A Harvard study reveals that 4th of July parades tend to be favored by Republicans, and help boost GOP turnout on Election Day. Are you surprised by this? Will you be attending a parade this weekend? Will you be watching fireworks? What do these festivities mean to you, personally?
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In my old age, I am not a fan of parades, unless they are truly hometown parades.
As for the 4th of July / Republican connection, personally I trace that to the fact that on average, liberals are more likely to be down on the USA. As in “we cause all the problems of the world” and “every other civilized country does everything better than we do.” I’m not sure they view patriotism / national pride as a positive. Now I am not saying there is no patriotism among liberals, just that on average, it’s more watered-down. Whereas conservatives/republicans are more likely to say “ours is a great nation, and I love my country, but we have ample room for improvement.” And also recognize that what we’re embracing on July 4 is the ideal of a nation with liberty and justice for all – not pretending that we are 100% there.
No parades for us…fireworks probably not this year. Family usually goes and buys a whole bunch but they didn’t this year. We can see a whole bunch of other people’s “illegal” fireworks just sitting on our deck.
I think it’s hilariously ironic that this study comes out of one of the most liberal universities in the country.
I also think it’s a ridiculous position to take, and reflects only those who put politics before all else. A cross-section of our hometown parade-goers will reveal everything from the most politically apathetic high school kid to the most gung-ho American Veteran you can find. All stripes and colors that are found on the political spectrum. And that’s the way it should be.
There are plenty of Dems who consider themselves fiercely patriotic, who believe, like their Republican brethren, that their ideas and policies are truly best for this country. I think the only ones you won’t find at a parade celebrating the greatness of this country are the die-hard Progressives, those who idolize Marx, Mao, Chavez, and the like, and who are highly contemptuous of the whole process anyway. And they can keep to themselves that day, as far as I’m concerned. Don’t rain on my parade, thanks.