liberal democrats only: Why are you a liberal?

Answer 1

My Christian upbringing tells me to have compassion for those less fortunate, to help the poor and the needy, to give and share for the benefit of all, to love my neighbor, to turn my back on hate and violence, and to put my fellow man (and woman) above material wealth.

The liberals, even the ones who are atheists, espouse the Christian teachings and the examples of Jesus we're supposed to follow more than conservatives.

Answer 2

Here's my theory on the difference between conservatives and liberals.

For me, the root of liberalism is the belief that all people are fundamentally good, but can be made bad; while conservatism stems from the belief that evil is inherrent in humans, and they must be guided (by laws or religioin) to being good.

In their extremes, both positions are wrong. Humans are a little of both.

The charicature of the "bleeding-heart liberal" (which is a stupid phrase), believes that all social problems are a result of environmental conditions (poverty, child abuse, lack of opportunity) ... hence the emphasis on using government to address these social conditions. The same extends to foreign policy ... the first instinct when someone attacks us is to try and understand *why* ... what are the social conditions that led to them hating us?

The charicature "heartless conservative" (also a stupid image) believes that evil is inherrent ... that if people are poor or criminals it is their own fault ... that we need religion to guide us away from our evil ways ... and laws to protect good people from bad ... that punishment is more effective than reform. Along those lines, the instinct with foreign policy is that when someone strikes us, we punish them by striking back harder.

Neither position is correct. In the extreme. To believe that you can appease criminals and terrorists leaves you vulnerable to them. But to believe that you can simply punish criminals or terrorists into submission is also futile, and almost always leads to more criminals and terrorists, and a progressively bleaker world.

So balance between the two approaches is absolutely necessary. An all-Democrat government would be just as bad as an all-Republican government.

So people really have to stop demonizing the other side. Liberals should *stop* thinking that all conservatives are fascists trying to reduce our freedoms. And conservatives have to *stop* thinking that all liberals are communists trying to weaken our country. And especially, all Americans have to stop despising ... literally *hating* other Americans. That's not just a "let's all get along" speech ... I think it is THE ONLY WAY that terrorists are going to succeed ... to get us to tear *ourselves* apart ... the way they have gotten the Sunnis and Shiites to tear each other apart in Iraq.

So to your question ... why do I tend to lean more liberal? Just because it better suits my temperament. I prefer to see the fundamental good in people than the fundamental evil. Does that make me more vulnerable to evil people? Perhaps. But I'd rather die believing I'm living in a decent world, than live in daily fear of an evil world.

Answer 3

Liberal democrats are liberal because they are against conservatism and wanted to have a free society with few hindrances.

Answer 4

I am a liberal democrat (lowercase). I believe in liberalism and democracy.

I think you mean something else, however. Many who call themselves "liberal" are anything but.

Love jack

Answer 5

Liberals ---> Change
Conservatives ---> Consitency

Far Left Wing --> Communist
Far Right Wing ---> Facist

What's your point?

Answer 6

Oh come on man, don't limit this to just Democrats it's too easy.

Answer 7

well... I'm not sure I'm exactly what you consider a liberal...

but, I already answered the question... and I'll post the link for you

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArkjyukEhidWsbxw4U.PURXsy6IX?qid=20061027170944AA10C4Y

Answer 8

liberal: means pro-freedom: I don't think anybody could really be opposed to freedom.

Answer 9

I'm a liberal ................. COZ I WANT TO THINK!

why do people chose to remain brainwashed.