Political bias affects brain activity

[carrrnuttt]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11009379/

Political bias affects brain activity, study finds

Democrats and Republicans both adept at ignoring facts, brain scans show

THIS is what I have been saying all along, to all of you who would knock on fellow-Americans whom probably share the same values, just not the same Party.

This also explains (to me), how some of you can still support George Bush, and claim he is doing a good job.

[directory]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

This also explains (to me), how some of you can still support George Bush, and claim he is doing a good job.

and by this, i mean bush is an idiot

[AlmostStock]

The study seams to prove what most of us already suspected. Once peoples minds are made up they tend to ignore any facts to the contrary.

Some like to say they are not biased towards one party, and think they are immune to this faulty logic. I say bull. Based on their beliefs and ideals, almost everyone will tend to agree with one side more often than the other, even if they won't admit it. So I'd say this form of reasoning effects all of us to some degree. Especially listeners of talk radio.

[YogsVR4]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

This also explains (to me), how some of you can still support George Bush, and claim he is doing a good job.

In the same way others never believe that he is.

[carrrnuttt]

Originally Posted by YogsVR4

In the same way others never believe that he is.

Let's see (these are just the recent ones):

• The US is embroiled in a 'war' with no end in sight, with US servicemen/citizens dying everyday for it.

• The group the US is supporting in Iraq, the centerpiece of this 'war', just got voted out of the large majority of their senate, with those seats only to be filled-in by politicians that support the insurgency that is killing said Americans.

• The Domestic Spying scandal. In agreement with his reasoning or not, fact of the matter is, the FISA court is manned by judges rotating from the Justice Department, literally in the same building as the Attorney General's office. Bush HAD to be aware of the simple ways he could have avoided the scandal. But then again, that is only IF indeed the spying was not done with a political intent, as opposed to what he claims (security). You notice no one from the Administration has said that it wasn't at all?

• Though I don't assign blame to his administration whatsoever, I notice an irony to the fact that Republicans seemed to raise a higher voice over a single person, who would have never heard, or cared about, what was said about her (Schiavo), than the issues, and apparent incompetencies that led to the New Orleans disaster being what it is.

• More and more jobs getting cut everyday, while we spend billions on the 'war'.

• Our borders are more porous than ever, while his Administration continues to try and appease the Fox Administration that hands out pamphlets on how to make it across, to the US.

• Iran, China, and Russia have banded together to 'protect' Iran's rights to have nuclear weapons, with no newsworthy ripple coming from the Administration. In the meantime, lord only knows what North Korea is doing. When it comes down to it, do you think China would rather side with the US, or their nuclear-capable border-mate?

• 4th Amendment rights disintegrating before our very eyes, including the provision in the Patriot Act that allows the Secret Service to detain/search anyone without warrant, as long as it is in the name of 'National Security'.

• It personally scares me that having the Al-Qaeda as the consummate 'boogeyman' is actually GIVING the Administration more power than any Administration has ever had. Where is the real incentive on them going away? (As far as the Bush Presidency is concerned).

Though you will still sneer at the idea, I'm sure, all of the above points were done from what I consider my conservative viewpoint. I can only wonder at the list a strong Liberal can come up with.

Feel free to respond with your points/counterpoints, Mr. Yogs--or would you dare claim that you look at things unbiased?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

Though you will still sneer at the idea, I'm sure, all of the above points were done from what I consider my conservative viewpoint. I can only wonder at the list a strong Liberal can come up with.

Thats funny and with all due respect you do not sound Conservative even if you believe that you have a Conservative viewpoint. In your opinion and just out of curiosity what type of Conservative are you?

BTW - Based on the test results a strong Liberal will have a political bias in their favor.

[carrrnuttt]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

Thats funny and with all due respect you do not sound Conservative even if you believe that you have a Conservative viewpoint. In your opinion and just out of curiosity what type of Conservative are you?

What do you mean 'what type'? There are types?

To me, a conservative:

• Opposes big government, and resists government meddling.
• Fights even beyond reason to keep what made America what it is intact, only allowing due process to alter it, which is after referendum of all the member states. Do I need to explain what I'm referring to? Fear, real, or manufactured, should not change who you are, nor should it change the identity of a country.
• Wants lower taxes.
• Requires government to spend the money that the government took from him/her wisely.
• Stays out of other people's/countries' affairs, unless said affair threatens himself/his family/his country.*

So. Whats YOUR definition of conservative? Someone who agrees, beyond reason, with Bush, or anyone who somehow calls him/herself Republican?

For the record, I do NOT consider Bush, or his Administration, conservative.

*I agreed wholeheartedly when we attacked Iraq. I, however, do not agree with the ongoing waste of people, money, resources, and time, that Iraq has become. We were the whip that punished. We supplied the bandage and the food for sustenance. Now, as especially-evidenced by the latest Iraqi election results, our hand keeps getting bit as we try to apply the bandage, and feed the whipped.

What we did in Afghanistan was good. We went in there, cleaned out the Taliban, and left. What's the difference in Iraq? Could it be...oh noes(!!)...oil?

You know what, I don't even mind the oil thing. If we are there to conquer them, and take their oil, more power to us if we can get away with it. Thing is, gasoline is more expensive than ever, and we are squandering our money on people that don't want our help to keep up the illusion of "fighting for democracy".


****************

Also for the record:

• I enjoy guns, own only one currently, but have owned a lot more in the past (had to sell), and support the 2nd Amendment, as I do ALL the Amendments.
• I work for my money, did my duty in the Military, served as an Officer for my state.
• I am for Capital Punishment.
• I am against abortion, even in rape cases, as the child has nothing to do with the father's sins.
• Grew up in a Catholic home, went to Catholic schools and studied some Theology in my teen years. Even got baptized as a 'born again' Christian, and then became a Baptist with the help of this family that sponsored me when I was in the USAF. (I have found myself growing more agnostic as I learned more about human religion).

[2strokebloke]

So what you're saying here carrrnut is that the majority of people in this world are stupid. As anybody with half a brain has probably figured out by now. Which is to say that most republicans and democrats are probably still unaware of this.

[cody_e]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

Let's see (these are just the recent ones):

• The US is embroiled in a 'war' with no end in sight, with US servicemen/citizens dying everyday for it.

• The group the US is supporting in Iraq, the centerpiece of this 'war', just got voted out of the large majority of their senate, with those seats only to be filled-in by politicians that support the insurgency that is killing said Americans.

• The Domestic Spying scandal. In agreement with his reasoning or not, fact of the matter is, the FISA court is manned by judges rotating from the Justice Department, literally in the same building as the Attorney General's office. Bush HAD to be aware of the simple ways he could have avoided the scandal. But then again, that is only IF indeed the spying was not done with a political intent, as opposed to what he claims (security). You notice no one from the Administration has said that it wasn't at all?

• Though I don't assign blame to his administration whatsoever, I notice an irony to the fact that Republicans seemed to raise a higher voice over a single person, who would have never heard, or cared about, what was said about her (Schiavo), than the issues, and apparent incompetencies that led to the New Orleans disaster being what it is.

• More and more jobs getting cut everyday, while we spend billions on the 'war'.

• Our borders are more porous than ever, while his Administration continues to try and appease the Fox Administration that hands out pamphlets on how to make it across, to the US.

• Iran, China, and Russia have banded together to 'protect' Iran's rights to have nuclear weapons, with no newsworthy ripple coming from the Administration. In the meantime, lord only knows what North Korea is doing. When it comes down to it, do you think China would rather side with the US, or their nuclear-capable border-mate?

• 4th Amendment rights disintegrating before our very eyes, including the provision in the Patriot Act that allows the Secret Service to detain/search anyone without warrant, as long as it is in the name of 'National Security'.

• It personally scares me that having the Al-Qaeda as the consummate 'boogeyman' is actually GIVING the Administration more power than any Administration has ever had. Where is the real incentive on them going away? (As far as the Bush Presidency is concerned).

Though you will still sneer at the idea, I'm sure, all of the above points were done from what I consider my conservative viewpoint. I can only wonder at the list a strong Liberal can come up with.

Feel free to respond with your points/counterpoints, Mr. Yogs--or would you dare claim that you look at things unbiased?

I would consider myself a moderate leaning right and I completely agree with you. I'm not old enough to own a gun but we have a couple for hunting, I hate paying taxes that go to beaurocratic waste, and I'm thinking of joining the Air Force when I turn 18.

[ct91rs]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

So. Whats YOUR definition of conservative? Someone who agrees, beyond reason, with Bush, or anyone who somehow calls him/herself Republican?

For the record, I do NOT consider Bush, or his Administration, conservative.

Carrnuttt, it's refreshing to find a conservative who does not blindly support the current administration. You and I stand in disagreement on some fundamental issues of government, but I completely respect your position and admire your desire to seek the truth.

You actually stand for something, and are upset that your values are being misrepresented, in the name of incompetence and big money.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

What do you mean 'what type'? There are types?

To me, a conservative:

• Opposes big government, and resists government meddling.
• Fights even beyond reason to keep what made America what it is intact, only allowing due process to alter it, which is after referendum of all the member states. Do I need to explain what I'm referring to? Fear, real, or manufactured, should not change who you are, nor should it change the identity of a country.
• Wants lower taxes.
• Requires government to spend the money that the government took from him/her wisely.
• Stays out of other people's/countries' affairs, unless said affair threatens himself/his family/his country.*

So. Whats YOUR definition of conservative? Someone who agrees, beyond reason, with Bush, or anyone who somehow calls him/herself Republican?

For the record, I do NOT consider Bush, or his Administration, conservative.

*I agreed wholeheartedly when we attacked Iraq. I, however, do not agree with the ongoing waste of people, money, resources, and time, that Iraq has become. We were the whip that punished. We supplied the bandage and the food for sustenance. Now, as especially-evidenced by the latest Iraqi election results, our hand keeps getting bit as we try to apply the bandage, and feed the whipped.

What we did in Afghanistan was good. We went in there, cleaned out the Taliban, and left. What's the difference in Iraq? Could it be...oh noes(!!)...oil?

You know what, I don't even mind the oil thing. If we are there to conquer them, and take their oil, more power to us if we can get away with it. Thing is, gasoline is more expensive than ever, and we are squandering our money on people that don't want our help to keep up the illusion of "fighting for democracy".


****************

Also for the record:

• I enjoy guns, own only one currently, but have owned a lot more in the past (had to sell), and support the 2nd Amendment, as I do ALL the Amendments.
• I work for my money, did my duty in the Military, served as an Officer for my state.
• I am for Capital Punishment.
• I am against abortion, even in rape cases, as the child has nothing to do with the father's sins.
• Grew up in a Catholic home, went to Catholic schools and studied some Theology in my teen years. Even got baptized as a 'born again' Christian, and then became a Baptist with the help of this family that sponsored me when I was in the USAF. (I have found myself growing more agnostic as I learned more about human religion).

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a Conservative. I've voted Republican straight ticket since the days of getting rid of Jimmy Carter. I back the party regardless of whether I agree or disagree witht the President. The choice was made and I will live with it for the next 3 years.

Without getting into boring Political Science 101, from what I understand there are different types of Conservatives. For example:

Economic conservatives, social conservatives, religious conservatives, objectivists, libertarians, and just about any groups that values most conservative ideals. Of course, it may not be limited to this. There are right-wingers, moderates, progressives, neo-cons, etc. If you believe that you are a Conservative, then more power to you.

Just for humor purposes take the 10 question quiz below. There is a Republican Loyalty quiz and even one for Democrats:

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...iticalquiz.htm

Here are my results:

Your score is 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Republican loyalist You remain fiercely dedicated to fighting the twin evils of terrorism and liberalism, and you'd walk across a field of land mines if it meant casting a deciding vote for a Republican president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Democratic Party and every elitist, French-loving, religion-mocking, America-hating, terrorist-appeasing ideal for which it stands.

[thrasher]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a Conservative. I've voted Republican straight ticket since the days of getting rid of Jimmy Carter. I back the party regardless of whether I agree or disagree witht the President. The choice was made and I will live with it for the next 3 years.

Without getting into boring Political Science 101, from what I understand there are different types of Conservatives. For example:

Economic conservatives, social conservatives, religious conservatives, objectivists, libertarians, and just about any groups that values most conservative ideals. Of course, it may not be limited to this. There are right-wingers, moderates, progressives, neo-cons, etc. If you believe that you are a Conservative, then more power to you.

Just for humor purposes take the 10 question quiz below. There is a Republican Loyalty quiz and even one for Democrats:

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...iticalquiz.htm

Here are my results:

Your score is 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Republican loyalist You remain fiercely dedicated to fighting the twin evils of terrorism and liberalism, and you'd walk across a field of land mines if it meant casting a deciding vote for a Republican president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Democratic Party and every elitist, French-loving, religion-mocking, America-hating, terrorist-appeasing ideal for which it stands.

Nice, I like it. Even though I'm not a democrat, i though it'd be fun to take it anyways.

Your score is 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Democratic loyalist. You are appalled by the way Republicans are turning America into a theocratic, corpo-fascist police state, and you'd gladly walk through a furnace in a gasoline suit to elect a Democratic president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Republican Party and every intolerant, puritanical, imperialistic, greed-mongering, Constitution-shredding ideal for which it stands.

[carrrnuttt]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

There is no doubt in my mind that I am a Conservative. I've voted Republican straight ticket since the days of getting rid of Jimmy Carter. I back the party regardless of whether I agree or disagree witht the President. The choice was made and I will live with it for the next 3 years.

Without getting into boring Political Science 101, from what I understand there are different types of Conservatives. For example:

Economic conservatives, social conservatives, religious conservatives, objectivists, libertarians, and just about any groups that values most conservative ideals. Of course, it may not be limited to this. There are right-wingers, moderates, progressives, neo-cons, etc. If you believe that you are a Conservative, then more power to you.

Just for humor purposes take the 10 question quiz below. There is a Republican Loyalty quiz and even one for Democrats:

http://politicalhumor.about.com/libr...iticalquiz.htm

Here are my results:

Your score is 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. You are a pure, unabashed, die-hard Republican loyalist You remain fiercely dedicated to fighting the twin evils of terrorism and liberalism, and you'd walk across a field of land mines if it meant casting a deciding vote for a Republican president. In your view, there is no higher form of patriotism than defending America against the Democratic Party and every elitist, French-loving, religion-mocking, America-hating, terrorist-appeasing ideal for which it stands.

I am not taking neither the R or D test, as I detest both.

Here: http://www.quiz2d.com/quiz/quiz.php?from=electparker



I used to be more towards centrist libertarian, but always closer to the right, than I ever have been to the left.

Edit: BTW...YOU are a Republican. Though Republicans would like to say that they are conservatives, they have been straying from this for sometime now, IMO. THEY are now the big government mongers, NOT the Dems. You are NOT conservative, you are a Republican. A Democrat might have more Conservative ideals than his counterpart, but your bias will never let you see that. You vote PARTY, not IDEAL. Not saying you can't be both, but the Republican does not necessarily mean Conservative any longer.

Of course you'll be too biased to see that.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by carrrnuttt

Edit: BTW...YOU are a Republican. Though Republicans would like to say that they are conservatives, they have been straying from this for sometime now, IMO. THEY are now the big government mongers, NOT the Dems. You are NOT conservative, you are a Republican. A Democrat might have more Conservative ideals than his counterpart, but your bias will never let you see that. You vote PARTY, not IDEAL. Not saying you can't be both, but the Republican does not necessarily mean Conservative any longer.

Of course you'll be too biased to see that.

I have conservative values and I am a Republican. Based on what you posted about yourself, we're not that far off from each other. The differences being the issue of G.W., national security, and the US Constitution.

And I agree I will be biased, however, I am very consistent in my position. You can't teach this old dog any new tricks.

BTW - The last time I checked Liberal is synonomous with Democrat and Conservative with Republican.

[carrrnuttt]

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

I have conservative values and I am a Republican. Based on what you posted about yourself, we're not that far off from each other. The differences being the issue of G.W., national security, and the US Constitution.

And I will continue to submit that we only differ in those positions because of your blindness to anything beyond the word "Republican". Would you care to argue against me that you would still be for Bush, and everything his Administration has done, if he is under the "D" banner? C'mon. Close your eyes, try to push away your blinders, and imagine.

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

And I agree I will be biased, however, I am very consistent in my position. You can't teach this old dog any new tricks.

I think the term is stubborn. With the new study, we now know why.

Originally Posted by bnaylor3400

BTW - The last time I checked Liberal is synonomous with Democrat and Conservative with Republican.

Not anymore. Not to me. To a true Democrat, or a true Republican like you, who are in a world of blinders, maybe. To me they're just meaningless titles. Neither group is about America anymore, IMO. They are simply for their Party 1st, votes for their Party 2nd, and "discredit the other side and those who dare support them" 3rd.

Sad thing is, everybody feels like theirs is the correct side, and this mentality is slowly eroding this country. Now I have scientific evidence to prove that, except for a few kooky/crooky extremes, there is a good chance that we probably all share close to the same values--at least not as far as either Party would want us to believe--yet we choose to ignore this fact.

Were in the real world bro. There's no mythical line in the sand where we have to be on either side of. We, as Americans, are huddled in a circle, while the wolves that the Parties are, snap at the edges, yanking those on the extremes little-by-little, until only a few are left to see that those that got 'taken' have sided with the wolves.