happen. Balancing the two can be effective, when governments and private companies balance I respect.

Smart man! :thumbsup:

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: astralvoid
It seems very odd to me that most technical forums tend to be overwhelmingly liberal biased. I typically assume that most technical people are deep thinking, logical persons. Unfortunately, I've noticed that political threads seem to contradict this assumption.

So many threads dissolve into "You're wrong!...No, you're wrong!" type arguments that never truly discuss whatever the topic happens to be. As a technical person myself, I try to gather as much information as possible before making a conclusion. Conversely, many others seem to base their conclusions on feelings of how they want things to be instead of basing them on the facts.

While I am not against anyone standing on their core beliefs, I find it disappointing that so many seem to toss all of their logical reasoning skills out the window when something political is mentioned. Mathematically, I would expect to find and somewhat even mix of opinions, so given the imbalance, I can only assume that many of you choose not to make use of your generally better skills in reasoning.

Regardless, if anyone answers I hope this will stir you to try to think about what you are supporting and base those beliefs on fact instead of theory and speculation, just as you would do if you were discussion an new super-cool CPU from one of the chip makers. No matter which side of the fence you lean towards, if you base your conclusions on the given facts, it's probable you'll see viewpoints that may differ from your initial stand.

YALBT: Yet Another Liberal Bashing Thread

I have heard and read Mr McCain described as a "liberal" so obviously the meaning of the adjective and noun is open to debate.

People do not base their political philosophies on "facts". Please show me how what now passes for the conservative dogma is based on facts.

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: Siddhartha

I have heard and read Mr McCain described as a "liberal" so obviously the meaning of the adjective and noun is open to debate.

As Mort Sahl used to say, your left is my right.

 

[Chaotic42]

I'd just like to point out here that Republican isn't the same thing as conservative (certinaly not fiscally).

I don't post in P&N much because the debates always seem to pull off of the topic at hand and focus in on things like constantly using Obama's full name to make him sound dangerous, or calling John McCain "McSame".

Besides, this is where people come not to learn, but to preach because they think they already know everything.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab


What the poll doesn't show is that post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest.

Oh, please do post evidence of that claim!

Education Attainment in the United States

LOL, I'm pretty sure you didn't even look at the information present on that linked web page as it certainly doesn't show that "post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest". Not even close.

I suppose you missed that huge graphic that shows education in the United States?

Considering you can't even conclude from the CNN link that higher-education isn't correlated with liberal/democrat voting I'm not surprised.

Of course I saw the graphic......please explain how 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree is a larger percentage than, say, the 87.1% that don't.

Against groups like no hs yes, but case in point. Liberals are more educated than their conservative counter-parts and on average the more educated you are the more likely you are to vote for liberals or democrats.

WHAT?!?!??!?!!?!

That graphic shows that 15.4% of the population does not have a HS diploma. How can the 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree be larger "against groups like no HS degree"? Obviously you are not a member of the liberal intellectual elite, and I'd bet they would appreciate you not posting in their name. Just ask Rainsford, he'll tell you so.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: shira

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
I've explained it numerous times, and I've explained why as well, but it just doesn't seem to sink in. I'm no conservative (other than a fiscal conservative). Being a hawk on Iraq does not make me conservative. For some reason, some of the "highly educated" people on this forum can't quite grasp that though.

Claiming you're not a conservative doesn't make you a non-conservative. You constantly defend right-wing positions. Maybe your screen name should be "Quacks Like Duck" rather than TLC.

But hey, how about an objective test? Here's a litmus test on your opinions:

Easy enough. Let's see how far we differ.

------------------------------------------------

Are you for or against same-sex marriage? (Me: For) We agree

Do you believe that the gay lifestyle is a choice? (Me: No) We agree

Are you for or against essentially unrestricted first-trimester abortions (with appropriate safeguards - not barriers - for underage females)? (Me: Very few restrictions) Personally abortion is not a choice I would make but I believe everyone should be able to make their own choice in the matter and not be mandated that abortion is not a choice. So essentially we agree.

Would you rather see more Scalias or Ginsburgs on the SCOTUS? (Me: More Ginsburgs) We agree

Did you support the 2003 invasion of Iraq? (Me: Against) You already know my opinion on this

Should federal income tax rates be made more progressive (increase the rate on top earners and decrease the rates on the the middle and lower classes)? (Me: More Progressive) Middle & low income earners already have low tax rates. imo, the answer is to reduce gov spending, not raise taxes. I imagine that most fiscal conservatives feel the same way.

Do you want to see more restrictions on immigration to the U.S? (Me: Fewer restrictions) We agree

Is waterboarding an acceptable method of interrogation for suspected "high-value" terrorists? (Me: Never acceptable) I'd rather they shoot these guys on the battlefield than capture them and subject them to any "inhumane treatment" that people can whine about.

In the past four presidential elections, did you vote for the Democratic candidate at least once? (Me: Voted Democratic every time) 3 Democratic, 1 Libertarian (in 04)

Should marijuana use be decriminalized? (Me: Decriminalized) I think it should be legalized for all

The SCOTUS's recent decision notwithstanding, do you believe that the 2nd Amendment provides a personal right to bear arms? (Me: No personal right to bear arms) I don't own a gun. But, yes, the 2nd Amendment provides a personal right to bear arms and seems to do so fairly clearly.

Do you believe in the theory of Evolution. (Me: Yes) We agree

Do you believe that God created everything? (Me: No) We agree

Do you believe that human activity is having a major effect on climate? (Me: Yes) Undecided. Anyone who TRULY follows science should also be undecided because the facts are not in yet on this issue.

Are you for or against a "moment of silence" at the start of the school day (Me: against) We agree

Do you believe that there's one correct morality? (Me: No) We agree
-----------------------------------------------

I'm pretty liberal, and I've indicated where I fall on these 16 issues. I'm wondering on how many we agree.

Shocked? I bet we agree on far more than you imagined, don't we? In some ways I am more liberal than you are. The primary reason I get tagged as a conservative here is because of my hawkish position on Iraq. Then again, I view the Iraq issue from outside of partisan stances and believe that in the long run it will be a benefit to mankind overall, which is what anyone who is truly liberal would do.

 

[TechAZ]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken

Originally posted by: shira

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
I've explained it numerous times, and I've explained why as well, but it just doesn't seem to sink in. I'm no conservative (other than a fiscal conservative). Being a hawk on Iraq does not make me conservative. For some reason, some of the "highly educated" people on this forum can't quite grasp that though.

Claiming you're not a conservative doesn't make you a non-conservative. You constantly defend right-wing positions. Maybe your screen name should be "Quacks Like Duck" rather than TLC.

But hey, how about an objective test? Here's a litmus test on your opinions:

Easy enough. Let's see how far we differ.

------------------------------------------------

Are you for or against same-sex marriage? (Me: For) We agree

Do you believe that the gay lifestyle is a choice? (Me: No) We agree

Are you for or against essentially unrestricted first-trimester abortions (with appropriate safeguards - not barriers - for underage females)? (Me: Very few restrictions) Personally abortion is not a choice I would make but I believe everyone should be able to make their own choice in the matter and not be mandated that abortion is not a choice. So essentially we agree.

Would you rather see more Scalias or Ginsburgs on the SCOTUS? (Me: More Ginsburgs) We agree

Did you support the 2003 invasion of Iraq? (Me: Against) You already know my opinion on this

Should federal income tax rates be made more progressive (increase the rate on top earners and decrease the rates on the the middle and lower classes)? (Me: More Progressive) Middle & low income earners already have low tax rates. imo, the answer is to reduce gov spending, not raise taxes. I imagine that most fiscal conservatives feel the same way.

Do you want to see more restrictions on immigration to the U.S? (Me: Fewer restrictions) We agree

Is waterboarding an acceptable method of interrogation for suspected "high-value" terrorists? (Me: Never acceptable) I'd rather they shoot these guys on the battlefield than capture them and subject them to any "inhumane treatment" that people can whine about.

In the past four presidential elections, did you vote for the Democratic candidate at least once? (Me: Voted Democratic every time) 3 Democratic, 1 Libertarian (in 04)

Should marijuana use be decriminalized? (Me: Decriminalized) I think it should be legalized for all

The SCOTUS's recent decision notwithstanding, do you believe that the 2nd Amendment provides a personal right to bear arms? (Me: No personal right to bear arms) I don't own a gun. But, yes, the 2nd Amendment provides a personal right to bear arms and seems to do so fairly clearly.

Do you believe in the theory of Evolution. (Me: Yes) We agree

Do you believe that God created everything? (Me: No) We agree

Do you believe that human activity is having a major effect on climate? (Me: Yes) Undecided. Anyone who TRULY follows science should also be undecided because the facts are not in yet on this issue.

Are you for or against a "moment of silence" at the start of the school day (Me: against) We agree

Do you believe that there's one correct morality? (Me: No) We agree
-----------------------------------------------

I'm pretty liberal, and I've indicated where I fall on these 16 issues. I'm wondering on how many we agree.

Shocked? I bet we agree on far more than you imagined, don't we? In some ways I am more liberal than you are. The primary reason I get tagged as a conservative here is because of my hawkish position on Iraq. Then again, I view the Iraq issue from outside of partisan stances and believe that in the long run it will be a benefit to mankind overall, which is what anyone who is truly liberal would do.

See Joseph Lieberman.

 

[Tab]

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Tab


What the poll doesn't show is that post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest.

Oh, please do post evidence of that claim!

Education Attainment in the United States

LOL, I'm pretty sure you didn't even look at the information present on that linked web page as it certainly doesn't show that "post-grads have a larger population percentage than the rest". Not even close.

I suppose you missed that huge graphic that shows education in the United States?

Considering you can't even conclude from the CNN link that higher-education isn't correlated with liberal/democrat voting I'm not surprised.

Of course I saw the graphic......please explain how 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree is a larger percentage than, say, the 87.1% that don't.

Against groups like no hs yes, but case in point. Liberals are more educated than their conservative counter-parts and on average the more educated you are the more likely you are to vote for liberals or democrats.

WHAT?!?!??!?!!?!

That graphic shows that 15.4% of the population does not have a HS diploma. How can the 12.9% of the population that has a postgraduate degree be larger "against groups like no HS degree"? Obviously you are not a member of the liberal intellectual elite, and I'd bet they would appreciate you not posting in their name. Just ask Rainsford, he'll tell you so.

Whoops, I read it backwards, in any case. If weighted properly you know what happens.

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
...
Shocked? I bet we agree on far more than you imagined, don't we? In some ways I am more liberal than you are. The primary reason I get tagged as a conservative here is because of my hawkish position on Iraq. Then again, I view the Iraq issue from outside of partisan stances and believe that in the long run it will be a benefit to mankind overall, which is what anyone who is truly liberal would do.

I'm glad I was sitting down when I read this. Stunning. Except for iraq, my answers would be identical.

Another question I would add related to immigration is what to do about the illegals who are here now. Is it ok that they are here illegally? How can it be resolved?

I would also like to know shira's opinion on the 'invasion' of afghanistan.

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: Fern

Originally posted by: Rainsford
-snip-
Also, what that survey doesn't show is what kind of degree the college graduates had. Not all college degrees are created equal, I'd be interested to see the political breakdown among people who got real degrees that require intelligence and critical thinking skills like engineering, science and math. I might be wrong, but I have a feeling that the Bush voters were more likely to major in Frat Boy than anything that makes someone what I would consider "educated".

Meh, I think it's quite the opposite.

My degrees are accounting & finance and I am conservative., The CPA PACs donations are skewed to the right.

Journalists OTOH are skewed to left from what I find on google.

IDK about profession's PAC (although I know quite a few engineers and they are conservative. I also know many lawyers, they are split between the two though)

Fern

I didn't mean to imply that anything non-engineering is a "fake degree", I think accounting and finance (and journalism for that matter) are all valuable degrees that, as you point out, have adherents on both sides of the political spectrum.

I suppose my real point is that not all college graduates are created equal, if the argument is Bush voters are smarter than Kerry voters because slightly more 4 year degree holders voted for Bush, the unspoken supporting argument would seem to be that all 4 year degree holders are of equal intelligence. My own liberal bias colors my view that the more intelligent college folks lean to the left, while you clearly don't view it that way...but the fact is that there simply isn't the appropriate kind of information necessary to come up with the "my side is smarter than your side" kind of conclusions some people clearly want to draw from exit polling data.

I think it mostly comes down to people seeing what they want to see. Trying to make the argument that being better educated makes you more conservative obviously doesn't work when you consider the huge numbers of people with postgraduate degrees who voted for Kerry over Bush, so some conservatives come up with excuse that staying TOO long in college cuts you off from the "real world". The facts are twisted to fit the argument, rather than the argument fitting the facts, is all I'm saying.

In any case, I think Corn and folks like him are missing an important point...whatever the relationship between intelligence and political views, at the very most the influence is one way. Being smarter might be more likely to make you liberal or conservative, but holding one political view or the other doesn't make you smarter. If you're an idiot, you're an idiot whether you vote Democrat or Republican.

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: Corn

Originally posted by: eskimospy
I would say that in general people on technical message boards tend to be more educated than the average. The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be liberal. (cue the "HURF BLURF LIBRUL COLLEGES!") Regardless of what you want to say about why, it's a fact.

A fact you say? Looks to me like the least educated among voters cast votes for the liberal candidate. Even the post grads voted for Bush within 11 points of the liberal candidate while the rest of the "educated" majority also voted for Bush .

My experience is that stupid people come to these tech forums becuase they don't know what they are doing most of the time and need help trying to figure out how to fix what they fucked up. Hence the liberal slant to their biases.

This is a pretty ridiculous thread, and I was going to just stay out...but I just had to respond to this post. Seriously, are you some kind of moron?

The very link you posted says that folks with no college degree voted for Bush 53% to 47% for Kerry, while college graduates voted 49% for each. It's also worth noting that Bush's largest percentage gain (from 2000) by far was among people with no high school diploma, and he only gained 1% total among people who had at least a 4 year degree. Your analysis only makes sense if you don't understand (or ignore) the percentages of the population that make up each education bracket. You give exaggerated importance to the "no high school" diploma group, which only makes up 4% of the population and only voted for Kerry by 1% over Bush, while you ignore the postgraduate group, which at 16% makes up 4 times the population of the least educated group and went to Kerry by 11%.

Also, what that survey doesn't show is what kind of degree the college graduates had. Not all college degrees are created equal, I'd be interested to see the political breakdown among people who got real degrees that require intelligence and critical thinking skills like engineering, science and math. I might be wrong, but I have a feeling that the Bush voters were more likely to major in Frat Boy than anything that makes someone what I would consider "educated".

Even though I'm supposedly a "moron" and you appear to be literate, your critical reasoning skills are surely lacking. Lets review the claim once again: "The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be liberal.......Regardless of what you want to say about why, it's a fact."

That link generally refutes that "fact" quite plainly....as the results from no HS diploma to college graduate show a majority of votes trending from the liberal candidate to the (alleged) conservative candidate as the education level increases. The only point at which someone with "more" education does not have a clear preference for the (alleged) conservative candidate is at the post graduate level. I gave no exaggeration, nor did I ignore *any* in that poll as you claim I did.

Once again, the exit poll you linked to has the following stats:
Folks with no college degree voted for Bush 53% to 47% for Kerry, folks with a college degree voted 49% for both. This is not a difficult set of facts to interpret.

Votes do not trend the way you suggest, which is why you need to bring out your qualifier that your "majority of votes as education level increases" leaves out postgraduate level education. Figuring out what the numbers mean is not a matter of counting how many demographic "points" Bush is ahead of Kerry, the simplest interpretation is the right one...you're just trying to make it sound more complicated than it is to make the stats say what you want them to say.

The last paragraph of your reply is quite an exposé on the bigotry of the typical liberal elite.

You caught me...I have a very low tolerance for stupid people, but I don't think it's elitist to not pretend that people are geniuses when they clearly aren't...do you? In fact, that sounds a lot like the kind of populist bullshit I would imagine conservatives would want to stay pretty far away from.

 

[Capitalizt]

Conservatism is dying out with the older crowd of people. Those born in 1970 and beyond are more tech saavy, less religious, and more open minded than previous generations. This makes them "liberal" according to most righties...but they really aren't left wingers in the traditional definition. They simply don't respect the old fashioned blind "God bless Amurika".."let freedom ring yeeeehaaah!" blind patriotic conservatism of their parents..

 

[seemingly random]

Originally posted by: Capitalizt
Conservatism is dying out with the older crowd of people. Those born in 1970 and beyond are more tech saavy, less religious, and more open minded than previous generations. This makes them "liberal" according to most righties...but they really aren't left wingers in the traditional definition. They simply don't respect the old fashioned blind "God bless Amurika".."let freedom ring yeeeehaaah!" blind patriotic conservatism of their parents..

This, like most generalizations, will bite you in the butt. I was born before 1970 as where several other highly technical people around here. Look at atot for some scary wingnuts apparently in their 20s.

We can only hope that whatever it is the neocons believe in is dying out - that it will die with a crash and finality.

 

[Corn]

Originally posted by: Rainsford
Votes do not trend the way you suggest, which is why you need to bring out your qualifier that your "majority of votes as education level increases" leaves out postgraduate level education.

My "qualifier"? Out of 5 metrics present, the only 2 where there is a clear majority for the liberal candidate is the least educated and the very most educated. The claim was the "more" educated someone is the more likely they are liberal. That link plainly shows that the majority of the educated in this country are evenly split in their political ideologies--with the exception of the very least and very most educated.