Conservative Perception of Liberals

Andrew Fletcher · #1 10-20-2005, 12:13 PM

I'd like to believe that I have some understanding of conservative ideology. I'm very liberal, but I recognize why people hold differing political beliefs from my own. I don't think conservatives are stupid, irrational, or whatever. I think you're totally wrong, but only because I think I have a firm grasp on the basic ideas of left and right. That's why a reccent interaction in one of my politics classes was very puzzling.

This conservative kid was complaining about Bush and how much money he is spending on relief and other things. He said that he didn't understand why liberals didn't like Bush-- after all, he was increasing government spending and that's what we like.

At first, I thought this was a joke. But it wasn't. His perception of liberals is that we just want to increase government spending for whatever reason. I was blown away.

Do other conservatives have similar perceptions about the ideology of liberals? If so, why?

Autocratic · #2 10-20-2005, 12:18 PM

I think it's very important to have a good understanding of the other side. I used to be very liberal, and am now a bit left of center. But when I look at the far left, I see what conservatives dislike, and it helps me think about their beliefs more objectively. In general, there is a lack of understanding coming from both sides.

vulturesrow · #3 10-20-2005, 12:19 PM

<blockquote>En respuesta a:<hr />
Do other conservatives have similar perceptions about the ideology of liberals?

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Yes. Many do.

<blockquote>En respuesta a:<hr />
If so, why?

[/ QUOTE ]

Because they are a) stupid or b) trying to sell books.

#4 10-20-2005, 01:26 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Do other conservatives have similar perceptions about the ideology of liberals?

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Yes. Many do.

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If so, why?

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Because they are a) stupid or b) trying to sell books.

[/ QUOTE ]

POTD. Very nice.

JackWhite · #5 10-20-2005, 12:34 PM

[ QUOTE ]
At first, I thought this was a joke. But it wasn't. His perception of liberals is that we just want to increase government spending for whatever reason. I was blown away.

Do other conservatives have similar perceptions about the ideology of liberals? If so, why?

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe because liberals almost always advocate increasing government spending to attempt to solve problems? Maybe there are times it is a good idea, maybe other times it isn't, but when was the last time liberals didn't advocate more government spending on any non-defense significant issue?

#6 10-20-2005, 12:42 PM

I wonder if this Jack fella was the guy in your class.

Anyways, you were in a polysci class. Many people in polysci classes don't know their ass from their elbow. Happens on both sides. People get a little knowledge about politics and they think they're experts and that they know everything about everything. Even though I'm liberal, I hate hearing immature liberal politics as much as immature conservative politics.

Andrew Fletcher · #7 10-20-2005, 12:54 PM

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I hate hearing immature liberal politics as much as immature conservative politics.

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Right. I'm interested in increasing spending for government programs that I believe have a positive social benifit. Not programs that are useless or outdated or whatever. The spending Bush is doing seems to be more about an unwilingness to choose between priorities (war in iraq vs. hurricane relief).

Liberals don't like to just throw money at problems-- we actually think government and state intervention can be a positive force in society. government can do things that the private sector cannot.

etgryphon · #8 10-20-2005, 01:30 PM

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government can do things that the private sector cannot.

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Like what? Mess things up? Skew the free market? Stagnate growth?

Conservatives don't like the liberial mindset of coddling, elitist, I-know-better-than-you-because-I-went-to-haaavaard line. They like the whole. I'll take care of me and my family and you take care of your own.

When has the government ever be altruistic? They are the most selfish of all beasts. Republicans and Democrates.

-Gryph

#9 10-20-2005, 01:40 PM

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When has the government ever be altruistic?

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Any natural disaster? Of course the extent to which the government helps the disaster is determined by who heads the department that helps disasters and who appoints these people. But that's another thread...

etgryphon · #10 10-20-2005, 01:52 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
When has the government ever be altruistic?

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Any natural disaster? Of course the extent to which the government helps the disaster is determined by who heads the department that helps disasters and who appoints these people. But that's another thread...

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Citizens donating to the hurricane relief are altruistic. The government is covering its butt and always will be. It is easy to give money away when it is not yours in the first place. A good question would be how many of the politicians give the same or more of their own money to the causes they vote for. Tied expendatures to their salaries by the percentage and then see how altruistic they are.

-Gryph