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Okay, I've observed this liberal-conservative thing for a while now & I'm wondering...

If you label yourself liberal, does that mean you can never have a conservative view on anything? Conversely, if you label yourself conservative, does that mean you can never have a liberal view of an issue?

IF so (& please disregard if your answer to the above is no), I find it ironic that as much as many of you dislike organized religion, that's what it resembles, at least to this observer anyway.

Are are you open to see all sides of an issue, open to possibility that it may change (maybe even dramatically) your views? And would you be okay with that? Does the fear of being mistaken keep you from understanding the opposite viewpoint or how they could have arrived at their conclusions, whether you agree or not?

This is pure curiosity. What do you think?
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quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
Okay, I've observed this liberal-conservative thing for a while now & I'm wondering...

If you label yourself liberal, does that mean you can never have a conservative view on anything? Conversely, if you label yourself conservative, does that mean you can never have a liberal view of an issue?

IF so (& please disregard if your answer to the above is no), I find it ironic that as much as many of you dislike organized religion, that's what it resembles, at least to this observer anyway.

Are are you open to see all sides of an issue, open to possibility that it may change (maybe even dramatically) your views? And would you be okay with that? Does the fear of being mistaken keep you from understanding the opposite viewpoint or how they could have arrived at their conclusions, whether you agree or not?

This is pure curiosity. What do you think?



Joy,

Just a thought . . . NO personal experience . . . I swear!

What if ONE individual posted under two (or more) profile names portraying entirely opposite [liberal/conservative] beliefs?
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
Okay, I've observed this liberal-conservative thing for a while now & I'm wondering...

If you label yourself liberal, does that mean you can never have a conservative view on anything? Conversely, if you label yourself conservative, does that mean you can never have a liberal view of an issue?

IF so (& please disregard if your answer to the above is no), I find it ironic that as much as many of you dislike organized religion, that's what it resembles, at least to this observer anyway.

Are are you open to see all sides of an issue, open to possibility that it may change (maybe even dramatically) your views? And would you be okay with that? Does the fear of being mistaken keep you from understanding the opposite viewpoint or how they could have arrived at their conclusions, whether you agree or not?

This is pure curiosity. What do you think?


I hold some views that would be considered conservative, while others would be considered liberal. I have most often been labeled a liberal by others simply by stating that I don't like Bush. This is usually followed by some comment about Clinton with the assumption that I liked him. I find that funny since I actually thought he should have been removed for lying.

I try to keep an open mind about all topics. Once you close your mind to opposing views you can pretty well hang it up.
My views I guess, could be classified as fically conservative, and socially liberal. I actually have a lot of libertarian thrown in for good measure (which is why I don't want the government in my personal life).
As far as changing my mind on a subject, the answer is of course how it is presented. My mind works in a logical deduction fashon.Math was my major in college. Can't help it-emotion does not play a part in how I view a situation. (Emotion is for my wife to contend with)
In order for me to change my mind, I have to be presented with actual facts. If those facts lead me to a certain position, be it changed or the same, that is the position I will hold. If the facts change, my position will change.
My Myers-Briggs type is ESTP if you are familiar with psychology. That is just the way I think.
In my youth, I was quite liberal. But, then I became a sixth grader. But, some of my social views are quite libertarian. People may do what they may, as long as they don't do it the road and scare the horses.

On the other hand, I don't like children subjected to liberal indoctrination. I'm big on defense, but believe the federal government is too big in many areas.
Thank you Joy for pointing out the obvious...when I first started posting, the only comment I made to state which side of the fence I was on was by calling out the "Bush-bashing"--yet, that snowballed and now I'm supposedly a closed-minded Neo-Conservative Republican....

I voted for Bush because Lord knows where our nation would be today if Gore had become President...I voted for him the 2nd time, because there was just a gut feeling about John Kerry that was shady and to me it was the "lesser of the two evils". I still stand behind that vote. I am Pro-life, but I do believe that the Choice should be there for the woman to make. I for Capital Punishment. I am still on the fence about Gay Marriage because part of me does beleive that if you are living as a cohesive "family" that should be allowed for you to get health benefits etc....but I'm not sure that I would go so far to call it Marriage...I believe in the Constitution -- as it is -- I think our Founding Fathers wrote an almost perfect document...I don't believe the Bible should be our constitution...The Bible is my guide for my life, and it affects my view on most all topics, but I believe in the separation of church and state... I could go on .... I don't consider myself a Republican or a Democrat--I vote my conscience...I consider myself Conservative for the most part, but I am not opposed to some ideas that the liberals have...I think we should seek out knowledge in proper places--in other words, don't believe everything you read on a website or paper -- read it and weigh it and then draw your own conclusion--don't just believe it because one side says it's true...test it for yourself...I am a person that believes life gives you a great education -- never stop learning....
quote:
Originally posted by _Joy_:
Okay, I've observed this liberal-conservative thing for a while now & I'm wondering...

If you label yourself liberal, does that mean you can never have a conservative view on anything? Conversely, if you label yourself conservative, does that mean you can never have a liberal view of an issue?

IF so (& please disregard if your answer to the above is no), I find it ironic that as much as many of you dislike organized religion, that's what it resembles, at least to this observer anyway.

Are are you open to see all sides of an issue, open to possibility that it may change (maybe even dramatically) your views? And would you be okay with that? Does the fear of being mistaken keep you from understanding the opposite viewpoint or how they could have arrived at their conclusions, whether you agree or not?

This is pure curiosity. What do you think?



Yes,I'am consevative and liberal on some things and Issues,but most consevatives go way to the right and closed minded, so are liberals who go way to the left and are closed minded.Education and research for truth is the key to learning the facts!
Why is it that conservatives are for limited freedom?



Conservatives=Limited civil rights

In general, discrimination based on race is wrong, but private businesses should be allowed to discriminate if they want. Civil rights laws are an overstepping of government authority. I DISAGREE WITH THE Conservatives on this Issue!!



Conservatives=No public education

Education is not a right. The government should provide each family a credit so their child may attend the private or religious school of their choice.I DISAGREE WITH THE Conservatives on this Issue!!


And don't forget the propaganda from Right Wing hate groups like Jerry Falwell,Pat R.and the right wing talk shows that go after your money and tell you sweet little lies!
Last edited by Jan55
I lable myself Liberal, some of my liberal friends say I am not as liberal as they are. They want to out liberal me.

Here is my take. JFK was a liberal. I like what he said and did, except for getting killed, I rather want to be like him.

He pretty much defines Liberal for me, and one of his most famous quotes is "Ask not What Your Country can do for you, Ask what you Can Do for your country." Now, does that sound like he was urging people to go on welfare, sit home and drink beer all day, make others support them, not stand up for the Nation when it needs you, or any of the other "sins" heaped on Liberals by the People who lable themselves Conservatives?

Seriously, Kennedy was a LIBERAL. He defines the term.
My turn... Smiler

I love it that the people here are all over the map on issues, agreeing at times & disagreeing at other times. It helps me understand where others (& not just y'all) are coming from. I don't have to agree with someone to understand how or why they come to a different conclusion than I do. I think that's really important for all Americans to do in order to remain united.

Me personally? I'm not really any of the popular labels. Like y'all, I listen to all sides of an issue...differing opinions here & various news sources, history, Library of Congress, etc. I look to the wisdom that I find in scripture. If it requires a choice on my part (vote, sign petition, etc.), I pray about it. I then form a conclusion, knowing that in light of new information, that conclusion can change.
I have been labeled more of a conservative,until the past 3 or 4 yrs and certainly have voted conservative,until the LAST presidential election. i have since observed things the true conservative believes have been twisted and bent to breaking points for personal gain of politicians.
So I now find myself rethinking many issues, so i guess now i would be considered a MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
quote:
Originally posted by smurph:
I have been labeled more of a conservative,until the past 3 or 4 yrs and certainly have voted conservative,until the LAST presidential election. i have since observed things the true conservative believes have been twisted and bent to breaking points for personal gain of politicians.
So I now find myself rethinking many issues, so i guess now i would be considered a MIDDLE OF THE ROAD




This is good on your part!! I wish people would wake up as you have and start resarching for the truth!
quote:
Originally posted by stephanie:
Thank you Joy for pointing out the obvious...when I first started posting, the only comment I made to state which side of the fence I was on was by calling out the "Bush-bashing"--yet, that snowballed and now I'm supposedly a closed-minded Neo-Conservative Republican....

I voted for Bush because Lord knows where our nation would be today if Gore had become President...I voted for him the 2nd time, because there was just a gut feeling about John Kerry that was shady and to me it was the "lesser of the two evils". I still stand behind that vote. I am Pro-life, but I do believe that the Choice should be there for the woman to make. I for Capital Punishment. I am still on the fence about Gay Marriage because part of me does beleive that if you are living as a cohesive "family" that should be allowed for you to get health benefits etc....but I'm not sure that I would go so far to call it Marriage...I believe in the Constitution -- as it is -- I think our Founding Fathers wrote an almost perfect document...I don't believe the Bible should be our constitution...The Bible is my guide for my life, and it affects my view on most all topics, but I believe in the separation of church and state... I could go on .... I don't consider myself a Republican or a Democrat--I vote my conscience...I consider myself Conservative for the most part, but I am not opposed to some ideas that the liberals have...I think we should seek out knowledge in proper places--in other words, don't believe everything you read on a website or paper -- read it and weigh it and then draw your own conclusion--don't just believe it because one side says it's true...test it for yourself...I am a person that believes life gives you a great education -- never stop learning....




I agree that we should never stop learning but I think Gore would have been a better president and so would Kerry. Bush is a liar and has really destroyed the country. Even long time established conservatives like Kevin Philips, one of the founders of the modern day conservative movement condemns Bush. Paul Craig Roberts, who served for a year as undersecretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration and then was a Wall Street Journal associate editor also attacks Bush as a liar, war criminal and crook who has destroyed the country. Sold us out.
quote:
Originally posted by pba:
quote:
Originally posted by stephanie:
Thank you Joy for pointing out the obvious...when I first started posting, the only comment I made to state which side of the fence I was on was by calling out the "Bush-bashing"--yet, that snowballed and now I'm supposedly a closed-minded Neo-Conservative Republican....

I voted for Bush because Lord knows where our nation would be today if Gore had become President...I voted for him the 2nd time, because there was just a gut feeling about John Kerry that was shady and to me it was the "lesser of the two evils". I still stand behind that vote. I am Pro-life, but I do believe that the Choice should be there for the woman to make. I for Capital Punishment. I am still on the fence about Gay Marriage because part of me does beleive that if you are living as a cohesive "family" that should be allowed for you to get health benefits etc....but I'm not sure that I would go so far to call it Marriage...I believe in the Constitution -- as it is -- I think our Founding Fathers wrote an almost perfect document...I don't believe the Bible should be our constitution...The Bible is my guide for my life, and it affects my view on most all topics, but I believe in the separation of church and state... I could go on .... I don't consider myself a Republican or a Democrat--I vote my conscience...I consider myself Conservative for the most part, but I am not opposed to some ideas that the liberals have...I think we should seek out knowledge in proper places--in other words, don't believe everything you read on a website or paper -- read it and weigh it and then draw your own conclusion--don't just believe it because one side says it's true...test it for yourself...I am a person that believes life gives you a great education -- never stop learning....




I agree that we should never stop learning but I think Gore would have been a better president and so would Kerry. Bush is a liar and has really destroyed the country. Even long time established conservatives like Kevin Philips, one of the founders of the modern day conservative movement condemns Bush. Paul Craig Roberts, who served for a year as undersecretary of the Treasury in the Reagan administration and then was a Wall Street Journal associate editor also attacks Bush as a liar, war criminal and crook who has destroyed the country. Sold us out.



Ok, I may regret this, but PBA, please tell me why you believe that Gore or Kerry would have made a better president?

Just because other people call Bush and other names doesn't make it right. I could call you lots of names, but that doesn't make me right. I have an opinion of Bush and it is MY opinion -- it is not what someone else stated and I just agree -- it is my opinion...list all of the names of the people you want to that call Bush names to make you feel better -- it still doesn't justify anything for me so I will still disagree with your take on Bush.

Never stop learning -- but remember that you don't have to justify your opinion if it is truly your opinion...I think that is something that we've all forgotten...we can have an opinion and you can disagree with it and that is JUST FINE!
Stephanie,
During the 2000 election I voted for Al Gore, for a number of reasons. Namely I thought the economy was the best I can remember in my lifetime, and I attributed that to balancing the budget, which required Al Gore to come in and vote the tie in the Senate. Al Gore sponsored legislation that helped the internet go from a few large connected computers , to what we know today. He did not say he invented the internet, that was a lie made up by Dick Army(R) Tex. I would like to have continued the policies of the Clinton Adm. that led to the great economy we had.
I voted against Bush in 2000 because of his horrible environmental record during his governorship in Texas. Also, he basically ran on a platform of moral superority to Al Gore. I am not aware , even to this date, of any moral shortcomings of Gore- even when he was my Senator, and I thought attacking his character was just wrong and a lie. I also found out some things about his daddy's character that I find disgusting, but will not post them.

When the terrorist hit the Twin Towers, I had the opposite view of some I have read here- I wished Gore had been president. Although we will never know, I can make a case that if Gore had been president, he would not have ignored the daily breefing stating "Ben Laden determined to strike inside the USA" , and may have been able to stop it .
Maybe you will remember the issues before 9/11 mostly related to Bush unraveling the clean air, clean water, and other environmental policies in order to increase the profits of large corporations, just as I had thought he would.

In 2004, I voted against Bush because I do not believe the war in Iraq is just, and I didn't believe such the day Bush started. I am furious with Democrats in Congress for going along with him on this matter, but more so with Republicans because they refuse to see the error of their ways and continue to defend the policies.
In addition, the Bush administration has dismantled virtually all environmental protections we have just like he did in Texas.(you may recall in fact he put up for sale land in Bankhead Nat. Forrest right here in N. Al)
I would have voted for virtually anybody but Bush in 2004. I guess it says just how bad a candidate Kerry was that he couldn't win an election against the worst president in American history.

At no time in my life can I remember a more divided electorate. Bush has used wedge issues to divide us only for his political advantage. This has hurt our country, and it appears to me , he has pushed his political party for their good at the expense of the country as a whold.
I have tried to give this reason without "Bush bashing" or name calling. These are the facts as I see them. You may not agree with my assessment, but I am really concerned about our Republic, and that is why just a few months ago I did not favor impeachment for him, too much of a national nightmare for our country to go thru. However, I am beginning to change my mind, becaause I am afraid he seems not willing to bend to the will of intelligent people, and will continue his policies which are hurting us.

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