What's your definition of Liberal, Conservative, Moderate

[Lanshark]

The terms Liberal and Conservative are tossed around like they're one of George Carlins seven dirty words.

For those that consider yourself a Liberal what exactly is your definition. What makes you a liberal?

For those that consider yourself a Conservative what exactly is your definition. What makes you a Conservative?

Same for the Moderates in the group.

To some extent the terms are relative. If I compare myself to an Ultra Conservative I may appear Liberal. If I compare myself to a far left Liberal I am sure I apprear Conservative. By most accounts I consider myself fairly Moderate.

I'm not asking you to define "the other" group of which you are not a member to avoid insults.

 

[shortbun]

See, I think there are many other attachments we could be
working with. For instance, some people are fiscal moderates
but liberal or conservative otherwise. And there are the group
that can only be labled reactionaries- now there are a bunch
of those who don't fit in the conservative group. Also the libertarians have some of each, more conservative but liberal
in some areas. I rarely find someone fitting neatly into one
category. I consider myself a liberal but I don't vote straight
party lines at all so many of my liberal friends call me a moderate.
I don't think I am at all.

 

[Lynn CC]

I'm not a liberal, but I think they are the "feel gooders" in today's society. Nothing wrong with it, I guess someone's got to care, but I sure wish they would care more about their homeland and it's people first!

 

[tastelikecandy]

---Liberal- anything goes, abortion is ok, gay sex is fine, children can drink and smoke as long as their parents supervise them, Yeah for welfare!!!

--Moderate- Anything goes as long as it is moderation.

--Conservative- Family values matter most, don't put up with too much when it comes to abortion, drugs, violence, and just plain old trash. Kids tend to go to private schools and become lawyers, doctors, and of course politicians!!

I am a flat out conservative. In other words I am pretty anal. Ok not in other words, those are perfect.

 

[Lanshark]

I really want to hear why you feel you have the political allignment you do not why all the other guys are wrong.

I find many people cannot state their stance on politics,or any other issue, without first destroying/demeaning anothers stance and then using the logic that implies "They're totally wrong and since I'm not one of them I must be right".

There must be a reason you allign where you do politically other than to be opposite of everyone you think is an idiot. What are your reasons for being where YOU are on the political spectrum?

 

[Douglas Dubh]

I'm a conservative because I believe in freedom.

 

[shrubber]

I sometimes hear the question, "Why are you a Liberal?" and frankly, I have to laugh. Laugh and laugh, because perhaps this person may tire of my laughing, and he will eventually wander off. Sometimes I ponder seriously when I hear this question, because I'll look around and around and there's nobody there asking the question. Why am I a Liberal?

I am a Liberal because I believe everyone deserves a chance. And if necessary, a second chance. And if, by the eighth or ninth chance, this guy needs another chance, I mean, come on. This guy is due.

I am a Liberal because I believe in helping those in need. All of us, you and I, have an obligation to those less fortunate. You go first, okay? I'm a little short this week.

I am a Liberal because I believe in the equality of all people, regardless of their race. That is why I think we should give free medical degrees to minorities because, well, duh. Like any of those types are going to make it through medical school.

I am a Liberal because I fervently believe in tolerance. Tolerance is critical in our diverse society, and if you have a problem with that, mister, then I will inform the authorities and I bet that after a few hours in their "special room" you too will agree that tolerance is critical.

I am a Liberal because I believe that we should take our noses out of other people's bedrooms. I say we move the noses to their banks and storage sheds and scout troops, and so forth.

I am a Liberal because I hold sacred freedom of the press, as well as freedom of the TV and freedom of the movie. Where I draw the line is freedom of the talk radio, and don't even get me started about that damn Internet business.

I am a Liberal because I recognize that education is important. Very, very, extremely very important. We must increase spending on education and enact important education reforms, such as eliminating standardized tests. Because we can never hope to measure this beautiful, elusive, important thing we call education.

I am a Liberal because I believe in the separation of church and state. We must stop the religious extremists who want school-sanctioned prayers. Now, you tell me - with all that chanting and praying and incense-burning going on, how can our kids concentrate on the big condom-and-banana midterm?

I am a Liberal because I believe in the rights of women, be they lawyers or housewives or skanky interns. For too long women have been the victims of discrimination, and we must target programs to help these women, and also the various people who have descended from women.

I am a Liberal because I believe in women's right to choose. I mean, not a church school or a tax shelter, or something like that, obviously. Let's be reasonable.

I am a Liberal because I believe in the rule of law. Or, at least, lawyers. Because hey, according to my attorney, I could have been on the Number 7 bus when it crashed yesterday. As far as you know.

I am a Liberal because I believe a healthy economy depends on good jobs at good wages. So fork 'em over, you fat b@stard boss man.

I am a Liberal because I believe the government should step in to create good jobs when that fat b@stard boss man moves my good job to Mexico. Hey, I know! Maybe we can take all the money that boss man spends on non-job-creating stuff, like solid gold yachts and mink spats, and use that money to create jobs.

I am a Liberal because I fear the power of giant unrestrained monopolies, such as Microsoft, Nike, Parker Brothers, Univac and the Erie Canal Company. The government must wage an unrelenting, all-out war to crush these scary monopolies to a pulp before they get too powerful.

I am a Liberal because I believe in a strong military. Strong, yes, but caring and thoughtful too, and ready to face new challenges. A military that enjoys long strolls on the beach, cuddling in front of a warm fire, unafraid to show its vulnerable side. Must be NS/DDF.

I am a Liberal because I believe there is too much violence in society, especially in our schools. To avoid another Columbine tragedy, we should have mellow "rap" sessions with at-risk teens, such as the Goths. The violence will only end after the teen Goths see that we adults really care, and are "hip" to their groovy teen Goth scene.

I am a Liberal because I believe in campaign finance reform. Sadly, our politics are dominated by advertisements, paid for by the contributions of giant corporations. All too often, these drown out legitimate grassroots opinions, like the kind heard on TimeWarner-AOL-CNN, TimesCorp, or Disney-ABC.

I am a Liberal because I believe in public support of the arts. By "the arts," I of course mean those things made by, or excreted by, an artist of some sort. It is especially important that art be provocative and take controversial stances, like opposing Jesse Helms, and so on.

I am a Liberal because I believe in the environment and conservation. For instance, we must raise the price of gasoline, like they do in Europe, to increase conservation. If we don't, there will soon be a big gas shortage, and this will mean higher gasoline prices for you and me.

I am a Liberal because I detest greed. Especially the sickening greed of those who struck it rich in the 1980s, and greedily refuse to give me any of their stuff.

I am a Liberal because I... hey look! A new episode of Survivor! Geez, I hope they don't vote off Jenna, she's my favorite.

 

[Lanshark]

Shrubber, Interesting reply. I was hoping for your own words as opposed to a word for word explanation as the "Why I am a Democrat":

http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3b461cf33f09.htm

FreeRepublic.com "A Conservative News Forum"
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Why I Am A Democrat

Your Opinion/Questions Miscellaneous Keywords: HUMOR
Source: CNSNews.com
Published: 8/14/00 Author: David Burge
Posted on 07/06/2001 13:17:55 PDT by IowaHawk
I sometimes hear the question, "Why are you a Democrat?" and frankly, I have to laugh. Laugh and laugh, because perhaps this person may tire of my laughing, and he will eventually wander off. Sometimes I ponder seriously when I hear this question, because I'll look around and around and there's nobody there asking the question. Why am I a Democrat?

I am a Democrat because I believe everyone deserves a chance. And if necessary, a second chance. And if, by the eighth or ninth chance, this guy needs another chance, I mean, come on. This guy is due.

I am a Democrat because I believe in helping those in need. All of us, you and I, have an obligation to those less fortunate. You go first, okay? I'm a little short this week.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the equality of all people, regardless of their race. That is why I think we should give free medical degrees to minorities because, well, duh. Like any of those types are going to make it through medical school.

I am a Democrat because I fervently believe in tolerance. Tolerance is critical in our diverse society, and if you have a problem with that, mister, then I will inform the authorities and I bet that after a few hours in their "special room" you too will agree that tolerance is critical.

I am a Democrat because I believe that we should take our noses out of other people's bedrooms. I say we move the noses to their banks and storage sheds and scout troops, and so forth.

I am a Democrat because I hold sacred freedom of the press, as well as freedom of the TV and freedom of the movie. Where I draw the line is freedom of the talk radio, and don't even get me started about that damn Internet business.

I am a Democrat because I recognize that education is important. Very, very, extremely very important. We must increase spending on education and enact important education reforms, such as eliminating standardized tests. Because we can never hope to measure this beautiful, elusive, important thing we call education.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the separation of church and state. We must stop the religious extremists who want school-sanctioned prayers. Now, you tell me - with all that chanting and praying and incense-burning going on, how can our kids concentrate on the big condom-and-banana midterm?

I am a Democrat because I believe in the rights of women, be they lawyers or housewives or skanky interns. For too long women have been the victims of discrimination, and we must target programs to help these women and the various people who have descended from women.

I am a Democrat because I believe in women's right to choose. I mean, not a church school or a tax shelter, or something like that, obviously. Let's be reasonable.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the rule of law. Or, at least, lawyers. Because hey, according to my attorney, I could have been on the Number 7 bus when it crashed yesterday. As far as you know.

I am a Democrat because I believe a healthy economy depends on good jobs at good wages. So fork 'em over, you fat ******* boss man.

I am a Democrat because I believe the government should step in to create good jobs when that fat ******* boss man moves my good job to Mexico. Hey, I know! Maybe we can take all the money that boss man spends on non-job-creating stuff, like solid gold yachts and mink spats, and use that money to create jobs.

I am a Democrat because I fear the power of giant unrestrained monopolies, such as Microsoft, Nike, Parker Brothers, Univac and the Erie Canal Company. The government must wage an unrelenting, all-out war to crush these scary monopolies to a pulp before they get too powerful.

I am a Democrat because I believe in a strong military. Strong, yes, but caring and thoughtful too, and ready to face new challenges. A military that enjoys long strolls on the beach, cuddling in front of a warm fire, unafraid to show its vulnerable side. Must be NS/DDF.

I am a Democrat because I believe there is too much violence in society, especially in our schools. To avoid another Columbine tragedy, we should have mellow "rap" sessions with at-risk teens, such as the Goths. The violence will only end after the teen Goths see that we adults really care, and are "hip" to their groovy teen Goth scene.

I am a Democrat because I believe in campaign finance reform. Sadly, our politics are dominated by advertisements, paid for by the contributions of giant corporations. All too often, these drown out legitimate grassroots opinions, like the kind heard on TimeWarner-AOL-CNN, TimesCorp, or Disney-ABC.

I am a Democrat because I believe in public support of the arts. By "the arts," I of course mean those things made by, or excreted by, an artist of some sort. It is especially important that art be provocative and take controversial stances, like opposing Jesse Helms, and so on.

I am a Democrat because I believe in the environment and conservation. For instance, we must raise the price of gasoline, like they do in Europe, to increase conservation. If we don't, there will soon be a big gas shortage, and this will mean higher gasoline prices for you and me.

I am a Democrat because I detest greed. Especially the sickening greed of those who struck it rich in the 1980s, and greedily refuse to give me any of their stuff.

I am a Democrat because I... hey look! A new episode of Survivor! Geez, I hope they don't vote off Jenna, she's my favorite.

Copyright 2000 David Burge. Email iowahawk_98@yahoo.com

 

[shrubber]

and the difference being?

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Douglas Dubh
I'm a conservative because I believe in freedom.

 

[Lanshark]

and the difference being?

Are you inferring that all Democrats are Liberals? And since someone else wrote the above piece are you saying you agree with every point.

 

[shortbun]

Originally posted by tastelikecandy
---Liberal- anything goes, abortion is ok, gay sex is fine, children can drink and smoke as long as their parents supervise them, Yeah for welfare!!!

--Moderate- Anything goes as long as it is moderation.

--Conservative- Family values matter most, don't put up with too much when it comes to abortion, drugs, violence, and just plain old trash. Kids tend to go to private schools and become lawyers, doctors, and of course politicians!!

I am a flat out conservative. In other words I am pretty anal. Ok not in other words, those are perfect.

I have to flame you on this one....anything goes? So, you must
be a liberal because of your dime store horse incident, eh? As
a liberal, I can tell you I'd never EVER....

Also, children can drink and smoke as long as their parents supervise them? I think you are confusing liberal parenting with
liberal politics-they are certainly NOT the same.

And: Yea for welfare! ????? I'm not glad we have to have welfare at all,
I wish people were treated and paid fairly and that jobs here
in this country were not being sent overseas so the welfare rolls
were not so heavy. I work with a huge group of people who fought to get off or stay off welfare and are proud of it. They help each other and yes- most of them are liberals but some are
not.

 

[two4ruff]

So much for not defining the "other groups" to avoid insults.

 

[jrydberg]

A slightly different version of a previous post of mine...

One can be a conservative and be a good, decent, well-informed person.

One can be a liberal and be a good, decent, well-informed person.

One can be a moderate and be a good, decent, well-informed person.

There's no need for disparaging sentiments.

 

[N.Bailey]

My views, although possibly skewed.

Liberal - Favors more government involvement in our lives. usually pro choice, anti death penalty, favors gun control, supports gay rights, believes in freedom of religion but in more in favor of separation of church and state, because they believe in more involvement in our lives - favors higher taxes for the wealthy to support the less fortunate.

Conservative - A higher % of religious beliefs than Liberal, but I do not want to lump all Liberal's as non religious by that statement. Usually favors, pro life, pro death penalty, fewer gun control laws, believes in less government and that less tax will produce a more favorable economy.

Independent - somewhere in between the two on major issues and votes based on the one who leans more towards what is personally important to that particular voter.

 

[peachgirl]

I'm a conservative because I believe in freedom.

How odd, that's exactly why I'm a liberal. I'm also liberal because I believe in freedom of speech, the right to choose and separation of church and state. There are many other reasons but those are the "big" ones.

So much for not defining the "other groups" to avoid insults.

Did anyone really expect it to be any different? It is interesting though that all the insults are coming from those who call themselves conservative.

As it appears some aren't bothering to read the op...

I'm not asking you to define "the other" group of which you are not a member to avoid insults.

 

[richiebaseball]

Originally posted by peachgirl
It is interesting though that all the insults are coming from those who call themselves conservative.

Originally posted by ThreeCircles

It is interesting isn't it? Or perhaps curious would be a better word.

Just one man's opinion.

Richard

 

[Robinrs]

The insults, for the first time on the DIS since the last Presidential election, is coming from BOTH sides and I find it so sad.

Everyone has a mindset, it doesn't mean that you have to agree with another's. I never expect anyone to think how I think, they have not lived my life so they will not think like I do.

I KNOW that if my life was different, I'd probably think they way others do, but that was not the case. My life equals who I am and what I think.

Same with all of you.

Heck I feel a chorus of "It's a Family Affair" coming up.... or "Why Can't We Be Friends?"....

 

[Pig Pen]

I am a mixed bag I think....as well as being naive.

1. Pro choice (doesn't mean I would ever have an abortion, just means that it's none of my business what someone else decides). I also think it's an oxymoron to be pro choice and anti death penalty. I really wish we didn't live in a society where we need to debate such issues.

2. Fiscal restraint - no budget increases or new programs without an identified, sustainable revenue source.

3. I believe in helping those who help themselves - such as subsidies for education/retraining/child care for welfare recipients. However, no free rides for the able-bodied with a strong mind. Of course we still have to figure out a way to pay for this.

4. A strong military used for defense only. I was definitely "for" finding Bin Laden and getting revenge for 9-11, but against invading Iraq.

5. I believe in universal health care and cost controls.

6. Death penalty - I go back and forth on this one. I don't believe it's a deterrent other than for the person executed. I would hope society could effectively seal a convicted person away forever - eliminating the need to kill. I think convicted felons should be required to submit to DNA testing and a national databank established.

7. Education - I think school choice would destroy the public school system, but is that a bad thing? My own kids wished they were home-schooled and I would probably have done it if I had known then what I do now. Perhaps it's time to start from scratch and re-tool our education system. I don't have a clue how it would be done though.

I attempted to be thoughtful and non-offensive about this. I will vote for the Democratic candidate for President, not for who he is, but for who he is NOT.

 

[richiebaseball]

Isn't it amazing how you can agree with a lot of what someone says but still reach a different conclusion?

Originally posted by Pig Pen
1. Pro choice (doesn't mean I would ever have an abortion, just means that it's none of my business what someone else decides). I also think it's an oxymoron to be pro choice and anti death penalty. I really wish we didn't live in a society where we need to debate such issues.

Pro life. And against the death penalty.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
2. Fiscal restraint - no budget increases or new programs without an identified, sustainable revenue source.

Agree. I wish the current administration did as well.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
3. I believe in helping those who help themselves - such as subsidies for education/retraining/child care for welfare recipients. However, no free rides for the able-bodied with a strong mind. Of course we still have to figure out a way to pay for this.

Agree.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
4. A strong military used for defense only. I was definitely "for" finding Bin Laden and getting revenge for 9-11, but against invading Iraq.

Agree with bin laden. Mixed with Iraq. I saw the need.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
5. I believe in universal health care and cost controls.

Although I don't know the answer, we can do better than the current system but I'm pretty sure that answer isn't socialized medicine.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
6. Death penalty - I go back and forth on this one. I don't believe it's a deterrent other than for the person executed. I would hope society could effectively seal a convicted person away forever - eliminating the need to kill. I think convicted felons should be required to submit to DNA testing and a national databank established.

See above. Against.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
7. Education - I think school choice would destroy the public school system, but is that a bad thing? My own kids wished they were home-schooled and I would probably have done it if I had known then what I do now. Perhaps it's time to start from scratch and re-tool our education system. I don't have a clue how it would be done though.

I'll agree with this.

Originally posted by Pig Pen
I attempted to be thoughtful and non-offensive about this. I will vote for the Democratic candidate for President, not for who he is, but for who he is NOT.

I would say you were very thoughtful and not offensive at all. And, amazingly enough, I came to basically the same conclusion except you have to change Democratic with Republican

Just one man's opinion.

Richard