What do YOU think a liberal is?

[MushyMushy]

This is partially inspired by another thread and partially inspired by a conversation I had with my DH yesterday.

A lot of time you'll hear people talk about liberals as if they're the lowest life form on earth. What exactly is it that you think a liberal believes in?

I went to dinner one night with an old high school friend and the subject of politics came up and I mentioned that I was a liberal. She got wide eyed and -- no lie -- said, "You're kidding me! What does that mean, that you think it's okay for kids to watch porn or you go to strip clubs?" No, the woman who said this is quite well educated and rather intelligent. But she's also a conservative. It prompted quite an enlightening discussion between us.

I'm a liberal atheist and I'll hold my morals up against the religious right's any day.

 

[alldiz]

I know LIBERAL...has become a CURSE word

I consider myself a humanist...

I am hard on crime....I pay my taxes...Immigrants should
pay taxes or go home...
HOWEVER....
I also think healthcare should be available to all....
And our schools need to be MUCH better...for the masses....
Large corporations need to pay their share of taxes....
Stop the ridiculous write offs...

I could go on and on....Ya get the point...
Kerri

 

[User Name]

Big Government; and that government knows best. Elitism & Intolerance; although they claim to be the tolerant ones, they typically are completely intolerant of anyone who doesn't agree with them.

I believe liberals are altruistic in helping those less fortunate, however I believe more in individualism and tough love - sort of like "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for the day; teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime." The liberals will continue to give the fish. Conversely, conservatives will teach a man to fish.

I also believe that because of the altruism, liberals are typically misguided when self-defense is needed. Liberals believe that they are protected by government and the police and that guns are bad. Conservatives believe that you can't/shouldn't count on government for your personal protection, and that we have the right and responsibility to defend ourselves.

Take it a step further into world affairs. Liberals believe that peace and talking will solve all problems, and that we have to see the other country's side. Conservatives believe that there is a time where, if talking doesn't work, that you need to show your opponent that there are consequences to their actions (or inactions), and that there are people who desire to end our way of life and that talking to them doesn't work.

My favorite definition, which I believe to be true (forgive me if it's inaccurate, but you'll get the jist), is a quote from Winston Churchill (or at least that's been attributed to him):

"Any man who is under 30, and is not a liberal, has not heart; and any man who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains."

Generally, I don't consider liberals to be immoral. Some are amoral, but I think they're the minority.

 

[User Name]

Large corporations need to pay their share of taxes....

Would it surprise you if they did? Would it also surprise you that because the "rich" in America pay MOST of the taxes that the bottom 50% of income earners pay less than 5% of the taxes?

So, you can say that the poor don't pay their "share" of taxes, thanks to the "rich."

I wish EVERYONE paid their "share" of taxes. That way, some people might actually appreciate what others do for them.


By the way, add that to my definition of "liberal". Class envy.

 

[shirleyb]

In my opinion, someone who is liberal doesn't trust people to do what is right -- feed the homeless, take care of the environment, etc, so they think big government should do it.

Interestingly enough, a recent study showed that conservatives, especially religious conservatives, gave a much larger percentage to charity than those who define themselves as liberal. Interesting, isn't it?

 

[shirleyb]

A lot of time you'll hear people talk about liberals as if they're the lowest life form on earth. What exactly is it that you think a liberal believes in?

And there are a lot of people right here on the DIS who believe that about us conservatives, that's ok, it takes all kinds!

And, just so you know, I don't think whether you're liberal or conservative, it has anything to do with your morals. You either got 'em, or you don't!

 

[MzDiz]

Wow, User Name, you could have saved yourself some time by just typing "liberals = bad, conservatives = good"

 

[Wishing on a star]

Wow, Mushy...

What a post!!!!!

I know that you are not just trying to stir the pot. But, don't be too surprised if the popcorn starts popping really quick!

Okay, I want to say that I am a Christian Conservative. And I also feel that am fairly educated and intelligent. So, I would be one of the ones who you are directing your questions to.

First, I want to say, liberals are not alone. I feel that the word 'conservative' is very often heard with the same sneer. In fact, trying to be objective here, I truly think that it is much worse towards the conservatives by a good margin.

So, to answer your question, no, I do not feel that morals in general are the issue. I know that there many many liberal people who have good morals. Just as there can be conservative people with a lack of morals.

However, I do feel that liberalism does foster a huge moral difference. While both conservatives and liberals may agree that certain morals are good to have.... You know, basic, be friendly, love, do not hate, etc... I think that how many moral decisions are approached is very very different.

Liberals and Conservatives would agree that murder is wrong. But, how this is interpreted in the abortion of an unborn baby is a striking dichotomy. You simply will not find a conservative trying to defend the right to practice partial birth abortion. (see recent thread about the premature baby that is doing quite well.)

And, yes, I can say without a doubt that very very clearly, liberals would lean towards an 'anything goes' attitude. Yes, I have heard of liberals who would take their children to see 'R' rated movies, allow or even encourage their teenagers to be sexually active. And, anyone would be a fool to think that every single person in a strip-club or bar is a 'liberal' in the fullest sense of the word.

You simply won't find conservatives supporting any effort to give children the 'right to consent'.

I feel that, Politically, liberals believe in an 'anything goes' personal rights type of govenment approach. Abortion - okay, Siblings marrying - okay, Drugs like marijuana - okay...

But, in the reverse, Government legislation regarding business, taxes, mandate after mandate, etc. - OKAY.

Basicly, it is 'anything goes', UNLESS it pertains to a conservative point of view. Flag Burning - freedom of speech, but displaying of a Christian flag or symbol is not protected - prohibited.... I live in the South. There are people who would try to ban the Confederate Flag. So, burning a flag is not hate-speech, but displaying one that you like IS...

 

[disney4us2002]

To me when I hear "liberal" what it means is any sex is good (sex w/o love or commitment), welfare help w/o end, rehabilitation for all is possible and only more money is needed to turn anyone around, and no war is ever warranted.

BTW, liberal is as much a curse word as conservative is.

 

[NMAmy]

She got wide eyed and -- no lie -- said, "You're kidding me! What does that mean, that you think it's okay for kids to watch porn or you go to strip clubs?" No, the woman who said this is quite well educated and rather intelligent. But she's also a conservative. It prompted quite an enlightening discussion between us.

What has this woman been listening to? DH and I were just discussing this yesterday. I'm a liberal and I know some people think it's an insult to call someone a liberal but I could care less.

You know, I work at a college which is not the hotbed of liberalism some conservatives believe. I work with the Political Science instructors and we have a lot of senators/representatives and candidates from both parties in to speak to classes about different issues. One of my favorite people is a teacher who used to be a big-wig in the Republican party and still works for a lot of candidates. Folks on both sides are pretty easy going when it comes to others' beliefs. I've seen a lot more ferocity on these boards than I have at work.

As my Republican friend told me after the last election, "Eh. I've been doing this a lot of years. Both sides want the best for the country, we just go about it in different ways. And...you know, one year the Republicans win and the next year it's the Democrats. You can't take it personally when your candidate doesn't win. It's cyclical."

 

[MzDiz]

I feel that, Politically, liberals believe in an 'anything goes' personal rights type of govenment approach. Abortion - okay, Siblings marrying - okay, Drugs like marijuana - okay...

Have you ever actually met a liberal? Siblings marrying?

 

[MushyMushy]

Mz Diz, you must have missed the "siblings marrying" thread.

There were a few who were for it!

 

[Gary M]

http://firststatepolitics.wordpress.com/2007/02/16/the-conservative-corner-4/

I believe the above site explains a liberal very well.

 

[GeorgeG]

Liberals and conservatists tend to be lumped into each extreme, and I'm probably as guilty as anyone in doing it, but it's really unfair. True, both have their extremists, but it's also possible to be both or somewhere in between, depending on the issues. You just don't to be a member of the club unless you fully support the popular slant on all issues.

I'd like to see a lot of growth in moderates and think that's really where we need to go, and soon. If the extreme right and left continue as they have been we will end up in a civil war of our own. There is middle ground on many issues, but too few people want to accept that.

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

I believe liberals are altruistic in helping those less fortunate, however I believe more in individualism and tough love - sort of like "Give a man a fish, he'll eat for the day; teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime." The liberals will continue to give the fish. Conversely, conservatives will teach a man to fish.

Look at some of the programs that liberals have promoted in the last 50 years. As recently as the 1990s, the welfare to work program did exactly what you claim the liberals don't do.

Some conservatives in my neck of the woods (I don't paint ALL conservatives with such a broad brush) believe the poor should only have access to inferior fish. More importantly whatever they do, they shouldn't try to eat their fish at the table next to those who are worthy of the really good fish.

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

I'm a Republican and my 6 brothers and sisters & their families are Republican. My DH's family is too. I think my beliefs would fall more in line with independent though. I am pro-choice, although I don't agree with abortion. I also believe that same sex people should be allowed to marry and receive the same benefits as others.

I think liberals have views that I agree with like tolerance and acceptance They are more likely to be understanding and compassionate of their fellow human beings.

The views that I don't agree with (and the reason I am a Republican) are because liberals believe that society should be responsible for everyone. Yes, we should help the elderly and children. However, we don't need to help people that are perfectly capable of helping themselves.

It is disgusting to see people on welfare who have child after child. If you choose to have a child, YOU need to be responsible for the day care, insurance and food. It is not the governments responsibility. It appears to me that liberals would like the people that work their butts off each day and go to work to support the people that choose not to. I have a huge problem with that.

I don't believe the rich should pay a higher percentage of taxes just because they choose to work hard and make more money. Everyone has that opportunity. Many just choose to make excuses or make poor decisions. People need to take care of themselves and quit expecting the government to do it. I feel like liberals expect for people to receive things they haven't earned.

If I were ever in danger, I would pray to God that a conservative was nearby because I think a liberal would be much less likely to help.

 

[DISUNC]

Liberals are Young, Sexy, Vibrant, Talented, Savy, Giving, Caring, Smart, Cultured and the envy of all Conservatives!

 

[MzDiz]

I believe there is nothing more important in this country than the American family. We are the past, present and future of this nation. I believe in old fashioned family values, small town America, and strong communities. I believe that we can do this without the racism, class-ism, bigotry, ignorance and hatred that are usually associated with small town America. I believe in a diverse society, but if you're going to live here, you'd better learn to speak English, it's our language.
I believe that if you're going to commit a heinous crime, you're never getting out of jail. Furthermore, you're not getting a tax funded education, not on my dime, I have kids to pay college for and I don't want them to have to go rob a liquor store to be able to graduate college. I do not believe in the death penalty, it's not my place to decide.
I believe that Americans should fill jobs in American companies. I'm tired of calling customer service in India, just so some fat cat CEO can get a bigger bonus this Christmas. This country was built on solid work ethic and it should make us all sick that the companies we give all our money to have given up on us, rather than pay a living wage in America.
I believe that what a woman does with her body is between her and her doctor and those she confides in. Not the government, not her church, not the neighbors. I do look forward to a time when abortion is rare and only necessary in extreme medical conditions.
I believe war is necessary. It is unfortunate, but if we're going to share the planet with dogs, we're going to have to scoop the yard every now and then. I believe this war was mishandled, but that some sort of action was needed in the area of the world.
I believe that teens shouldn't be having sex. There are about a billion other things they should be worrying about. Sex isn't one of them. However, as a former teen myself, I know that it's going to happen and they should be armed appropriately with knowledge and plenty of condoms. This is, of course, while we convince them that it's really a huge mistake not to wait until they're older.
I believe there is too much sex and violence on television. Period. Spare me that "change the channel if you don't like it" garbage, it's gone too far. Just because it's cable, doesn't mean I want to see people's rears for an hour while I look for a plot line.
I believe in America and for what it stands for. I also believe that we're slipping fast from what we were at one time. Liberals know it, conservatives know it. The problem is, while we're standing here pointing fingers at each other and screaming, the country's still sliding away from us.

I'm a liberal.

 

[Oreo Cookie]

I’m a liberal. Here are my views;

I believe in equal rights and equal opportunity for ALL. There should be no discrimination based upon race, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, nationality, etc.

I believe in social programs to help the less fortunate. We need to provide people with a helping hand, not a hand out. We have too many people, and children, living at or below the poverty levels. I am a strong supporter of programs to help these people achieve a better life.

I believe in the right to privacy.

I support a woman’s productive rights, so I am pro-choice.

I believe in freedom of speech, even if I personally find it offensive. For example, I don’t like Howard Stern, but I would never censor his right to speak. I find “white supremacy groups” to be incredibly offensive, but they have a right to express their views, and that in turn gives me the right to express my views about them.

I believe that we need to be tough on crime. At one time I supported the death penalty, but now I am on the fence regarding the issue. The innocence project and a play I saw called “The Exonerated” really got me to thinking about the death penalty.

I could go on-and-on, but those are some of my views.

I don’t think the word liberal or conservative is offensive to me. I think we all have views, and some views are way to the extreme on both sides.

 

[Disney Doll]

Wow Mushy!!!! Two of the three "subjects that should not be discussed" in one post...religion and politics. Do you want to know my yearly salary too?????

Seriously....what do I think a liberal is? I think a liberal is a person who has some good ideas about some things and some not so good ideas about some things. Interestingly enough, I think a conservative is the same thing. I tend to be middle-of-the-road, I think with a mix of both "liberal" and "conservative" ideas which makes up my opinions things. I do believe that any belief taken to an extreme, in either direction...liberal or conservative...is dangerous.

I believe the country should defend itself when attacked. The time for talk is over at that point.

I believe that we should not make the mistake of thinking our enemies think like us...they don't.

I believe if you live here you should be legal and if you are not, you should not be receiving any of the benefits of living in this country.

I believe in paying my fair share of taxes and I believe other should do the same.

I believe there is no "right or wrong" political party. Each side has good ideas which have merit.

I believe that welfare should have a limited span...it should not be someone's sole means of support for their entire life, if they are capable of working.

I believe that there are poor souls in this country who will need to be cared for all their life for reasons beyond their control, and we should care for them.

I'll let everyone lese decide whther I am liberal or conservative.