Why, if you don't agree with war, are you called a Liberal here? I don't and I'm not!?

Question

I believe in small government, limited interference in private lives, the rights of individuals, lower spending and lower taxes, sound economic policies, balanced budgets and the payoff of the national debt, less entitlments and welfare, lawmaking according to the Constitution, the rejection of foreign entanglements and alliances, the protection of our borders, and a strong defense (where we actual support the troops with money, the supplies, equipment and benefits they need, not just with a bumper sticker)... THESE points are ALL hallmarks of a true conservative philosophy such as the Republican Party used to support until recently.

I also just happen to strongly disagree with this war (a right that I fought for when I was in the military in the 70s), as the war was based on the wrong info, we can't afford the loss in blood and treasure, it is just plain immoral, and Iraq's affairs are none of our business anyway, esp. as we can't and shouldn't try to remake the world in our image.

Answer 1

Good question and well written - you have covered all of your beliefs but fail to mention how a "strong defense" or all of the other ideals you allude to would have prevented 9/11. Defense against a terrorist attack would necessarily have to be 100% effective to provide a safe and secure environment - and that is impossible if we are to retain our freedoms and personal liberties.
The rejection of "foreign entanglements and alliances" - ie an isolationist philosophy - has already been tried and failed miserably. Perhaps a better foreign policy is in order, but certainly not a return to a policy which has proved itself a failure.
Using our influence to extend electoral democracies and freedom to the peoples of the world is not the same as trying to "remake the world in our image." It is simply a foregone conclusion and totally obvious that every individual deserves to be free from government oppression. America, in just over 225 years has become the greatest nation on earth for one single reason - freedom. We are hated and despised by some because dictators and ruthless despots cannot justify their system in any type of comparison.
I will not call you a liberal or even assume it on the simple premise that you may not support this war. I don't agree with you, but that's another great thing about America - we are free to express our opinions, even when they're wrong.

Answer 2

If the only reasons we went in to Iraq were:

1.) Saddam having viable WMD's
2.) Saddam having direct influence/control/direction over known terrorists cells,

then you would be completely justified and I would agree with you.

However, Saddam knew why we were "threatening" him before the war (along with the UN), concerning his broken promises about the inspectors and other portions of the cease-fire agreement. He should have also known that to continue to disregard the demands placed on him, especially considering the intelligence that pointed to terrorist and wmds at the time, would prove disastrous. If Saddam had reversed his course and followed the provisions of the cease-fire, we would have never gone in based only on the intelligence. He should have known this, and he could have stopped this in its tracks, but his ego and desire for power made it impossible for him to back down. Or perhaps, he was just like Baghdad Bob and really thought the Iraqi's were winning right up until the end.

So, we were completely justified in going in, the intelligence that's now considered incorrect was simply additional information, not the prime reason.

Answer 3

Seems to me(from my view), if you do not support the war or bush, you are considered a liberal and unpatriotic. I believe our founding fathers were patriots. Were they not liberal to question the british? When poeple call america the melting pot it really is. Liberals accentuate the conservatives and vise versa. Without each other we would not have the america we love so much.

Answer 4

I cannot tell you why unless it is narrow-mindedness. I am more of a moderate and actually support the Republican stance on a few issues but, because I do not support the war I am called a liberal. That and all sorts of other 'colorful' names by the intolerant pro-war faction.

Answer 5

Don't feel bad, the brainwashed conservatives are even calling "moderate Republicans" liberals these days. They're rabid, angry, and in total denial. Sad bunch.

Answer 6

Don't sweat the small stuff. There are a lot of good Republicans who don't support the war.

Answer 7

Because liberals are clueless in the world on most matters. If you miss this one, you deserve all the names you are called.

Answer 8

Your a Libertarian my friend. Just let it be. Get out and vote make the Party stronger and you'll make the country stronger.