Conservative or Liberal?

                The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday concerns the fact that there have always been different opinions in America. I do not know that there were “conservatives” and “liberals” among our Founding Fathers, but they definitely had differing opinions about what should be in the Constitution, how it should be written, and how the government should be organized.

                This site states that, “Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems. Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.”

                This site gives a little broader definition to both conservative and liberal, but it starts with this statement:  We all want the same things in life. We want freedom; we want the chance for prosperity; we want as few people suffering as possible; we want healthy children; we want to have crime-free streets. The argument is how to achieve them….”

                The site’s definition for liberals is:  “Liberals believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all. It is the duty of the government to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.”

                The site’s definition for conservatives is: “Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.”

                Just in case that you are still in doubt about whether you are conservative or liberal, there is more information about specific issues to help you determine your status.

                This site has an interesting and hilarious history of conservatives and liberals. It is apparently a test to determine whether one is a conservative or a liberal. Conservatives will most likely laugh, while liberals will probably get angry. What is your reaction?

                I laughed at the history because it is too silly not to laugh at it. It is very creative and gives us something to enjoy during this presidential election.

                I am definitely conservative, but I have conservatives, moderates, and liberals in my immediate family. I am somewhat grateful for the variety of political views because they help me to stay centered and balanced in my views. I know that we can work together as conservatives, moderates, and liberals to make our nation great. We just have to remember that we have a nation full of good people!

Are You Conservative or Liberal?

                Do you consider yourself to be conservative or liberal? Are you unsure where the boundaries are between the two? Were you at one time liberal or conservative and now find yourself on the opposite end of the spectrum?

                Ed Feulner, the founder of The Heritage Foundation, may have some help for you. In an article titled “Liberal in Name Only,” Mr. Feulner offered his analysis/opinion on the subject.

                “Do you support free speech, individual liberties and protections for private property? You must be a liberal. Did that last sentence cause you to do a double take? I’m not surprised.

                “I’ve been reading a new book, `The Closing of the Liberal Mind,’ and it shows that much of what passes for liberalism today is, historically speaking, anything but. Moreover, many who call themselves conservative today would have been considered `liberal’ if they lived in the time of the Founding Fathers.

                “This distinction isn’t mere semantics, however. The shift I’m describing goes right to the heart of the political and culture wars that rage around us today. Author Kim Holmes demonstrates why the authoritarian stance adopted by many liberals today – as exemplified by speech codes, trigger warnings, boycotts and shaming rituals – is in fact more accurately described as illiberalism.”

                Mr. Feulner offered the following quote by a well-known politician as evidence that things are fairly messed up now days.  Can you identify the politician? “I am sick and tired of people who say that if you debate and you disagree with this administration, somehow you’re not patriotic. We should stand up and say, `We are Americans, and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration.’”

                It definitely sounds like a Republican, but it was Hilary Clinton in 2003 referring to the George W. Bush administration. From her statement, it sounds to me that many people enjoy sounding conservative even when they are not.

                Here is the link for the rest of Mr. Feulner’s article.