Smacking vs. Shacking

We all know that there's "just something about" those dratted red-staters, but what is it exactly? Religion? Maybe. Economic level? Perhaps. Educational level? It seems likely. Well now there is a whole new way to look at this divide. Slate has this absolutely fascinating article about the correlation between parenting styles and political affiliation. Bottom line? If you approve of kid-smacking you're much more likely to be a Republican. If, on the other hand, you prefer "nurturing" parenting, you're probably a Democrat. The other little piece of the socio-political puzzle? The more years people shack up before marriage, the more likely they are to be Democrats. I don't know about you, but this all holds true in my house.