(by 10 people)
Here's my views
Liberal vs Conservative
Being a liberal is promoting maximum individual freedom as well as being open minded and tolerant. A liberal is not afraid to explore and implement new and different ideas even those that may seem strange and unacceptable to the majority.
A conservative is disposed to preserve existing conditions, institutions, etc., or to restore traditional ones, and to limit change (taken from dictionary .com which I believe is a pretty good definition.
One time on a forum we were asked to define a liberal and a conservative in one sentence and here's what I came up with...
Liberal: if it feels good, do it!
Conservative: straight and narrow is the way!
Those are overly simplistic and meant to be a bit satirical but I believe they sum it up pretty well. To be more accurate though, instead of "if it feels good, do it" it should be "if it feels good and doesn't harm yourself or others, do it."
Liberalism vs stupidity
Let me be clear and differentiate between liberalism and stupidity since some conservatives have managed to equate the two.
A couple of examples:
Keeping the borders open and allowing illegal immigrants in and depleting our resources while letting drug dealers, criminals, and potential terrorists enter freely is stupidity, NOT liberalism!
Refusing to drill for more oil while gas prices keep sky-rocketting, driving up prices of other goods is stupidity, NOT liberalism!
Those 2 examples (and there are many more) certainly do not fit the definition of liberalism stated above.
Liberalism does not equal stupidity!
Despite what I wrote above, some of the conservative commentors still equate liberalism with stupidity. Just read some of their comments below. Did you people bother to read the above section? Let me repeat: the TRUE definition of liberalism is NOT THE SAME AS STUPIDITY! I would suggest you read the entire page before posting your comments; otherwise, you may appear ignorant and jugdemental :)
I was a conservative turned liberal
As a conservative I was very uptight about things and sometimes got upset when I saw people behave in ways that were not acceptable to society.*(see note below)
As a liberal I'm very open minded, relaxed, tolerant, patient, and fun loving.
In short, I'm happier and able to enjoy life more as a liberal than as a conservative.
There's one area where I'm still conservative though, and that's when it comes to protecting myself, my family, and my country. I guess that's just self preservation.
*Just read some of the comments on the conservative side and you'll see that they're judgemental, angry, and downright rude! I'm seriously considering deleting them but I'll leave them up at least for a while just to show the readers what I mean!
Let your voice be heard too!
Are you a liberal or a conservative? Please tell us in what ways.
Please be civil, folks! I reserve the right to delete comments from either side containing profanity, racial slurs or other derogatory remarks.
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Are you a liberal or a conservative?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI'm a liberal and proud of it!
aidenw says:
This is in response to "Alice" (in the conservative column) - What makes you think I've deleted things I don't like to hear? To the contrary, I have left some rather rude and condescending comments up (read my comments as well!). So far I have only deleted posts that contained profanity and racial slurs (there was one directed towards one of the presidential candidates during the campaign). This is a "G" rated page, so we need to keep it clean. And racism should not be tolerated. I'm sure as a "conservative" you agree, don't you? :)
Posted November 13, 2008
ASA says:
Are we not the UNITED states of America?
Posted November 13, 2008
vkar says:
I also believe conservatives are strongly opinionated. They easily start hating people which is not my cup of tea.
Posted November 08, 2008
vkar says:
okay I compared my views with definition of liberals and conservatives. In some respects i am conservative. Most respects i am liberal. I am fairly tolerant. I am also against mixing religion with anything especially politics. It should not be imposed. But i like to call myself practical. I don't run my life based on ideologies. I run my life based on situations i encounter.
Posted November 08, 2008
Adam says:
The conservatives have lost their mojo. They have lost everything that makes them conservative. Now all they care about is getting the votes. They will say, do, cheat, steal, anything to get the most votes so they can get into office and hold true to their promises to the lobbyists. They don't care about the American people, they care about conservatives.
Posted November 07, 2008
aidenw says:
This is in response to "The Right" - You're talking to me, dude?! Being very judgemental, aren't we?! You come to my page attacking me, calling me lazy and stuff without knowing what goes on in my life! LOL (If you were a comedian I would really laugh). I could just delete your post but I'll leave it up as an example of how arrogant and judgemental some so called "conservatives" can be!
Posted November 04, 2008
Chandaman says:
kelly m, the reason our government was formed on christianity is because they got some things right.
you take the best of all things and try to combine them.
that doesnt mean ALL of religion is right or needed.
so yeah, the country was "founded" on it and whatnot, but now that we have stabilized, dont you think its time to update the way we run things to make it more fit for the time and place?
i completely believe in morals, but i am an athiest, and thought liberals arent ALWAYS right, lately they've got the right idea.
you cant be so onesided on these things.
people need to understand that everything has something good to offer and learn from(most of the time) and that we should take ADVANTAGE of this, rather then dispute and defend.
so yeah.
=)
Posted November 04, 2008
lisadh says:
Liberal by conservative American standards, but American "liberals" would be mainstream in most of Europe. So what's in a name?
Posted October 31, 2008
ObamaBiden2008 says:
13/16 on the liberal side. Not a huge fan of affirmative action, don't see anything wrong with the death penalty especially because it costs a ton to keep criminals in prison, and don't think illegal immigrants should get ANYTHING. Everyone has a basic right to healthcare though, and there will always be people worse off that can't help themselves, so instead of denying it we need to help them out and do something about it. And how could you be totally ignorant of global warming?
Posted October 29, 2008
Jer says:
I must admit i tend to lean more liberal on a lot of issues, but there are a lot of things conservatives say that also make sense. There's a lot of folks out there busting their hump on a daily basis just to pay the bills who will never be able to afford to go to school without a little government help. On the other hand, gun ownership is not only a right, it is the one thing that keeps our government in check and afraid of the people! There is a reason that liberals and conservatives are called left and right wings (respectfully)... without both wings it would be pretty darn tough to fly!
Posted October 28, 2008
Timmeh says:
I believe everyone is equal regardless of gender, religion, sexual orientation, color/race, or anything else for that matter. I believe religion should remain on the private sphere. Schools shouldn't be trying to indoctrinate children into so-and-so any religion. People can learn about it on their own time, put their children in Sunday school, or take a class on comparative religion. I'm not for gun control, I fall conservative on that issue. I think we should try to focus on lessening the number of abortions, because pro-life is NEVER going to happen you are all just wasting your time. And gay people should be allowed to Marry. Government should not be interfering with the church, and the church should not be interfering with the government. If there is a church willing to marry gays they should be allowed to. If they cant that's the government interfering with their beliefs. Economically conservative and liberal philosophies work depending on what is going on at the present. If the Upperclass is killing the middle class we need the liberals so gov't gets bigger and slaps the big wigs around and makes it a fairer playing field. Once the middle class gets stronger the rich will benefit even more. I also know global warming is a fact and we need to work towards researching, and creating new and utilizing old known forms of energy.
Posted October 22, 2008
hlkljgk says:
I'm independent, progressive and liberal leaning, and try to learn all I can about my representatives; if they have ideas I agree with, then, regardless of their party affiliation, I support them.
That said, I am so disappointed in the divisiveness that is currently going on in our country. We all have so much more in common than not, and, although, political views are an important aspect of our lives, they aren't the end all be all.
Can't we all just get along? :)
Posted October 22, 2008
Zach N says:
Liberal rule =]
Posted October 22, 2008
Thinking your right says:
I was a liberal, up until i have read the facts, We....they do stand for some pretty shady things. but who can blame them most liberals are homosexuals, or whores who want abortions, looks like im in the wrong as a liberal. I would rather believe in god than homosexuality
Posted October 22, 2008
MPS says:
I'm a liberal, but I'm confused. Conservatism is about "less" Government. And I am very much for that. So why is there this one-sided, limited view of "Family Values" being pushed on the entire US by the right? I have friends who are Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu. Why should Christianity be the only religion taught in school? How about keeping the government out of it and not promoting *any* religion? Same thing with same-sex marriage - why should the government care what mature, consenting adults do in the privacy of their own homes? And the $700 Billion Bail Out, hello?? You must admit, the Government is just a little tiny bit "interfering" with the free market. So much for just running its course, hello conservative blessed socialism.
Posted October 20, 2008
Lib3r4l0wn4g3 says:
Liberals own conservatives.
Posted October 17, 2008
californianative says:
Liberal because liberals are inclusive and conservatives are exclusive.
Posted October 15, 2008
Casey says:
And, yes, liberalism is closer to socialism BUT conservatism is closer to facism. Communism is the farthest left, facism the farthest right. Personally, (although I'd hate either) I'd rather have Lenin than Hitler.
Posted October 14, 2008
Casey says:
Im not very liberal, Im more libertarian, but I tend to lean a little liberal. All of you who say that the country was founded on religion are idiots, the founding fathers left England to escape religious persecution, not create a different kind of it. The first amendment allows anyone to be any religion, INCLUDING lack of faith. The US is a secular state, deal with it.
Posted October 14, 2008
Allie says:
liberals rock.
Posted October 14, 2008
I'm a conservative and proud of it!
dexter says:
*Just read some of the comments on the conservative side and you'll see that they're judgemental, angry, and downright rude! I'm seriously considering deleting them but I'll leave them up at least for a while just to show the readers what I mean!
That statement is a bit judgemental in itself. Liberals can be just as judgemental, angry, and rude. And I'd like to ask why we are all being so intolerant of racism. It's a personal belief just like a religion or liberalism and conservatism.
Posted November 30, 2008
anonymous says:
Innocent children have the right to life. If you weren't a developing child before you were born, what were you?
Posted November 23, 2008
Jeff says:
I am a conservative and I do recognise that on many issues liberals have a fair point,but the thing that upsets me most is that liberals is that they call conservatives racists or biggots.But if one has a look at a breakdown of racial and religious groups that support the democrats it is always people who use words like rednecks or hicks.they also always try to break down strong christian values.
Posted November 19, 2008
Alice says:
You say you are open minded and tolerant. Open minded people don't delete the things they don't like to hear. I am not being an angry conservative, just observant.
Posted November 13, 2008
Brian says:
I love my family, love my Country, love my life. I am thankful for everything that has been entrusted to me...wife,kids,family,friends,job,and the pleasures of life ie..playing fantasy football, coaching, teaching. Most of all, I am thankful for a relationship with the God of the universe, not a religion. Without the relationship, liberalism would sound great. Without the relationship, life lacks meaning and direction. Find the relationship and you will ultimately find yourself coservative.
Posted November 07, 2008
The Right says:
LOL, you became a Liberal and your life changed huh??? You are now more relaxed? That is called Laziness dude, you are more relaxed because you don't need to work, you can stay at home and write blogs all day...
Posted November 04, 2008
John Doe says:
Honestly guys.... are you done saying that we are drilling for oil? First of all, we all know that is not the case... if it were the case, why is gas sooooo expensive right now? Secondly, Even if we WERE going for oil, do you really think Bush would have decided it would be easier to go to War with Iraq rather than getting something done here in U.S.A.? Maybe Alaska? It is terrible to see such desperation where you can only hold on to one thought that you, the liberal media, have created... Please think about it.
I also need to say something else... You complain about conservatives being "angry" all the time.. Well, I can help you understand our anger - Go home tonight and have a serious conversation with your dog.. This is how it feels to talk to a liberal about politics.
Posted November 04, 2008
BC from Chicago :) says:
I personally think that you are slightly misled... Conservatives are built on "Personal Freedom". This means that if I work my butt of to get ahead because I believe I deserve better, I can do that and it will show derastically. With Liberal veiws, I feel as though all of my hard work is also going towards carrying others whom decide not to make a move in life. It has nothing to do with race or religion and it has everything to do with work ethic. I will be honest, I don't believe in any specail consideration for jobs, if you are better than the other person, you should get the job. What kind of country wants to give everyone "equal opportunity" so that we have half qualified people running important jobs?? It really makes no sense at all, this will only lead to U.S.A. being a dumb country... I can not stress enough how important it is to be yourself and do what you want to do while working to get ahead. Once you work your butt off and make something off yourself, you will have ALL the freedom in the world. Do you really need it to be given to you?
Posted November 04, 2008
Wanderlei Silva says:
John Adams wasn't an atheist. Are you serious? I can only think of two founding fathers who were atheist, and they didn't do much. John Adam's whole life was based on God.
Conservative.
Posted October 30, 2008
Obamanation says:
I'm a proud conservative. I don't believe in redistribution of stupidity...
"America's chickens, coming home to Roost"!!!
Posted October 28, 2008
ProudHispana says:
I beleive in conservatism. Respect for life, small government, personal responsibility and in the founding principles of this great country. I am proudly of Hispanic descent, an educated professional who is not drinking the Koolaid of having government provide everything for you. If Liberals are so tolerant, why is it that they find it necessary to bring back the "fairness doctrine" There is nothing fair about it. Why do we nee to hand everyone a check regardless of whether they pay taxes or not. Why do we always have to have out hard earned money taxed further and further. And, if "the rich" are so awful, why is it that so many rich actors support liberalism and further taxation on themselves?
Why is it that if tolerance is so important to Liberals that our opinions are ridiculed, our lawn signs ripped off our lawn? Well, we will not be silenced, we have plenty of back up signs and will put up a new sign daily if we have to, but our voice will be heard.
Posted October 25, 2008
Common Sense says:
hey californianative, what are you trying to say? Of course conservatives are exclusive because they have worked for what they have and saved what they have and they want to exclude lazy liberal who are looking for handouts that they do not deserve. Maybe if people would save what they had and not rely on the government to bail them out of their frivolous spending, we would not be in this economic crisis that we are in.
Posted October 23, 2008
Arf and Omega says:
I'm conservative, but an atheist. I believe morals are handed down to us by our parents, and not by any higher power. But if it's a just higher power you're looking to, that's way okay with me.
I'd certainly be upset if I saw religion taken out of schools.
However, "Liberal vs Conservative" is one of the most pathetic games I see played by adults. This Red vs. Blue attitude is best left in Kindergarten were it was fun and harmless. I believe everyone here is above it and hope they learn to put it back in their toy box.
I'm glad to see some comments that reflect people with some compassion.
Posted October 23, 2008
no_moreBO says:
Way to go Kelly M. tell it like it is! Liberals read and take notes you're being schooled.
Posted October 21, 2008
Kelly M says:
To all the liberals that say this country was not founded on Christianity
a few quotes:
Without Religion this World would be Something not fit to be mentioned in polite Company, I mean Hell." [John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, April 19, 1817]
John Adams:
? The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity? I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.?
? ?[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.?
?John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress
We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798
Benjamin Franklin: | Portrait of Ben Franklin
? God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel? ?Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech
?In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered? do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?? [Constitutional Convention, Thursday June 28, 1787]
In Benjamin Franklin's 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania, he insisted that schools teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."
Patrick Henry:
"Orator of the Revolution."
?It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.? [May 1765 Speech to the House of Burgesses]
Thomas Jefferson
?God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift from God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that His justice cannot sleep forever.? (excerpts are inscribed on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial in the nations capital) [Source: Merrill . D. Peterson, ed., Jefferson Writings, (New York: Literary Classics of the United States, Inc., 1984), Vol. IV, p. 289. From Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, 1781.]
George Washingtons Farwell Address
The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion" ...and later: "...reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle..."
? It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and Bible.?
End Quotes
_____________________________________________________________________
We will solve no problem with this hatred, people must come together through the truth which is Jesus Christ.
Posted October 21, 2008
Me says:
I'm conservative
Posted October 21, 2008
Brock Lewis says:
you libs are liars, that prey on minorities while acting like your for them. You tell me what a liberal has ever eone for anyone. You people are idiots. you care more about terrorist rights than ours. you misleading people to get votes and have no ideas for the future. more later gotta stuff my refrigerator with some cash then stuff some documents down my pants, then waterboard my neighbor, then check my account for Fannie Mae, then go nake a baby while my wife is going through cancer, then
go lie on some vietnam war vets, alittle flipflopping and last but not least tell someone that they are not ready for president then turn around and be his running mate, ill be back
Posted October 21, 2008
Kelly says:
I'm conservative becasue I'm a Christian.
Posted October 21, 2008
No_MoreBO says:
It was a liberal that attacked prayer in school and Christans at every turn not other religions just Christianity. If you do not want to be apart of In God We Trust step to the side and allow those of us who do (the majority) do so. That is what bothers me the most about liberal thinking. You can't let others enjoy the rights that we have to worship and have wholesome family values without wanting to add crap to the mix. Marriage is between a man & a woman so if you want two men or two women to join call it something else and go join but you are not married! Marriage came from the bible and you want no part of that, so why defile marriage? You can call it linkage! Why do you think so many Americans are home schooling now, we don't want our kids tanted by liberal teachers and parents who force your opinions on our children. When something happens to a liberal OH! NO! the sky is falling and everyone is going to hear about it. Conservatives take crap all the time from liberals and it's time to take a stand conservatives and protect our values from liberalism. How could anybody stand up for Partial birth abortion and say you have any morales whatsoever. Does China mean anything to you?
Posted October 21, 2008
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Liberalism is better!
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
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Proud To Be Liberal - why Liberal values are American values
Essay by Brian Elroy McKinley details the tenets o more...2 points
Liberal Values - Defending Liberty and Enlightened Thought
Yesterday Morbo, who guest blogs on Saturdays at T more...2 points
Liberal - What is a Liberal?
Some say liberal is a dirty word. What does the te more...1 point
No way, Monkeybrain! Conservatism is better! (fine, be that way :p)
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Conservatipedia on Squidoo
Conservatipedia is an all American political blog more...0 points
Conservatipedia
Conservatipedia has been battling the liberal bias more...0 points
MichaelSavage.com - Home of The Savage Nation
One of the greatest conservative talk show hosts.0 points
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Liberals and conservatives all love their country
The differences between a liberal and a conservative are their philosophy, their ideology, and the way they look at things and solve problems. Therefore, it doesn't really matter whether you're a conservative or a liberal as long as we all love our country. In fact, it is healthy to have those differences in order to establish a balance which in the end will create stability. Liberals and conservatives can and should work together for the good of the country.
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you wrote
go read a science book
Posted November 13, 2008
cwilson wrote...
Good debate. My only question is how can a Christian justify voting for Obama. My lens shows what I believe at are you a Christian if you voted for Obama
Thanks
Posted November 05, 2008
Dorian G. wrote
A good nation is one that strives for a healthy, educated, and employed people. So, thinking about God, one could think that God made the Universe, the Planet and Nature for ALL ALIVE DURING A TIME. So perhaps that is where the difference between Liberals and Conservatives lies. It is not wealth REDISTRIBUTION, that is a mantra for the conservatives to stir the masses.
Have you ever been to a "private beach"? That is the point. Did you notice that Dick Cheney shot that fellow in a "private hunting reserve". Do you know the size of the King's Ranch in Texas? Oh Well, some of my friends are conservaties and they are still my friends. This is America, see you on 5 Nov 2008.
Posted October 28, 2008