What is a Liberal or a Conservative?

[Rooskibar03]

Conservatives read the constitution for what it says.

Liberals interpret the constitution for what they think it can say.

[Sharpienads]

People who call themselves conservative may try to legislate morality, but just because they call themselves something doesn't make it true.

Do you believe in the constitution, rule of law, and individual liberty? Do you believe that free people should be left to govern themselves? Do you believe that individuals should be held accountable for their own actions? Then you're conservative. If you don't, you're something else.

[Teufelhund]

People who call themselves conservative may try to legislate morality, but just because they call themselves something doesn't make it true.

Do you believe in the constitution, rule of law, and individual liberty? Do you believe that free people should be left to govern themselves? Do you believe that individuals should be held accountable for their own actions? Then you're conservative. If you don't, you're something else.

Hmmm. . . if that's your definition of a conservative, I think I need to see an example of someone in office right now whom you think is a conservative.

[bogie]

Liberals try to legislate responsibility.

Conservatives try to legislate morality.

Very good one, and another I like...

Conservatives get mad when you lie to them.

Liberals get mad when you tell them the truth.

[Sharpienads]

Hmmm. . . if that's your definition of a conservative, I think I need to see an example of someone in office right now whom you think is a conservative.

Yeah, I would, too.

[HoneyBadger]

Hmmm. . . if that's your definition of a conservative, I think I need to see an example of someone in office right now whom you think is a conservative.

Well, I did see a pig fly on my way home from work yesterday...

So do Libertarians try to legislate "minimally"?

Yup!

[Ah Pook]

Liberals try to legislate responsibility.

Conservatives try to legislate morality.

This is sig worthy.

[Irving]

Liberals try to legislate responsibility.

Conservatives try to legislate morality.

I would change 'conservatives' to 'Republicans.'

[Ronin13]

The way I see it- Republicans favor small government, personal responsibility, pro-business, less government programs, and less government involvement in personal matters.

Democrats favor more government, more dependence, more programs, less responsibility, and government can manage your life for you.

[MED]

In this pop culture context, a liberal is a person who pushes the boundaries of government and social acceptance; a conservative resits the change.

This is not to be confused with Liberalism in the John Locke political philosophy context (essentially, the basis of our constitution).

In terms of today's politics in the United States, the ugly word Socialist is not used, but it should be used. The current liberal change movement is pushing for Socialism while the conservative movement is pushing to preserve our original social contract (The Constitution). Socialism and Liberalism (our Constitution) can't co-exist.

Edit: It is important to note that our Constitution and our way of life was formed because of a liberal movement. (I just happen to believe they got it right, and the current movement is horribly wrong.)