Interesting poll results from the Pew Research Center.

In 2002, 43% of Americans identified themselves as Republicans or said they lean toward Republican values at the same time 43% of Americans identified themselves as Democrats or said they lean toward Democratic values.

In the latest survey its 50% Democratic-Lean Democratic vs 35% Republican-Lean Republican.

Americans pray less, are more likely to doubt the existence of God, they are more tolerant of gays, and feel that government should play a larger role in society and that the military should play a smaller role than they have in decades.

Summary of Findings: Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007

Good news for Democrats

__________________
“ The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities; that is, in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.”

Adam Smith , The Wealth of Nations 1776

"We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economics"
FDR's second Inaugural Address