Republicans love handouts? Please explain these numbers to me

[Anonymous]

Got this from a Washington Post article on how the loudest small-government Republicans are now saying that BP can't/shouldn't shoulder the whole Gulf cleanup, and demanding resources from the Federal government.

"An analysis of data from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation by Washington Post database specialist Dan Keating found that people in states that voted Republican were by far the biggest beneficiaries of federal spending. In states that voted strongly Republican, people received an average of $1.50 back from the federal government for every dollar they paid in federal taxes. In moderately Republican states, the amount was $1.19. In moderately Democratic states, people received on average of 99 cents in federal funds for each dollar they paid in taxes. In strongly Democratic states, people got back just 86 cents on the tax dollar."

I'm sure someone can tell me why this should be the case, and why it's not as damning and hypocritical as it sounds on the surface.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure someone can tell me why this should be the case, and why it's not as damning and hypocritical as it sounds on the surface.

I believe it is due to the prevalence of military bases and other defense establishments in red states.

[Anonymous]

I think that farm/ranching subsidies are also a huge part of the picture.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure someone can tell me why this should be the case, and why it's not as damning and hypocritical as it sounds on the surface.

I believe it is due to the prevalence of military bases and other defense establishments in red states.

Like California? (29 Palms, Camp Pendleton...)

[Anonymous]

Maybe the South should make an ultimatum. Clean up or we will cessede!!!

Rise nation Rise!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe the South should make an ultimatum. Clean up or we will cessede!!!

Rise nation Rise!!!!

Very clever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Got this from a Washington Post article on how the loudest small-government Republicans are now saying that BP can't/shouldn't shoulder the whole Gulf cleanup, and demanding resources from the Federal government.

"An analysis of data from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation by Washington Post database specialist Dan Keating found that people in states that voted Republican were by far the biggest beneficiaries of federal spending. In states that voted strongly Republican, people received an average of $1.50 back from the federal government for every dollar they paid in federal taxes. In moderately Republican states, the amount was $1.19. In moderately Democratic states, people received on average of 99 cents in federal funds for each dollar they paid in taxes. In strongly Democratic states, people got back just 86 cents on the tax dollar."

I'm sure someone can tell me why this should be the case, and why it's not as damning and hypocritical as it sounds on the surface.

Other contributing factors:

Red states have lower population density - the cost to deliver services is higher than in densely urban (BLUE) areas. This is especially true for Medicare/medicaid. Hospitals are far apart and medical specialists few and far between.
Greater proportion of government owned land in red states vs. blue states
Greater military presence.
Higher rates of smoking and obesity - increasing medical costs.

[Anonymous]

Levels of inbreeding are much higher in red states, which leads to higher levels of imbecility. Combine that with a hatred of education, and you end up with a very ignorant populace who can't contribute much to the tax take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure someone can tell me why this should be the case, and why it's not as damning and hypocritical as it sounds on the surface.

I believe it is due to the prevalence of military bases and other defense establishments in red states.

Like California? (29 Palms, Camp Pendleton...)

I wouldn't classify California as a red state, however, there are many military bases there, not to mention the huge farmer/rancher industry in central CA. Incidentally, in the 80s, these are the same (Republican) ranchers who greased palms to allow more undocumented workers to enter and work their fields for less than minimum wage. Twenty years later, are these the same Republicans complaining about the illegals?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe the South should make an ultimatum. Clean up or we will cessede!!!

Rise nation Rise!!!!

I think the spelling is secede.

[Anonymous]

Hey, red states also have higher rates of divorce and consume more porn. I wouldn't rule out hypocrisy!

[Anonymous]

GOD IS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GOD IS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE

I hate it when I can't tell irony from idiocy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Levels of inbreeding are much higher in red states, which leads to higher levels of imbecility. Combine that with a hatred of education, and you end up with a very ignorant populace who can't contribute much to the tax take.

my thoughts exactly!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:GOD IS ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE

A lot of people proclaim that God is on their side. They are usually the ones who are about to do ungodly things.