My Thoughts on the Left and Right
by CountMay 18th, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Filed under: Politics
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In an ongoing discussion on this site, it was recently brought to my attention that I was a closet conservative. This got me thinking about the two major political ideologies and their values and arguments. There seems to be a lot of polarization on the internet between the two sides (as well as some on this board), and a fair amount of stereotyping (e.g. calling liberals spineless cowards and conservatives toothless rednecks). There also seems to be a temptation to do this with ourselves, claiming to belong to one camp or another. To look at the entire political spectrum as the right side vs the wrong side, the intelligent vs the mindless fools, the sane vs the crazy. Is it really that simple- a “right” side and a “wrong” side? The reality is that life is rich and detailed, it's deeper mysteries still largely unknown. Even something that appears simple is, if broken down, nearly infinite in its complexity. The social and political topics we discuss on this site are no different. The issues of our time are a lot more complicated then the black and white crusades they're portrayed as. We are blessed with being the proud owners of the most complex structure in the known universe, residing right in our very heads. To ally oneself with an entire political philosophy for the multitude of current political issues seems completely ridiculous to me. Leaning toward one side or the other is understandable, but following an entire political ideology laid out for you by others, no matter how neat it appears, is idiotic and even a little selfish. Each of us has a personal responsibility to think for ourselves. I strongly disagree with the polarization between the two parties by the media. It promotes the “us vs them” mentality seen so often on political discussion boards. It works wonders for stirring up people's emotions and getting them to tune in, but tends to simplify topics too far, sometimes even pitting two irrelevant points against each other. Labels can be a useful tool to describe groups or trends, but to describe oneself as either a Democrat or a Republican robs them of their individuality and ultimately, their freedom. It's easy to call others (usually those we disagree with) sheep, but very diffiult to take a hard look at ourselves and see if we might be in a flock, following the words of a charismatic shepherd. For the record, I could never claim to be either a Republican or a Democrat. I agree with (most of) the conservative point of view on some issues, such as gun control and I agree (mostly) with the liberal point of view on others, such as religion. I agree on some issues that the majority of people agree on regardless of political affiliation, and on a few issues, disagree completely with the vast majority. But my beliefs aren't set in stone; if new or superior evidence comes along I will (and have) change my opinion. I strongly believe that keeping an open mind is the most important part of learning and becoming wiser as a person. The clearest sign of intelligence isn't how much someone knows, but rather how much they realize they don't know. |
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A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.
Chaotic action is preferable to orderly inaction.
Will Rogers , November 4, 1879 , August 15, 1935 , AN OKLAHOMA BOY , American
Nice picture attached to your article!
Although I'm officially and Democrat and an Obama hopeful, my disposition to issues and politics in general is best explained via the words of perhaps my favorite ancient, Cicero (106-43 B.C.E.):
"Ah, you're trying to refute me by quoting things I've said or written myself. That's confronting me with documents that have already been sealed! You can reserve that method for people who only argue according to fixed rules. But I live from one day to the next! If something strikes me as probable, I say it; and that is how, unlike everyone else, I remain a free agent" --From Discussions at Tusculum (V)
"For what we like is to refrain from positive pronouncements, preferring to discuss whatever question is being considered from every angle, so as to enable our audiences to judge each question on its own merits, without feeling compelled to accept any particular solution as authoritative." --From Discussions at Tusculum (V)
"Some people protest that the line I am following is not as consistent as it ought to be; and the objectors include men of culture and learning...I cannot see what there is to prevent me from accepting what seems to be probable, and rejecting what does not. Such an approach avoids the presumption of dogmatism, and keeps clear of irrationality, which is the negation of all accurate thinking." --From On Duties (II)
I don't mind carrying the label. I'm proud to be a Reagen conservative on fiscal and National Security issues. Additionally I believe that subsidizing impedes growth and promotes dependence. I believe in limited government and on the issue of abortion I'm more of a Libertarian Although I'm personally against it I think the government should stay out of the abortion issue including picking up the tab on abortions.
I agree (mostly) with the liberal point of view on others, such as religion.
Not to pry but could you please elaborate on this a little more, it leaves a lot open for interpretation.
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References
Visit (http://theamericancritic.com)
Republicrats
Visit (http://pascalfervor.blogspot.com)
I was speaking very generally; I feel the same about abortion as you do. I think pornography ought to be legal in a free country and that efforts to remove it claiming it fits the definition of "obscene" and violates "community standards" are unconstitutional. Link I believe most gay people are born that way and those who believe it's a choice should do their research.
In each of these three issues, the most vehement detractors are the religious. They want to ban abortion because they see it as murder. They don't want pornography to be legal because it's degrading. The link I provided even has an ad for a DVD about Jesus. Their view of god "creating man in his image" doesn't allow them to consider that god may create a homosexual person(mostly because they interpret the bible literally, but that's another article).
I look at it this way: if you think abortion is wrong, don't get one. But don't try to prevent others from getting one.
If you don't like pornography, don't buy it. But try to stop others from buying it.
If you don't like gay people, don't associate with them. But don't try to ban gay partnerships. I'm still learning more about the gay marriage issue, and somewhat undecided. The adoption issue I haven't done any research on yet and do not yet have an opinion.