Seriously.
It seems that almost from birth, some of us are Conservatives, while others are Liberals. Why is that?
In my case, my conservatism seems almost innate. I remember arguing against liberals in every government class I ever had. I never had an epiphany.

Personally, I am a very compassionate, caring individual. I give time and treasure to charities. I do not kick dogs and cats--well not ALL cats. I love my children and my grandchildren. I assist neighbors. I even share my beer. I hate no one--but I may disagree with many.

I do not fit the stereotype of a cold, money-grubbing conservative. I support freedom of speech for everyone--especially those with whom I disagree. I even acknowledge that freedom of religion also applies to people with different beliefs than mine--not that they are "right" in their beliefs, but they have the right to freely practice the religion ( or non-religion) of their choice.

The tendency for everyone is to jump to a conclusion and then pick out the facts that seem to support that conclusion. But has anyone researched into exactly why and how we each develop our particular [political stance?

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Why just two choices?

This is a copy of my post from another thread earlier today:

I never understood the whole left/right metaphor anyway. Is the assumption that some folks have a specific set of beliefs (sometimes inconsistent) on a wide range of subjects and that qualifies them to be in one club or the other? Anyone who actually thinks for themselves and does not fully agree with all the aspects is not a "real conservative/real liberal"?

Are we in the third grade?

Because there are just two political stances. It's a very binary system.

The general rule is thus: My thinking is independent and clear. My party is better than your party because they are smarter and work harder. Your thinking is clouded by poor judgment or some sort of mind-control from your party's central authority.

assign party labels and sides as your predisposition prefers.

I'm a blend.....

So is everyone else, they are just too lazy to critically think about individual issues. It's easier to adopt a label and follow a pre-packaged ideology.

Hint: as soon as someone identifies them-self as a liberal/conservative/progressive/etc., stop listening.

I just bought a new t-shirt with 'Chaiman Mao' on the front.

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CHILCUTT~
The secret to a long life. Is knowing when it is time to leave.

Politics and Eye Movement: Liberals Focus Their Attention on 'Gaze Cues' Much Differently Than Conservatives Do

Two questions:

How do they define liberal/conservative?

How did they find any "liberal" test subjects in Nebraska?

My political science teacher described it as a diamond shape with 4 camps, not just 2.


I always thought your position on the chart came from what amount of responsibility you felt comfortable with. For example, if you wanted the responsibility to govern your own social sphere, but thought you needed the help of the government to govern the economic sphere then you would be a democrat.

I just want the government to go away, suppose that makes me a Libertarian.

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That chart is an interesting way of looking at it. Note that they avoided the two meaningless terms: liberal and conservative.

Baloney.

You and I see just about everything differently.

In fact, that was much of the reason for this thread. You seem reasonable on many issues, but completely different from me on others. I was just wondering why.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Really?
If one has a philosophy of government, wouldn't it be logical to follow that philosophy?
For instance, IF one thinks that the " government that governs least, governs best", wouldn't that person oppose increasing government programs?

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags