A Question for you Liberals...?

Question

I lean to the Conservative side, but I know where I draw the line. I have opinions about social issues like the environment that might not fall in line with what people like.. well, you... would think about a Conservative.

My question to you is this... Where do you draw the line? In which areas do you part ways with many of your liberal brethren... at least as far as Conservatives would consider it a "liberal area" of thought?

I also submit that if you have NO areas where you differ from the extreme left liberal areas of thinking, you are part of the problem and not the solution. The middle is where things will be accomplished.

To the person who wrote the first answer... do you really think that answer will get you my vote for best answer?

There, was THAT question clear enough?

Answer 1

I consider myself a liberal pretty much down the line, but I wouldn't say I'm extreme in most cases. I don't mind the labelling, because identifying myself as a political liberal does a pretty good job of quickly explaining most of my positions - pro-choice, anti capital punishment, anti-guns, high taxes and lots of federal assistance programs, pro-gay rights, etc. It's just easier to gloss over with a label than sit there and explain every political stance I have.

My split usually comes with narrowminded liberals. People that take a stance on an issue just because it falls into the liberal manifold. Even worse, opposing all Republican candidates in favor of the Democrat for the sake of partisan politics - there are a handful of Republicans I really like, and some Democrats I despise.

I typically favor compromise, and realize that a moderate approach is most likely best for the country. However, I also understand that there are a number of dyed-in-the-wool conservatives, and when the conservatives are hard right and liberals attempt to be moderate, the country still has an overall shift to the right, because the necessary compromises will fall in between.

Oh, and screw PETA.

Answer 2

I'm never sure how to label myself in this regard. I'm liberal on some issues and conservative on others. I seem to be similar to you in my beliefs. No thoughtful person follows the "party line" on all issues. Conservative/liberal labels are generally wrong unless the position is analyzed issue by issue. I'm a strong environmentalist. I don't understand how people can say man does not to contribute to global warning, for example. I know that climate changes have always occurred on earth, but the conservative point of view seems to be it's entirely natural and man does not contribute to the problem. I'd like a balanced budget and more rights returned to the individual states--which always used to be conservative values. I believe strongly in the separation of church and state, and that appears to be a liberal position. However, I have no objection to the 10 Commandments being in the courtroom or to nativity scenes at Christmas, so that's a conservative position. I think we won the war in Iraq when Saddam was deposed and his weapons destroyed, so I think we should withdraw (liberal position). I cannot fathom how we can stop fighting among the Islamic sects over the religious question of who is the legitimate heir to Mohammad. I think we need stronger border protection and inspection of all cargo entering into the U.S. (only 20% of the cargo containers are checked) so I think that's a conservative position. I could go on, but I think you and I are in basic agreement.

Answer 3

Ok a serious open answer. Firstly, your terminology, as an Ozi Liberals are the conservative party! But to your question. I believe I have predominantly "liberal " views on many social issues..but...personal behaviour towards others, my views on sexual proclivity amongst society in general, would probably be conservative. I don't think anyone could be entirely in either camp! Politically I will now vote for the Labour Party for primarily "social equity" reasons. In the past I've supported the Libs (conservatives). I suppose my "liberal" views ar; free (quality) health care for everyone (targeting the poor), a decent free education system, access to "legal aid", an compassionate "social welfare system" , no death penalty (which we no longer have anyway) and a logical approach to environmental issues that acknowledges "global warming and climate change. Not becoming involved in senseless dubious wars (Iraq) by putting forth spurious reasons...Conservative values? Well no artificial insemination for Lesbian couples, no gay marriage or adoption of children, tougher laws on rape, child abuse and real life sentences for murder.. Teaching of civic values in schools and pride of nation (not jingoistic!)... I'd regard my self as mainly a "social democrat"..With views that span both sides of the political spectrum...really how can any "political party or ideas" encumpas adequately all areas of life? They cant so we as intelligent voters should not be wedded or welded into one narrow line of thinking voting. So long as it remains within our own moral ethos!Be interesting to see others opinions. Ciao

Answer 4

As a Patriot, a conservative with a social conscience, I draw the line at promoting class envy and stupidity,

Taxing the rich it stupid for many reasons. Mostly because the rich will pull their money out of the economy and hide it in tax shelters and this hurts everyone. The idea that you are poor because someone else is rich is a lie. I don't think anything steams me more than when Ted Kennedy who inherited millions of tax free illegal bootleg dollars starts talking about the greediness of rich people.

I think a third party in this country is what is needed, one that represents the middle class. The two current parties have shared power for far too long and both need to be placed in the minority. I think most people in this country vote based on who they feel is the lessor of the two evils.

I beleive that abortion should be tolerated in cases of rape, incest and endangerment. I feel there is enough birth control available that CHOICE should be made before conception,

I don't think Gays should be persecuted, but as I don't walk around with my chest thrown out saying I am heterosexual I don't think they need to walk around flaunting their sexuality. IE. If Heather has two mommies I really don't care, but I really don't think that it needs to be pointed out to children, they will see it and make up their own minds as to what to think.

My mother was raised by a man I can only say, despite my affection otherwise for him, was a bigot. My mother is very liberal on racism but still sends me Hillary Jokes. Wonderful woman she is.

I

Answer 5

properly, lessee. a million#- i'm professional decision. i'm a guy, so i have not had an abortion. My spouse miscarried, and that sucked. yet I nonetheless imagine that decision is as a lot because the female, her well being care specialist and HER beliefs. #2- i imagine you ought to personal all the guns you opt on. I also imagine guns must have a identify so in the journey that they are used in a criminal offense, the possession of the gun should be traced again to the way it were given into the fingers of a criminal. i do not hunt, yet venison is okay. I grew up on a Dairy farm and performance butchered better cows than you've probable eaten. #3- i'm an Atheist. For my personal motives. and that i'm probable better moral than you, as i do not randomly accuse and decide people on little or no concepts. #4- Spelling is solid. It helps positioned across your message obviously. what's incorrect with that? #5- i'm on drugs for melancholy. SO.... i wager my opinon of myself ought to apply some artwork. concept i attempt to apply good judgment and reason over knee jerk reactions. #6- See #5. My little female is on no meds. How can we've severe evaluations of ourselves if we are depressed? it truly is extremely an contridiction. #7-Yep. when I die, it is going to likely be a lot like how I bear in ideas it before i grow to be born. i'm not planning on any omnipotent powers. #8-i don't have self assurance i have used any foul language and performance tried to apply impecable deductive reasoning. #9- See #2. Dairy farm. Meat is yummy. thanks for the quiz. Lemme understand in case you ever have a question. Have a fabulous day.

Answer 6

You make a good point. I think labels are dangerous and self-defeating. I truly believe that there are no PURE liberals nor PURE conservatives. Our government has divided us so much, we have "red and blue" states - instead of just "states", we have "liberals and conservatives" - instead of people with their own opinions. We are a great nation with a great and diverse people. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but should not put a label on someone who disagrees with their point of view.

I also find that those who shout "liberal" or "conservative" at someone really don't understand either term. One can think liberally on one issue and be completely conservative on another.

We forget, we are one nation; it is our country, we are all "the people". Labels do nothing more than separate us further.

Answer 7

I have a problem with your question in that I feel the terms need to be defined. What IS a "liberal", what IS a "conservative?

Based on the following few descriptions of liberalism, I'd have to say that in general I'm a liberal in the original meaning of the term, the kind of liberal who organized and carried through the American Revolution.

"Liberalism in the United States of America is a broad political and philosophical mindset, favoring individual liberty, and opposing restrictions on liberty, whether they come from established religion, from government regulation, or from the existing class structure."
- From: "Liberalism in America: A Note for Europeans", Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., in The Politics of Hope.

Republicans have successfully re-cast the meaning of Liberalism in the public forum through the pairing of liberal concepts with specific issues that resonate with their followers. Because of that, the dialog on liberalism vs. conservatism has been corrupted and co-opted.

From Wikipedia -
Some positions associated with liberalism in the United States:
* individual freedom
* freedom of speech and the press
* unalienable human and natural rights
* separation of church and state
* equality of opportunity for all regardless of race, age, religion, income, sex and sexual orientation.
* the value to society of working people

In current terms, I'd have to say I'm a Progressive. I think this fairly well draws the line, at least in the context of a short Q/A forum like this.

Answer 8

I am a pretty hardcore liberal (that's an oxymoron I think), but I completely support the death penalty. I don't believe in that rehabilitation crap and I don't see why we should feel obligated to keep murderers and such alive any longer than is necessary. I also support the ban on partial birth abortion except in cases of medical need. It is simply not necessary. If a woman carries a baby that close to term, she should either keep it or be a woman and give it up for adoption.

Answer 9

good question (I am surprised that it seems like so many people don't get what you are asking)

I thank I end up on the middle of a lot of things

I believe in the right to bare arms but I am OK with gun registration and banning the general public from owning machine guns.

I believe in capitalism but think we should make sure we have it so everyone has equal access to the market

I am all for video game violence and porn


I am sure there are other things but I have think about it.

Answer 10

I will tell you right now that I am very liberal on most issues, such as gay rights, abortion, e.t.c. However, I do tend to lean a little more conservative on immigration. I'm really rather sick of the fact that we're having to learn a second language now to live in our own country. Also, it can't be helping the economy at all. So that's my little non-liberal secret.