Harvard Study: Fourth Of July A Right-Wing Holiday

A new Harvard Study shows Fourth of July celebrations turn kids into Republicans and are good for Republican candidates.

“The political right has been more successful in appropriating American patriotism and its symbols during the 20th century. Survey evidence also confirms that Republicans consider themselves more patriotic than Democrats. According to this interpretation, there is a political congruence between the patriotism promoted on Fourth of July and the values associated with the Republican party. Fourth of July celebrations in Republican dominated counties may thus be more politically biased events that socialize children into Republicans,” write Harvard Kennedy School Assistant Professor David Yanagizawa-Drott and Bocconi University Assistant Professor Andreas Madestam.

Some key findings:

• When done before the age of 18, it increases the likelihood of a youth identifying as a Republican by at least 2 percent.

• It raises the likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a Republican candidate by 4 percent.

• It boosts the likelihood a reveler will vote by about 1 percent and increases the chances they’ll make a political contribution by 3 percent.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.