Why does the left assume that the right is unsympathetic?

Question

I am speaking specifically in regards to social and fiscal policies.

I have always wondered why the left considered the ideals of the right so intentionally unsympathetic. Isn't it possible that the right has as much interest in helping the lower classes only the right thinks the best way to do this is by expanding the economy instead of social programs.

Surely it is possible to conceive that both the left and the right are compassionate but just view a totally different manner of how to help the lower classes.

Whether you think it is right or wrong, don't you think its possible that both sides could have good intentions?

Steve C - your opinion is exactly my point. Just because the right disagrees with social programs does not make them unsympathetic, its that they just don't think pouring countless dollars into social programs is the best way to help. Same with the military spending...maybe you disagree but the right may think the best thing for everyone is a safe nation established through military actions. You can disagree with both points, but that doesn't mean they are any more/less sympathetic than you.

hichefhe - the left is just as guilty of words suggesting the rich are greedy fat cats looking to take advantage of the poor as the right is categorizing the poor as lazy. Maybe it just takes an unbiased view, but each side is equally ridiculous in such viewpoints.

jimvalen - maybe you need to look a little more into the minimum wage but there is just as much (if not more) evidence suggesting that the minimum wage actually hurts the lower incomes. Suggesting that lack of support for the min wage is unsympathetic is exactly my point and likely points more to a misunderstanding on your part of the oppositions true viewpoint that anything else.

Answer 1

It's politics in general and really it applies to every situation. All sides want their views accepted, but this is just not going to happen. It is easier to obtain votes and thereby expand your chosen policy if you discredit the opposition. For many on the left this is accomplished by espousing the idea that the right is unsympathetic and therefore a danger to poor among us. The right uses the same tactic on matters of national defense by attempting to make the left appear weak on defense and security. It is unfortunate that we cannot have honest discussions on these issues because both sides have good and points to bring to the table.

Answer 2

If the right were so sympathetic, they would never resist the call to increase the minimum wage, pay overtime to all hourly employees, or maintain workers rights and benefits.

Several people, through no fault of their own, just don't have the tools to make it through college, and don't have the skills to do more than dig ditches, harvest crops, etc. Several people live below the poverty line and work 40-60 hours per week for minimum wage.

The right would have you believe that these people are just lazy or they just need the economy to grow. Well, without a minimum wage increase or adequate benefits, they can work themselves to death and still never get out of poverty.

Answer 3

So what you're saying is that the dollar the Left takes from me to funnel through a bureaucracy and give 25 cents six months later to some guy who lost his job at the widget factory, I'd have spent on a widget or invested in the widget company and he'd still have his job?

Yeah, that's the same thing I've been saying.

I disagree with you one one thing though - the Left fully understands this. They understand that the guys on the third shift at the widget company don't see how slowing the economy through tax hikes causes them to lose their jobs, but do see how a government handout helps them in their new time of need.

They know what they're doing.

Answer 4

Why do you assume that people who don't support conservatives are basing their opinions on assumptions? Personally I don't identify with either party, or mass movements in general for that matter. But concerning the Republicans' fiscal policies and track record, I base my highly negative view of them on what I've experienced and observed personally, as opposed to making "assumptions". Anyone can claim to be "sympathetic", "compassionate", etc. Those are just words if there aren't actual precedents and actions to back them up.

Answer 5

The right is viewed as unsympathetic because they are always complaining about the cost of social programs on here, buit yet have no problem with spending 500 billion dollars helping Arabs rebuild their country while Americans are in need.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

It is because of the words of many on the right...that poor are lazy, freeloading, etc...but I realize that not every conservative is like that. I just wish more of us conservatives would speak up against these guys to prevent our image from being tarnished

Answer 8

The path to hades was paved with good intentions.

Answer 9

It seems that it is necessary to demonize those who don't march in lockstep with them.