The Colorado Survey

Quote of the day:

Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.
—Groucho Marx

I’ve mentioned several times that in high school and for a few years thereafter I considered myself a Republican, though by the time I came of voting age, which was 21 in those days, I had decided to register as an Independent.

Back in the 1960s the Republican Party was conservative, but it also had a liberal wing. Same with the Democratic Party. It was sort of liberal, but it had a conservative wing as well. The parties, and the nation, weren’t as divided as they are today.

So what exactly did I believe?

Well, as a matter of fact, I can answer that, because as luck would have it, during my first term at Penn State I received a survey from Colorado State College. Not only did I fill out the survey and send it back, but the questions were on separate sheets of paper from the answer form, so I had the foresight to mark down my answers and save them.

The envelope is postmarked November 13, 1967, so I think it’s reasonable to assume that Penn State had not yet affected my opinions too much, so these were probably the opinions that I had brought with me from high school for the most part.

There are twenty questions that cover science, politics, religion, etc.

In order to see my answers, you’ll have to answer each question; if you skip a question, the entire set of questions will be shown at the end and you won’t be able to get past it until you provide an answer to each question. There is no pass or fail. The percentage that you’ll see at the end is how close you are to the answers that I supplied back in 1967.

By the way, the cover letter says the results will be provided to the student newspaper. I don’t recall ever seeing the results published in The Daily Collegian, and as those back issues are now online and searchable, I did a search on “Colorado state” and “Colorado survey” and didn’t come up with any hits.

Results

Now that you see what I believed in 1967, you might not find it difficult to understand how I could support George McGovern for president in 1972. The question you might be asking yourself, is how the hell did I support Barry Goldwater a scant three years earlier?

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QUIZ START

#1. What do you regard as the fundamental purpose of science?

The purpose of science is to discover basic scientific truths which do not change with the passage of time.

The purpose of science is to provide an objective, factual account of nature. Scientific research should lead to increasingly accurate descriptions of reality.

The purpose of science is to provide a functional account of nature. All findings are taken as tentative and subject to later revision.

Scientific truth is relative to the time, place and observer. The purpose of science is to generate new and useful ways of looking at nature.

Nature appears to be unstructured and disorganized; one should not expect science to provide a significant, objective, factual account or nature.

Wouldn’t change my answer.

#2. In order to insure the most competent government, to whom should the right to vote be given?

Few people are sufficiently well-informed to vote intelligently. The most competent government is not likely to be produced by a vote of the people.

Only those persons who have demonstrated that they are responsible and productive citizens should be given the right to vote.

The right to vote should be given to all adult citizens who can pass an examination indicating that they know and understand the rights and duties of citizenship.

The right to vote should be given to all adult citizens who meet basic literacy requirements.

The right to vote should be given to all adult citizens

Although I’ve been sadly disappointed in the way many of my fellow Americans have exercised their right to vote, I still believe the right to vote is fundamental.

#3. What is your attitude toward communists in our country?

Communists are traitors and criminals; they should be imprisoned or deported.

Communists should be registered by the government; they should not hold any government positions nor other positions critical to the defense of the nation.

Communists should be registered by the government and should not be permitted to hold positions critical to the defense of the nation.

Registration of communists is a violation of their rights; however, they should not be placed in positions critical to the defense of the nation.

Communists are members of a political party; they are entitled to the same rights and privileges as members of other parties.

Age cannot wither nor custom stale my attitude toward other political parties.

#4. Under what circumstances should our country take military action against another country?

There are circumstances which justify striking the first blow.

Our country should never start a war, but should stand ready to defend any free nation which requests our assistance to fight aggression.

Military action can only be justified in the event of attack on our nation or a nation committed to defend us from attack.

The only justification for military action would be an attack on our nation.

There is no justification for war—not even self-defense.

I don’t recall being a pacifist. I suspect I might have answered this differently on a different day, but I can’t be certain. I guess I would select #3 today.

#5. What policy should the government pursue in international relations?

A policy of independence should be pursued; no worthwhile purpose can be served by becoming entangled with other nations.

Self-preservation is the first duty of a nation; all foreign policy should be evaluated in terms of its benefit to our nation.

The national interest should be subservient to the good of mankind; our foreign policy must be evaluated in terms of its benefits to the democratic peoples of the world.

The national interest should be subservient to the good of all mankind without regard for nationality or form of government.

The uniting of the world's peoples under a single government is the only solution to the existing conflicts, and this should be the immediate goal of our foreign policy.

I’m surprised I didn’t select #5. Change the word “immediate” to “ultimate” and that probably would be my choice now, but the world is so complex these days, and these choices are phrased for a simpler time.

#6. Which of the following policies would provide the most desirable relationship between government and business enterprise?

The government should provide only that regulation of private enterprise which is needed to protect the public from fraud.

Some regulation of private enterprise is needed to insure a stable economy and individual opportunity, but supply and demand should be the major regulatory force.

Private enterprise should be encouraged; however, the government should take every step needed to guarantee a stable economy and to insure the economic welfare of every citizen.

The government should operate major industries but permit private ownership of real estate and some business.

The best arrangement is one in which the government owns and operates all productive and distributive enterprise as a public trust.

I chose #1 but given those choices, I might now opt for door #3.

#7. What is your attitude toward labor unions?

I'm opposed to labor unions; we would be better off without them.

I favor right-to-work laws which permit every employee of every employer to decide whether or not he wishes to belong to a union.

The union-shop arrangement is best; if a man takes a job with union contract and benefits, he is obligated to join the union.

A closed-shop arrangement is necessary to protect the rights of organized labor; only those persons who have first been accepted for union membership are entitled to jobs covered by union contracts.

It is not enough to require union membership of workers; organized labor must be given a substantial role in the management of industry.

This is the one area where the influence of my parents shows. Although they were both strong Democrats, they were distrustful of unions because of a couple of bitter and violent strikes that their relatives had gone through. Their distrust rubbed off on me. I didn’t shed the prejudice until the late 1980s, I think.

#8. Which of these approaches to the education of children would you expect to make the greatest contribution to the development of good citizenship?

Ready obedience to constituted authority is the essential ingredient in the preparation of the young for citizenship.

The teacher has a responsibility to plan and direct classroom activities in such a fashion as to build good citizenship.

The teacher should try to guide the experiences of the child in such a fashion as to encourage good citizenship.

Good citizenship can only be learned in an atmosphere of great freedom; the teacher must stir the interest of the child, but direction must come from within the child.

The child should be permitted to grow up in his own way without being subjected to the impositions of others.

I don’t think I took this question too seriously, but I chose #4 though I checked #3, indicating that I vacillated a bit.

#9. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the greatest improvement in the nation’s schools?

A return to the teaching of fundamentals is the most wholesome thing that could happen; mastery of the three R's will solve most educational problems.

Our schools need a greater emphasis on the subject matter disciplines-language, math and science; social studies should emphasize our heritage of freedom and opportunity.

The subject matter content is generally adequate; there is a need for greater emphasis on practical applications of the principles learned.

The greatest need is for emphasis on the personal and social adjustment of each child.

Greater emphasis should be given to studies organized around pressing social problems; the school should initiate and direct social change.

Again I checked #1 but chose #4 indicating some vacillation, but I don’t think I took the question too seriously.

#10. How much freedom should be extended to college professors to express their private convictions on controversial issues?

It would be best if there were no discussion of controversial issues in the classroom.

Discussion of controversial issues in the classroom must always be impartial; professors should not be permitted to express their personal prejudices.

Professors should be required to exercise restraint in expressing their opinions and to show respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

Professors must be free to express their ideas no matter how unconventional these may be; however, public institutions must not tolerate teaching which is disloyal to the government.

Professors must have the greatest possible freedom to express and advocate their ideas without concern for the opinions of others.

#3 still seems the closest to the best answer to me.

#11. What do you believe about the equality of men?

The notion is a fallacy; men vary greatly in ability and character; treating all men as equals is not only foolish but unjust.

Democratic government must treat all citizens as equal under the law, but that is as far as the equality of men goes.

All men are entitled to equal opportunity to develop their capacities; however, men vary greatly in their capacities.

Men are born equal; the differences in ability and character which exist are largely the result of differing opportunities.

No measure exists which can demonstrate that one man is superior to another; one must conclude that all men are equal and entitled to an equal share of the good things of life.

I chose #2 but I can see #3 as well. Given the way they are phrased, those are the best choices, but there ought to be something about correcting past inequities.

#12. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the most desirable relationship among human races?

The best arrangement is one in which each race lives in its own community and has only limited social contact with members of other races.

Public facilities such as schools and parks should be open to all persons, but there is no reason to encourage social contact between the races in privately owned facilities.

Members of different races should be permitted to attend the same schools and work in the same shops and offices, but it would be best for them to seek friends among their own people.

It is desirable to have a maximum of personal contact between the races to overcome racial problems, but intermarriage between the races is undesirable.

A maximum of personal contact including intermarriage is the best way to overcome racial problems.

Clearly the survey came out before Loving vs Virginia.

#13. What actions should be taken to protect society from criminals?

The criminal must be punished for his deeds; the most effective devices are imprisonment and the death penalty.

A dual program of reform and punishment is needed; the death penalty should be retained.

A dual program of reform and punishment is needed; the death penalty should be discarded.

Punishment and reform are irreconcilable; all criminals could become useful citizens if appropriate reforms were instituted.

The criminal cannot be held responsible for his deeds; his actions result from the interaction of heredity and environment.

I chose #3 but checked #4 and I can sympathize with #5. In a better world in the far future, I could go for 4 or 5, but as of today’s world, I’d stick with #3, with the proviso that prison time be used only for those who are a danger to society in some way. But it’s too complex a topic to be dealt with in such a sound bite.

By the way, I was surprised that I was already opposed to the death penalty all the way back then. I don’t know where that came from or what my reasons were.

#14. Which of these would you regard as the final authority in determining whether a particular type of conduct is ethically right or wrong?

Standards of ethical conduct are established by God and revealed in the Bible.

Standards of ethical conduct are established by universal laws; the basic virtues such as honesty and charity do not change from one generation to the next or from one place to another.

Standards of ethical conduct are determined by each society; rules of conduct must fit the time and place.

Each individual must be free to determine for himself the rightness or wrongness of his deeds.

The question is irrelevant; all actions are the result of interaction between the organism and its environment.

I chose #3 but checked #4 so you can see the libertarian-ish streak in my thinking. I’d stick with 3.

#15. How do you feel about students cheating on tests?

Each student is morally obligated to refrain from cheating and to discourage other students from cheating, too.

Each student is morally obligated to refrain from cheating, but he is not responsible for his fellow students.

Cheating is justified when a teacher makes unfair or unreasonable demands of students.

As long as his conduct is not harmful to anyone else, the student is entitled to promote his own welfare.

The student is entitled to take every opportunity to promote his own welfare.

This was the most surprising answer that I found when I came across this survey after all these years. Again it’s the libertarian-ish streak in my thinking: as long as you aren’t harming anyone else. I hope it’s obvious that today I would select #1 or #2.

#16. In order to achieve the most satisfactory relationship between the sexes, what restrictions do you feel should be placed on sexual intercourse?

Sex relations should be limited to persons who are married to each other, for better or worse, till death does them part.

Sex relations should be limited to persons who are married to each other, but marriage is a contract which may be dissolved by rules established by the society.

Sex relations should be limited to persons who are in love with each other–whether they are married or not.

Much personal freedom is desirable, but the sex relationship is a personal one, and partners should be selected discreetly.

No restrictions are needed; the sex drive is biological and is not a moral issue.

This is an embarrassing subject. I don’t feel comfortable talking about it.😳

#17. What’s your attitude toward the use of alcoholic beverages?

Strict prohibition of the use of intoxicating beverages is the best policy.

I'm opposed to the use of alcoholic beverages, but I don't think prohibition is the answer.

Moderate use of alcoholic beverages is acceptable behavior, but people should never drink to excess.

People should drink temperately on most occasions, but there is nothing wrong with getting a little drunk on special occasions.

The individual should be free to imbibe as he pleases with out regard for the opinions of others.

I’ll just point out that when I took this survey, I had not yet gone to any parties or in any other way indulged in alcohol on campus.

#18. What do you believe is the true nature of God?

I believe in a personal God who has revealed Himself in the Bible.

There is a God, Father of all men, who is common to all religious faiths. It is not particularly important whether a man is a Christian, Jew, Moslem, Hindu, etc.

I believe in a Supreme Being or First Cause, but I cannot believe in a personal God.

The nature of God is not (or cannot be) known by man.

There is no God.

This is one of only two factual questions on the survey, as opposed to opinion questions.

#19. What do you believe about the Bible?

It is the inspired Word of God, unquestionable authority in religious faith and practice.

It contains God's message to men, but not all of it can be regarded as completely reliable.

It is an inspired religious book similar to other religious writings which direct men's thoughts toward God.

It is a great literary effort by a primitive people which gives much insight to their history and beliefs.

It is a fraud which deludes men.

This is the other one. Take out the word “great” and I stand by my answer, but I wouldn’t argue with 5, so I guess there are two correct answers. 🤔

#20. To what extent is man responsible for his deeds?

All men must face Divine judgment which will determine whether they spend eternity in Heaven or Hell

Men are responsible to God and will be held accountable for their conduct, but I cannot believe anyone will spend eternity in Hell.

There are natural laws which determine ethical conduct, and men must observe these laws or suffer the consequences.

Man is a member of society, and his only moral responsibility is to observe the standards established by society.

Man is a product of heredity and environment; he cannot be held responsible for his conduct.

I guess I’d still choose #4, but we could have a long discussion about this as I tend toward #5.

Finish

Namely JT

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The Colorado Survey

Results

#1. What do you regard as the fundamental purpose of science?

#2. In order to insure the most competent government, to whom should the right to vote be given?

#3. What is your attitude toward communists in our country?

#4. Under what circumstances should our country take military action against another country?

#5. What policy should the government pursue in international relations?

#6. Which of the following policies would provide the most desirable relationship between government and business enterprise?

#7. What is your attitude toward labor unions?

#8. Which of these approaches to the education of children would you expect to make the greatest contribution to the development of good citizenship?

#9. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the greatest improvement in the nation’s schools?

#10. How much freedom should be extended to college professors to express their private convictions on controversial issues?

#11. What do you believe about the equality of men?

#12. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the most desirable relationship among human races?

#13. What actions should be taken to protect society from criminals?

#14. Which of these would you regard as the final authority in determining whether a particular type of conduct is ethically right or wrong?

#15. How do you feel about students cheating on tests?

#16. In order to achieve the most satisfactory relationship between the sexes, what restrictions do you feel should be placed on sexual intercourse?

#17. What’s your attitude toward the use of alcoholic beverages?

#18. What do you believe is the true nature of God?

#19. What do you believe about the Bible?

#20. To what extent is man responsible for his deeds?

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Results

#1. What do you regard as the fundamental purpose of science?

#2. In order to insure the most competent government, to whom should the right to vote be given?

#3. What is your attitude toward communists in our country?

#4. Under what circumstances should our country take military action against another country?

#5. What policy should the government pursue in international relations?

#6. Which of the following policies would provide the most desirable relationship between government and business enterprise?

#7. What is your attitude toward labor unions?

#8. Which of these approaches to the education of children would you expect to make the greatest contribution to the development of good citizenship?

#9. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the greatest improvement in the nation’s schools?

#10. How much freedom should be extended to college professors to express their private convictions on controversial issues?

#11. What do you believe about the equality of men?

#12. Which of the following could be expected to bring about the most desirable relationship among human races?

#13. What actions should be taken to protect society from criminals?

#14. Which of these would you regard as the final authority in determining whether a particular type of conduct is ethically right or wrong?

#15. How do you feel about students cheating on tests?

#16. In order to achieve the most satisfactory relationship between the sexes, what restrictions do you feel should be placed on sexual intercourse?

#17. What’s your attitude toward the use of alcoholic beverages?

#18. What do you believe is the true nature of God?

#19. What do you believe about the Bible?

#20. To what extent is man responsible for his deeds?

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