My friend sent me the result of the survey of 3,014 telephone respondents. About 45 percent of Republicans said they were very happy, compared with 30 percent of Democrats. When adjusting the income base, poor Republicans are still happier than poor Democrats and rich Republicans are also happier than rich Democrats.

Actually, it does not really surprise me. Statically, the Republicans constituents are white males, small investors and business men, while the Democrats’ constituents are minority, low income people, working class people and women. Even though the money cannot buy everything, it surely can solve most of the problems in daily life.

Happiness shines when we have fewer problems.

If we adjust the money factor, the Republican still trump the Democrats. I believe religion plays the key role here. Republicans are more religious than Democrats. They go to church more and pray more. According to the medical research, people who are religious tend to be happier than people who are not.

They are comforted by the belief of having God on their side.

Another factor I would add is the geographic factor. Most of Democrats live in the big city while the vast majority of Republicans live in the rural area. So the rush of city life, the cut-throat competition and how people interact to each other will totally affect people happiness. While people who live in the rural area tend to enjoy their easy going life and the community bond is closer than the big city

The social support, I believe, is stronger.

No wonder, why Republicans are happier than Democrats.

Just my two cents anyway, perhaps there are other reasons that make Republicans happier than Democrats. Bush in the White House? Probably.

Tae Athikomvittaya