So What's a Liberal? Or a Conservative?

Life was easier when we liberals were called long-haired, pinko, tree-hugging, anti-American, pro-crime, scum-sucking bottom dwellers.  At least then we knew what our positions were supposed to be, although I, for one, have to confess that, even in my hippie days in the 60s, I don't remember hugging a tree--although there's lots from those days I don't remember...but I digress.

Life was also easier when conservatives were called bigoted, racist, money-grubbing, land-raping, exploiters of the masses, capitalist swine-swilling pigs. 

Liberals were slim and cool.  Conservative were fat and sweaty. 

Of course, conservatives thought liberals were emaciated and dirty and conservatives were respectful and well dressed...but what did they know?

I'll tell you, life is confusing.  For example, why do conservatives get so worked up over the ACLU, whose sole purpose is to conserve our basic civil liberties as outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights?  Conservatives should be pouring billions into their coffers to protect the American way, while liberals should hate the ACLU for not bending the rules to fit our preconceived notions of right and wrong.

And tell me it's not weird that liberals support science when most of us couldn't tell the difference between a quark and a quack, while conservatives hate science for being anti-Christian when science (not specific scientists) says nothing at all about creation or God?

Conservatives preach the sanctity of human life while sitting on their hands when innocent people are executed.  Liberals march around prisons to protest executions of known killers like the homeless around a soup kitchen while thinking nothing's wrong with abortion.

It is true that people can't seem to get through life with labeling things, but two labels that have lost all meaning these days liberal and conservative.  One reason, perhaps, is that the policies of both groups have proven to be disastrous.  Sure, conservatives venerate Ronald "Crazy Credit Card Carnivore" Reagan, but given the massive budget deficits created under his 8 years, it's hard to understand why.  Supply side economics?  Contract with America?  Remember those?  Great ideas...if you're not the victim of them.

At least we liberals are more honest.  The Great Society--a wonderful idea--was executed with all the skill of a water buffalo trying to play Chopin on the piano.  Carter, perhaps the best ex-president in memory, was, to be kind, not real effective while in office.  And if the Clintons are liberals, I'm a leprechaun. 

The problem is that there's nothing with which to replace liberal and conservative.  What the hell's a neocon?  And why aren't there neolibs? 

But the web is flooded with blogs and websites from conservatives and liberals bashing each other with wild abandon.  That's fine with me.  They're fun, and a lot of the people on both sides are intelligent, interesting, and open.  Of course, many are as open to new ideas as a clam glued shut with super glue--but they're fun too.

Maybe ideology isn't important.  Maybe we should just be discussing specific programs without having the distorted filter of seeing ourselves as the good guys and those who disagree as the bad guys.....nah....what a stupid idea.

Oh well, I'm beginning to think that democracy should be reserved for those who demonstrate at least one functional brain cell--which lets out about 99 & 44/100% of all people, probably me included.   

In Jamesons Veritas

Comments

[Poldark Maximus]

Interesting commnet that the Clintons are not to be confused with every-day, wash-and-wear liberals. Both of them are just so damn good at the political game that you really don't know who they are -- its all issue by issue politics. Hillary will throw a lot of lib dems for a loop with her hard-nosed war banter. Equally, she will continue to irritate those moderate Republicans who, in a moment of weakness, suggest they "could vote for her" under duress (i.e. their party chooses some neo-con who can't cope with the 21st century). If you can put hand on heart and swear you understand her, please advise Poldark Maximus and the rest of your readers WHO SHE REALLY IS.

[Bonnie]

Excellent post. Much to think about and much to discuss. Thanks for writing.