From PoliticusUSA
Pew Research just
released a poll on Monday showing the American public’s views towards
evolution. The poll showed that 60% of Americans agree with the statement that
humans and other living things have evolved over time. Meanwhile, 33% stated
that humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.
This is pretty much on par with the results of this same poll four years ago.
However, where the gaps have started to widen more
is when we look at political affiliation and religion. In 2009, 64% of
Democrats believed in evolution while a majority, 54%, of Republicans also
believed in the theory. Fast forward to today and 67% of Democrats believe in
the theory of evolution while only 43% of Republicans feel that humans evolved
from lower life forms. That is a remarkable 24-point gap between the two
political parties. Independents saw virtually no change, as 67% believed in
2009 and 65% believe now.
Some of this can probably be explained by religious
views. The vast majority of white Evangelicals (64%) do not believe in
evolution. This group makes up a large base on the current Republican Party.
However, while a large percentage of black Evangelicals (50%) do not believe in
evolution, a much larger percentage (44%) do believe in the theory over white
Evangelicals (27%.) Non-religious or unaffiliated people by a wide margin
(76-20) believe in evolution.
Two other factors that seemed to play in how people
view evolution were age and education. Only 51% of those with a high-school
education or less believe in evolution. That percentage moved up to 62% for
people with some college education. 72% of people with at least a college
degree said that they believe humans have changed over time. Only 49% of people
over 65 said they believe in evolution. The percentages got higher as the
respondents got younger. For 18-29 year-olds, 68% said they believe in the
theory.
The thing is, these numbers are all pretty much in
line with the 2009 poll other than the differences between the two parties.
Perhaps what this poll is telling us is that the Republican Party is becoming
more and more centered on older, white Evangelicals. Essentially, the GOP is
devolving into a religious group. The more educated members of the party are
jumping ship, while the uneducated and the ones who cling hard to their Bibles
are making up more and more of the ‘base.’
Sure, Bobby Jindal, Reince Priebus and others may
not want
the GOP to be the Stupid Party. However, as it’s made up of more and more
people who wholly reject science, they may not have a choice but to accept that
reality. Especially when you have elected officials out there saying that
evolution is nothing but‘lies
straight from the pit of hell.’
You better get right with truth, you left leaning, loquacious, licentious, loony, liberal, or you to will be on the A-train to 'ell. I for one am not at all surprised to find out there are only Republicans in heaven.
ReplyDeleteThe Ultimate Truth in (3) Pages. "The Present" @
ReplyDeletehttp://www.truthcontest.com/entries/the-present-universal-truth/
Republicans in Hell
ReplyDeleteWhile walking down the street one day, a Republican head of state is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in." says the Republican.
"Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the Republican head of state.
"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts the Republican to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil (a Republican, too), who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes.
They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator
rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit Heaven." So 24 hours pass with the Republican head of state joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."
He reflects for a minute, then the head of state answers: "Well, I would never have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to the Republican and lays an arm on his neck.
"I don't understand," stammers the Republican head of state. Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us!"
Compliments of: About.com
It’s time we start calling a spade and spade and label the Democrats the “stupid party”—or more nicely put the “gullible party.” This lack of knowledge, awareness, or even information is not born of ignorance or distraction, but prejudice. Those who have heard the truth but refuse to believe it just hate what conservatives stand for so much that they’ll close their minds to the truth no matter the cost. Hows your un-affordable affordable health insurance now? you know the anti Joe Wilson claim of "if you like your health insurance you can keep your health insurance."
ReplyDeleteExcept now they’re figuring out just how high the price is for their prejudice-driven folly. Maybe this realization will bring about some real hope and change.
Until then, I’m done hearing about how stupid Republicans are. It’s clear who’s really misguided here. The last election proved it.
Thirty four years after the “Reagan Revolution” launched the new Republican orthodoxy that demonized government and elevated “trickle-down economics” to the stature of a religion, we are reaping the whirlwind of that folly. One need only look at the trend lines in the economy’s distribution of wealth going back almost fifty years to see when the demise of the American middle class began. It coincides perfectly with the rise of the predominance of neo-conservatism in U.S. politics.
Delete