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OregonLive readers weigh in on story about a study showing liberals drink more than conservatives.

(Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian)

A few days ago, I put up a little piece about a new study, published by the Journal of Wine Economics, that purports to show liberals drink more than conservatives.

Not surprisingly, it led to a lively discussion in the comments on everything from the failure of political labels to the study's validity.

I'm not here to settle any of those arguments, but a look through the comments is a study itself on the connection between drinking and politics. Here are some highlights:

Commenter s123man questioned the source: "Published in the Wine Journal. They are probably trying to convince liberal wine drinkers it is OK to be a wine lush because all the other cool kids are doing it."

SuperStraightGuy questioned the conclusions, and our decision to publish them: "In no way does this research prove anything other than that states that are considered liberal consume more alcohol than states that are considered conservative. It does not prove that individual conservatives drink less than individual liberals. Drawing that conclusion from this research is absurd. I swear, this may be the dumbest article I have ever read in the Oregonian."

2old took issue with political labels in general: "But who is liberal, and who is conservative? Both sides scorn me, because I am liberal on some issue, and conservative on others. Maybe I am liberal since I like cheap beer, yuppie beer and great (but semi-affordable) Scotch.

Finally, there was this exchange:

"That's why liberals are friendlier, happier people. Go back to church conservatives," wrote ppsvet.

I'll drink to that!!" replied Jaybay. "As soon as I get my pastor away from the beer."

-- Harry Esteve