Expert: Dennis - 9/8/2004

Question
What is the differnce between being conservative or liberal as far as issues go?

Answer
Liberals believe in using government to advance their view of "the good society," as does the Conservative.

The Liberal believes in autonomy for the individual unless it upsets the view of the greater good of society. They will usually choose freedom over order, and equality over freedom. This is why Liberals are pro-abortion (freedom), pro-affirmative action (equality), anti-hate speech (order/equality).

Conservatives believe in order in society and individual freedom as it relates to their view of a "good society," and are willing to use government to enforce a "moral" society. They believe in  a higher authority such as God, government, tradition, or family, whereas the Liberal believes in the individual being the final authority over his/her own actions.

Conservatives are pro-life (order), pro-gun (freedom), anti-pornography (order), and believers of equal opportunity vs. believers of equal outcome. Liberals want the result guaranteed (affirmative action), Conservatives want the opportunity guaranteed, but not the outcome.

In politics and in the general view of man, Liberals tend to believe that people are generally "good," and this results in their belief that people can be reasoned with, talked to, and capable of negotiation. This is exemplified in John Kerry's view of world politics. Call in the U.N., gather allies, negotiate, make concessions, give a little to get a little.

George Bush would exemplify the Conservative view of man and politics, in that the belief that there exists evil in the world, and no amount of negotiation will change that fact. George Bush believed that Saddam Hussein was evil, and there was little reason to continue negotiations with him after he turned down numerous requests by the U.S. and the U.N.  The Liberal would still be talking, trying to apply "sanctions," appealing to other countries to apply pressure. George Bush invaded and put him in jail.

Basically the two (Libreal & Conservative) looks at the world from different perspectives. One sees potential in all men, and the belief that eventually the individual will make the right decision for himself, and the other sees the existence of real evil, with the no guarantee that the individual will make the right, just, or fair decision.