Some people around herre have complained about being lumped in with those they disagree with even though they share the same or many similar values. Then this comes along & says it best:
There are clear cut differences between the two. Republican & Democrat are arbitrarily imposed labels, granted. There is a core value difference between liberal & conservative. There is a ideological difference than is not at all arbitrary. It may vary per individual but the core beliefs are nearly constant.
A conservative believes in the power of the individual. They believe in limited government interference, whether helping flood victims or taking taxes to pay for roads. Stay out of our life & stay out of our business is a motto of the conservative. We don't need "equal rights" because they are code for special rights. We believe in letting the man (or woman) prove themselves by deed. Charity begins at home, not in DC. If our brother is not being supported by the family you can bet there's a reason. Not all lifestyles are okay. Not all beliefs are morally equal. Things are black & white. You can muck it up with detail but at its heart, it's good or it's bad.
Liberals believe in government (the collective). They see a need for the group to help the individual instead of the reverse. Business is out to get us is a common complaint. They only want to make money, so lets take some. Let's limit their potential by puting lots & lots & lots of limitations on what they can do, where they can do it, when its allowed & who must participate. They clamor for rights but expect no responsibilities. They feel the pureness of thought outweighs the lack of accomplishment. The general feeling is; all is okay & should be allowed. If it's bad today, with sufficient explanation & encouragement (and outright litigation) it'll be made okay.
These are only a few of the differences & I'm sure many more will be presented here. A safe rule of thumb to tell the difference is, if teh thought begins with "I feel..." it's liberal & if it begins with "I think..." it's conservative.
chcr said:
There are clear cut differences between the two. Republican & Democrat are arbitrarily imposed labels, granted. There is a core value difference between liberal & conservative. There is a ideological difference than is not at all arbitrary. It may vary per individual but the core beliefs are nearly constant.
A conservative believes in the power of the individual. They believe in limited government interference, whether helping flood victims or taking taxes to pay for roads. Stay out of our life & stay out of our business is a motto of the conservative. We don't need "equal rights" because they are code for special rights. We believe in letting the man (or woman) prove themselves by deed. Charity begins at home, not in DC. If our brother is not being supported by the family you can bet there's a reason. Not all lifestyles are okay. Not all beliefs are morally equal. Things are black & white. You can muck it up with detail but at its heart, it's good or it's bad.
Liberals believe in government (the collective). They see a need for the group to help the individual instead of the reverse. Business is out to get us is a common complaint. They only want to make money, so lets take some. Let's limit their potential by puting lots & lots & lots of limitations on what they can do, where they can do it, when its allowed & who must participate. They clamor for rights but expect no responsibilities. They feel the pureness of thought outweighs the lack of accomplishment. The general feeling is; all is okay & should be allowed. If it's bad today, with sufficient explanation & encouragement (and outright litigation) it'll be made okay.
These are only a few of the differences & I'm sure many more will be presented here. A safe rule of thumb to tell the difference is, if teh thought begins with "I feel..." it's liberal & if it begins with "I think..." it's conservative.
