Is it true that a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged?

Question

seriously I know its' an old joke but people do change especially
as they grow older.

Answer 1

A liberal is an idealist who believes in creating equality where there should be none (man works hard to feed his family, but half his pay goes to a worthless bum who chooses to be a booze hound)

A conservative is a realist who used to be a liberal, still believes in tolerance and justice, but realizes that government-imposed equality is an injustice and a farce, especially considering how corrupt the government is.

A liberal believes in paying reparations to minorities whose ancestors suffered injustices.

A conservative knows that no one is entitled to things they did not earn, did not suffer for, and that no one is guilty for the crimes of their ancestors or because of their ethnicity. A muslim is not responsible for all terrorism any more than a white person is responsible for slavery 200 years ago.

A liberal believes people are entitled to live in this country because of past injustices and legal immigration

A conservative knows that although people suffer in other countries, the solution is not to transplant everyone to America, and especially without learning the language, following the laws, paying the taxes, and waiting in line like everyone else who came here. A conservative also knows that simply because the people who live here are not indigenous, that does not excuse law-breaking. One injustice does not pay for another.

A liberal believes in absolute freedom, no matter what the cost

A conservative knows that freedom has limits, otherwise there is no such thing as justice for all. Criminals must be prosecuted, rights must be protected, and just laws must be obeyed.

A liberal believes that if a person chooses to do something or live a certain way, that in and of itself makes it morally acceptable.

A conservative knows that addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, promiscuity, and perversion can not only harm other people, but is destructive to the individual who chooses to engage in such nonsense. A choice does not make it right.

A liberal believes that if someone is wealthy, they have an obligation to give most of that wealth away indiscriminately and against their will.

A conservative knows that if an able-bodied person is deserving of help, they are willing to do something in exchange for that help, and the help need not be in the form of cash or checks which can be traded for guns, drugs, and pornography instead of things people need. See: Hurricane Katrina
Note that wealthy people generally give aid without being forced to do so, and the help they give is generally used for things people need, like food, shelter, and medicine, instead of credit and cash which can be abused, and always is, without exception. If the government were not taking more than half of what is rightfully ours, more help would be available and people would be more likely to give it.

A liberal believes that everyone is entitled to live a life where they are never exposed to other people's beliefs and freedom to worship. They equate a pledge of allegiance and prayer (which no one is required to participate in) with a loss of freedom.

A conservative knows that the Constitution protects both the freedom to worship and not to worship. That means anyone at any time should be able to express their beliefs, in prayer or in pledge, and should be able to celebrate their faith even in a public setting, as long as no one is forced to participate.

There's plenty more examples, but frankly you've already made up your mind as to which side you're on. Nothing I say can change your opinion.

Answer 2

I think that your question is good because it has to do with perspective. When people are young we are idealistic. When people get older a lot of people lose that idealistic approach...they get tired and disillusioned. They no longer think many of those feelings of oneness and unity and they grow less inclusive in their thinking because basically it is a tough world and they want to acquire much things and feel like they have accomplished much but...only if they have acquired wealth. So basically for a conservative it is really important to have wealth. Liberals on the other hand may want to acquire wealth but they don't form an ego or a sense of self with what they have acquired. This is why a conservative will say (and this is actually the way the saying is quoted) a liberal is a person who has never been mugged). If a liberal is mugged he or she will feel like they have lost a possession or money BUT not that the entity that mugged them will change their attitude on people in general. Hope this makes sense. Its an old saying but it actually shows the depth of materialism and attachment to things that some people have.

Answer 3

I can relate because I was liberal in my younger days. However, I grew up and realized that I have things to lose, and realized that my old way of thinking just didn't make sense anymore. I have a lot of friends who have ALWAYS been conservative, though. I think it has a lot to do with personal experience, like your question says.

Answer 4

I don't think being mugged makes you a mugger, I think you're thinking of Prison Rape. I've never met a Conservative that used to be liberal, I don't think I've met one that even understands liberalism.

Answer 5

a conservative hates any change. a liberal demands it.