Liberals want government to be a vigilant rescuer when it comes to the poor, the disenfranchised, or the downtrodden who haven't had the perceived opportunity to make it on their own. Government-mandated social programs are a liberal staple to assist those who cannot assist themselves.
Conservatives want government to step in when justice is being threatened, like ensuring the rights of the unborn and giving rights to slaves. They also want government to ensure contracts will be honored -- social and otherwise.
Liberals want government to take a hands-off approach when it comes to a lasting personal choice. For example, a pro-choice advocate wants government to stay away when it comes time for a woman to choose when she will have or not have a child.
Conservatives prefer a governmental hands-off approach when it comes to fiscal policy. Generally speaking, they consider taxes as "legal plunder" and think they know how to spend their money better than the government.
The similarities are there, but just with opposite issues. Liberals like government when it is willing to help with general temporary social needs, but dislikes government when it comes to permanent personal social decisions. Conservatives like government when it comes to permanent social rights, but dislike the government when it comes to temporary personal fiscal choices.
4 comments:
I like how you have pointed out that both wings are looking for less of one thing and more of another from our government. I think it is important for all to realize that big government and taxes will always be around, we just need to decide how we want our government's time and money spent.
It seemed a little that the above blog is insinuating that liberal social programs are only a temporay fix to the countries social and economic problems. Are you saying that the permanent answer to solving these issues is to have the government regulate how we live our lives?
I think I would rather part with my money than my freedom to decide for myself. If giving up part of my paycheck will help my neighbors and my country, AND MYSELF have a better standard of living, all while having the freedom to live MY life. I definitely am leaning my vote to the left.
I really enjoyed your blog, mainly because im still having trouble figuring out the difference between liberal and conservative, left vs. right, and what they believe in so that I can determine which category I personally fall into. So far, including the way you describe it,im very much confused because I feel like I fit into both because I lean one way on one topic and another on other topics therefore I fully agree with the opening statement that they have more in common than they might think.
In follow up to Ash's comment I do however agree that if giving a small portion of my paycheck will help us all have a better life and still enjoy our freedom at that small cost than im all for that. I fully believe in taxes and that they are necessary to help the country and people therin, because as much as people would be willing to help without it being mandatory their definately would not be enough to cover squat if the government didn't force it out of us for the greater good. Also, the greater good for the country cannot come without the sacrifice of the people on some small part. In this instance I definately lean to the left as Ash said. Money is a small price to pay for the freedoms we enjoy when so many others have paid in blood.
Ash, I am trying to understand what you are saying. "I think I would rather part with my money than my freedom to decide for myself." I would also like to part with my money than my freedom, I would also part with my health than with my freedom. George Washington went to the constitutional convention sick as a dog with an extreme case of Rheumatism. It was Caused by being out in the weather while fighting for our freedom all those years. He gave away his health for our freedom.
Ash, if we give more taxes to the government, they have more power over us, more ruling, and we have less say in what happens to our lives. You talk about freedom to live your life, I appreciate that. But tell me how you have a better standard of living when you are paying a hell of a lot more taxes? I already pay too much. I am just trying to understand your thoughts.
I am self employed myself with no health insurance. I need health insurance, yes! But the ideal of universal healthcare (a huge tax increase) just gives those who don't do anything, something for nothing. I do not work my ass off 10+ hours a day sometimes, sweating all day long laying carpet to help those who wont help themselves. I am not against welfare in general. I am happy to see those who need surgery, or expensive prescription drugs get what they need from my tax dollars to the government. Not to toot my horn, but I am very giving with my money that I earn to those in need, and do so without a grudge. For some reason, Conservatives get this generalization that we are against helping people in need, I find this obsurd. Liberals and conservatives both want what is best for mankind. One is just more willing to give of more freedoms to get it. Correct me if I am wrong Ash. Thanks for bearing with me here! :)
NRA Nugeman...I couldn't agree with you more. I feel like I am starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to taxes and health care so it's nice to know there are others out there with the same feelings.
I heard a great example the other day that really relates to the topics being discussed above. A father was trying to help his college age daughter understand his conservative point of view on taxes and to do so asked her how her grades were. She replied that she works very hard, goes to all of her classes, misses out on social events like parties and football games just so she can get A's to keep her scholarship. After commending her for her efforts he asked how her roommate was doing. Her reply was that she is up late every night, sleeps in every morning, misses class, goes to football games and parties and basically has a great time pulling C's in her classes. The father then asked the daughter how she would feel if to make things fair they took her A and her classmates C and averaged them out so they each got a B. She obviously didn't think that was a good idea and neither would any of us.
Now before anybody gets too upset let me say that I know this example is laying down some strong stereotypes that conservatives work hard and liberals play...i know that isn't always true for either party. But this example did help me understand how a great thing for one person can completely suck for another.
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