Why do Americaans vote against their own best interests?

The problem:

The answer:

... aka tribalism.

... and a simplistic moral code.

http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/haidt08/haidt08_index.html

 

Federal social programs are for monkeys. Anyone who finds them successful are as sharp as an bowling ball.

Freedom comes with great rewards and personal responsibility. This country changed the world before we turned into an Euro cesspool.

 

Prehistoric nonsense.

 

Freedom is prehistoric nonsense?

 

No, believing you have it when you clearly don't is.

 

This thread is like saying that anyone at dinner who votes to eat healthy food instead of chocolate cake is voting against their best interests.

These programs seem nice on the surface, but they cause more harm than help. They drain money from our budget. They create dependence on the government - increasing government power. They erode personal responsibility. They sap motivation and drive.

These programs are harmful for both the people who rely on them and society in general.

 

I know it does not exist to the extent that it did in the 1800's, that is why I fight, tooth and nail, to get it back where it should be. Social programs are viruses that kill freedoms and the spirit of a man.

 

Huge, HUGE advertising budgets. That's why people vote against their own best interests. Their own best interests are never shown on TV.

 

Even societies with the primitive belief systems Americans have organised themselves to ensure the good of their members.

Americans are unique in doing otherwise. That's why the US has such an appalling GINI coefficient.

But the question is why they willingly to vote to do it.

It seems best explained by belief in a primitive moral code that the rich exploit to their own advantage.

 

I find it curious that there are an infinite number of threads devoted to Republicans tilting Democrats and vice versa but none (except mine) that ask why they need to do it.

You would think, given the enthusiasm with which they abhor one another (on a par with things like Islam and Muslims), that they are on a crusade against one another.

Someone should tell them that this is the 21st century, not the 12th.

 

I think it is because Americans have a hard time doing math and then putting it to work.

Example, many would like the old system of medical care.
Denials
Exclusions
Bankruptcy
high taxes

vs the new system

No denials
No exclusions
No bankruptcy
high taxes

Which one would you like?

Partisanship gets in the way of common sense.
One can depend on that.
Kind of like shooting oneself in the head.

.

 

Indeed. But the question is why they do it.

For God, flag and country? Having not yet figured out the the first doesn't exist, the second is just a rag, and the third is in total disarray?

 

Most of us work for private companies run by "rich" people and don't resent those who are financially well off.

The interests of my rich employer are my own. So no, I'm not voting against my best interests. Liberals are.

 

Why do they do it?

Both sides wave flags, so that is not it.
Both sides believe in God so again, that is not it.

The only answer I can think of is partisanship

Partisan:
: a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person; especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance

.

 

Ah, but partisanship implies a belief in something different from the others.

Allegiance to what is the question.

 

Americans look to God not government. Right now anyway. What you are advocating is goverment sustinence. What Americans advocate is self-reliance.

Perhaps you want Government entitlements. However most Americans realize that this is bad for the soul..for the work ethic and for happiness and the pursuit of happiness.

Its is sad..that you must look to a government for your livilihood. Sad.

 

Platitudinous in the extreme. And equally naive.

Why do you have the greatest wealth gap on the planet?

 

Because we are not equally poor.

 

Because we are not equally poor. (and bitter..notice how bitter you are? This is because you are government fed)

 

You are unequally poor?

Good for you.

 

I don't have the problem with allegiance that I do with partisanship. Partisanship is blind, allegiance can be pragmatic. As long as they are willing to try to understand the opposition, instead of with partisans saying everyone else is wrong and we are right.

I see a lot of partisan rhetoric here, the talking heads, politicians, news, etc.

 

Ha. You resort to dishonest posting. A sure sign of insecurity.

 

One of the worst records on the planet.

And 3rd World countries do better. You are on less of a par with Russia.

Honest.

 

That little blue smudge down near the lower righthand part of the map...
is that New Zealand?????

Oh yeah, forgot the question.. Americans are just...well... uh... zzzzzzzz .....zzzzzz....slobber....zzzzz ...fart... Oh @#$# what was the question again? On yeah, Its cause we are the Biggest @#$@ stupid @#$% mob of zombies in the world.But we have the largest most expensive army rich peoples money can buy. And they select our candidates for us so we dont have to think. And they vote for us even if we dont show up at the polls.

 

Indeed. Bear in mind that GINI coefficients do not factor in the effect of socially responsible wealth distribution programmes.

Quelle horreur!