Liberalism/Conservatism of Med School Students

[Keg]

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This stems from a conversation I was having with someone at Pritzker's second look on Monday, but I wanted the entire forum's opinion. Which schools have the most conservative student bodies, and which are the most liberal? I have a few specific schools in mind (obviously, ones I'm considering), which are Harvard (hopefully), Pritzker, Vanderbilt, and Wash U - which has the most liberal med students, and whose are the most conservative? Also, if you guys want to discuss other schools, too, that's cool by me, but if someone with some level of knowledge could rank those, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, y'all!

 

[veenut]

This stems from a conversation I was having with someone at Pritzker's second look on Monday, but I wanted the entire forum's opinion. Which schools have the most conservative student bodies, and which are the most liberal? I have a few specific schools in mind (obviously, ones I'm considering), which are Harvard (hopefully), Pritzker, Vanderbilt, and Wash U - which has the most liberal med students, and whose are the most conservative? Also, if you guys want to discuss other schools, too, that's cool by me, but if someone with some level of knowledge could rank those, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, y'all!

as a general rule, the northeast will be more liberal than the midwest and the south. so harvard will be the most liberal. after that i don't know, but academia in general tends to be left leaning.

 

[velo]

hey, i'm just surfin' on through pre-allo, but I'll weigh in for Wash U. I'd say we're pretty moderate overall with a few people who are really polarized to one side or the other. As a whole, I'll say we're just a shade left of center.

can't speak for other schools, hope that helps (although honestly I can't think of what difference this information could make)

 

[jbrice1639]

as a general rule, the northeast will be more liberal than the midwest and the south. so harvard will be the most liberal. after that i don't know, but academia in general tends to be left leaning.

chicago as a city would be an exception to the general stereotype of the conservative midwest. pritzker, and u of chicago as a whole, has a very liberal atmosphere...probably the most liberal of the schools the op listed.

 

[troszic]

chicago as a city would be an exception to the general stereotype of the conservative midwest. pritzker, and u of chicago as a whole, has a very liberal atmosphere...probably the most liberal of the schools the op listed.

Interestingly, though, the Chicago school of economics is neoliberal, which means strongly conservative in present day terms: free markets, capitalism, and minimal government intervention. UChicago's business and law school generally follow suit with this line of thinking.

As for the med school, I don't know which way most of the students lean, but there will probably more conservatives than you will find at Harvard.

 

[BaylorGuy]

South is mostly conservative, however, as stated before, academia is a little left leaning. You will more than likely find more liberals in a big city than a small one. I cant help you as per individual schools though

 

[doublepeak]

as a general rule, the northeast will be more liberal than the midwest and the south. so harvard will be the most liberal. after that i don't know, but academia in general tends to be left leaning.

I thought I'd mention the liberal West Coast, with UCSF (arguably) heading that.

 

[MNsocsci]

I would also go with the west coast (U Wash, OHSU, UCSF being the ones I know the most about) for most liberal. I have to object, though, to the midwest being labeled more conservative. There are strong pockets of "blueness," particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which were both blue states last election. I would say that the two U of MN schools and the U of WI are all pretty liberal.

I'm curious about this issue too because I don't tend to get along too well with very conservative people--does anyone know anything about Northwestern? (I've been accepted there and am trying to decide.)

 

[themadchemist]

hey, i'm just surfin' on through pre-allo, but I'll weigh in for Wash U. I'd say we're pretty moderate overall with a few people who are really polarized to one side or the other. As a whole, I'll say we're just a shade left of center.

can't speak for other schools, hope that helps (although honestly I can't think of what difference this information could make)

One of your asst. deans is *quite* liberal. At my interview, I had a great, great, great conversation with him about healthcare and democrats and those crazy conservatives. He was awesome. 😛

edit: wasn't dean of admissions...asst. dean of admissions is a woman.

 

[Rockhouse]

I would also go with the west coast (U Wash, OHSU, UCSF being the ones I know the most about) for most liberal. I have to object, though, to the midwest being labeled more conservative. There are strong pockets of "blueness," particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which were both blue states last election. I would say that the two U of MN schools and the U of WI are all pretty liberal.

I'm curious about this issue too because I don't tend to get along too well with very conservative people--does anyone know anything about Northwestern? (I've been accepted there and am trying to decide.)

😛 Pockets of blueness in places like the Twin Cities and Milwaukee (sp). I can't imagine U WI to be much more than moderate either way. I am sure Northwestern would be fine, lots of elitist liberals at places like that - thats right I said it 😉

 

[Mateodaspy]

Here's some hard data on harvard med students' liberalism/conservativism... these are the results of a private poll taken by about 70% of the first years here (note: the opinion of the faculty is probably about on par with student views, though they may be slightly more conservative):

QUESTION 1:
How would you best describe your overall political views?
A. Very Liberal
B. Liberal
C. Moderate
D. Conservative
E. Very Conservative
F. Libertarian
G. Apathetic
H. Other (Please Specify) [Text response limited to 250 characters]
Number of responses: 110
A. 13.6%
B. 47.3%
C. 24.5%
D. 9.1%
E. 0.9%
F. 2.7%
G. 0.0%
H. 1.8%
Number of text responses to final choice: 2

QUESTION 2:
Of which political party are you a member? If you are not a member of a political party, which party best represents your views?
A. Constitutional Party
B. Green Party
C. Libertarian Party
D. Republican Party
E. Democratic Party
F. None
G. Other (Please Specify) [Text response limited to 250 characters]
Number of responses: 109
A. 0.0%
B. 1.8%
C. 1.8%
D. 15.6%
E. 58.7%
F. 21.1%
G. 0.9%
Number of text responses to final choice: 1

QUESTION 3:
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being not important at all and 5 being very important, how important is politics in our daily lives? ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 5)
Number of responses: 110
Mean = 3.5
1 1.8%
2 15.5%
3 31.8%
4 34.5%
5 16.4%

QUESTION 4:
Overall, where do you think our class stands on the liberal/conservative spectrum? 1=Very Conservative, while 5=Very Liberal ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 5)
Number of responses: 110
Mean = 3.8
1 0.0%
2 6.4%
3 19.1%
4 60.9%
5 13.6%

QUESTION 5:
Who did you vote for in the presidential election in 2000?
A. Al Gore
B. George W. Bush
C. Ralph Nader
D. I did not vote
E. Other (Please Specify) [Text response limited to 250 characters]
Number of responses: 110
A. 34.5%
B. 9.1%
C. 1.8%
D. 49.1%
E. 5.5%
Number of text responses to final choice: 6

QUESTION 6:
Who did you vote for in the presidential election in 2004?
A. John Kerry
B. George W. Bush
C. Ralph Nader
D. I did not vote
E. Other (Please Specify) [Text response limited to 250 characters]
Number of responses: 110
A. 56.4%
B. 14.5%
C. 0.0%
D. 24.5%
E. 4.5%
Number of text responses to final choice: 5

QUESTION 7:
If you did not vote in the 2004 election, please briefly explain why you did not vote. (Text response limited to 500 characters)
Number of responses: 30

QUESTION 8:
Which of the following Supreme Court Justices do you admire most? More than one may be selected.
A. Clarence Thomas
B. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
C. Sandra Day O'Conner
D. John Roberts
E. Stephen Breyer
F. Anthony Kennedy
G. John Paul Stevens
H. David Souter
I. Antonin Scalia
J. None
Number of responses: 94
(Multiple selections per response are allowed.)
A. 2.1%
B. 23.4%
C. 52.1%
D. 13.8%
E. 12.8%
F. 4.3%
G. 7.4%
H. 5.3%
I. 7.4%
J. 21.3%

QUESTION 9:
Do you think Alito should be confirmed to the Supreme Court?
A. Yes
B. No
C. I don't care
Number of responses: 101
A. 28.7%
B. 56.4%
C. 14.9%

QUESTION 10:
Do you believe that the U.S. should have Universal Healthcare?
A. Yes
B. No
Number of responses: 106
A. 80.2%
B. 19.8%

QUESTION 11:
If you care to, briefly describe why you chose your answer. (Text response limited to 400 characters)
Number of responses: 41

QUESTION 12:
Which best describes your view concerning same-sex marriage?
A. Same-sex couples should be able to marry
B. Same-sex couples should be able to enter civil unions, but not marry
C. Same-sex couples should not be able to marry or enter into civil unions
D. Other [Text response limited to 250 characters]
Number of responses: 110
A. 78.2%
B. 14.5%
C. 5.5%
D. 1.8%
Number of text responses to final choice: 1

QUESTION 13:
Is the U.S. safer now that Saddam has been removed from power?
A. Yes, much safer
B. Yes, slightly safer
C. No, the same
D. No, slightly less safe
E. No, much less safe
Number of responses: 108
A. 7.4%
B. 18.5%
C. 28.7%
D. 34.3%
E. 11.1%

QUESTION 14:
Was the U.S. justified in invading Afganistan?
A. Yes
B. No
Number of responses: 106
A. 69.8%
B. 30.2%

QUESTION 15:
Was the U.S. justified in invading Iraq?
A. Yes
B. No
Number of responses: 107
A. 18.7%
B. 81.3%

QUESTION 16:
Which of the following best represents your view concerning troops in Iraq?
A. There should be no timetable for withdrawel
B. There should be a timetable for withdrawel of the troops
C. The troops should be withdrawn immediately
D. We should send more troops to Iraq
Number of responses: 106
A. 23.6%
B. 65.1%
C. 9.4%
D. 1.9%

QUESTION 17:
Which of the following best describes your attitude toward guns?
A. They should be legal and without restrictions
B. They should be legal, but with some restrictions
C. They should be legal, but with major restrictions
D. They should be outlawed
Number of responses: 110
A. 0.0%
B. 13.6%
C. 61.8%
D. 24.5%

QUESTION 18:
Should abortion be legal?
A. Yes, without restrictions
B. Yes, but with some restrictions
C. No
Number of responses: 109
A. 41.3%
B. 49.5%
C. 9.2%

QUESTION 19:
How would you rate George W. Bush's overall job performance? 1 indicates strong disapproval, whereas 10 indicates strong approval. ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 10)
Number of responses: 109
Mean = 2.8
1 32.1%
2 22.9%
3 21.1%
4 7.3%
5 6.4%
6 2.8%
7 1.8%
8 3.7%
9 0.0%
10 1.8%

The following questions are scaled from 1-5. An answer of 1 means that you agree strongly with a conservative viewpoint, and an answer of 5 means you agree strongly with a liberal viewpoint.
QUESTION 20:
In general, where do you stand on social issues? (Abortion, Same-sex marriage, Seperation of Church and State) ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 5)
Number of responses: 109
Mean = 4.0
1 8.3%
2 11.0%
3 1.8%
4 29.4%
5 49.5%

QUESTION 21:
In general, where do you stand on foreign policy? ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 5)
Number of responses: 106
Mean = 3.5
1 7.5%
2 11.3%
3 26.4%
4 34.9%
5 19.8%

QUESTION 22:
In general, where you stand on economic issues? (Taxes, etc.) ((Select number on a scale from 1 to 5)
Number of responses: 109
Mean = 3.4
1 7.3%
2 15.6%
3 26.6%
4 28.4%
5 22.0%

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

I would also go with the west coast (U Wash, OHSU, UCSF being the ones I know the most about) for most liberal. I have to object, though, to the midwest being labeled more conservative. There are strong pockets of "blueness," particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which were both blue states last election. I would say that the two U of MN schools and the U of WI are all pretty liberal.

I'm curious about this issue too because I don't tend to get along too well with very conservative people--does anyone know anything about Northwestern? (I've been accepted there and am trying to decide.)

but do you know if mayo is very liberal? i just looked up the voter registration data in rochester, minnesota (where mayo is), and it is 46% democrat and 52% republican. add to that the question on drug use i believe they include in their secondary (and do they have a dress code for mayo clinic?) and i picture them being somewhat conservative. anyone have an idea?

oh, and i second the notion of pointing out that IL, WI, MI, and MN are NOT a part of "dumbf@ckistan" (hey, SNL said it--i'm just quoting here . . .).

 

[jbrice1639]

hmm...49% did not vote, yet 0% consider themselves politically apathetic...it must be those strong skills of logic and deduction that got them into med school in the first place 😉

 

[Rafa]

hmm...49% did not vote, yet 0% consider themselves politically apathetic...it must be those strong skills of logic and deduction that got them into med school in the first place 😉

In 2000, I'd imagine most of the non-votes came from 17 year olds who wouldn't have been old enough to vote.

 

[newguy357]

Hey thanks for posting the Harvard data. I'm really glad I haven't heard anything from them now. I know Boston is a center of elitist liberalism but I had no idea people at Harvard were that extreme.

 

[Mateodaspy]

hmm...49% did not vote, yet 0% consider themselves politically apathetic...it must be those strong skills of logic and deduction that got them into med school in the first place 😉

yeah, those were likely almost entirely those who were not yet 18 on election day '00... the ones who actually were 18 and did not vote, probably didn't respond to the survey =p

 

[MollyMalone]

If someone would describe to me the difference between a "liberal" and an "elitist liberal," I'd be most grateful. It's so hard not knowing which one I am.

 

[DrRads101]

^

I would say if you think a conservative is less intelligent/knowledgable than you, or if you refer to the red states as things like "Jesusland" or "Dumbf*ckistan," than you are probably an "elitist" liberal.

 

[MollyMalone]

^

I would say if you think a conservative is less intelligent/knowledgable than you, or if you refer to the red states as things like "Jesusland" or "Dumbf*ckistan," than you are probably an "elitist" liberal.

OK, that's pretty clear. So what is the correct term to use for someone who applies the "elitist" label to a large population of liberals without having any idea of the individual attitudes involved?

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it! 🙂

 

[kovalchuk]

^

I would say if you think a conservative is less intelligent/knowledgable than you, or if you refer to the red states as things like "Jesusland" or "Dumbf*ckistan," than you are probably an "elitist" liberal.

I believe the proper term is "liberal elitist", anyway.

 

[DrRads101]

OK, that's pretty clear. So what is the correct term to use for someone who applies the "elitist" label to a large population of liberals without having any idea of the individual attitudes involved?

Someone who is overgeneralizing? I don't know... are you really seriously asking and why? Besides I haven't seen anyone in this thread that has done that, just someone who said that Boston is a center of liberal elitism, which it is.

 

[infiniti]

So ctwickman, would you say northwestern (the med school of course) is liberal? Just curious.

 

[DrRads101]

So ctwickman, would you say northwestern (the med school of course) is liberal? Just curious.

What's up infiniti... it's hard to say.... politics pretty much never enters class or discussion. I would say seeing that everyone is young and in their 20's, it is probably much more liberal than the general population, but since people are a little older and more diverse being from all around the country, it is probably not as ultra left as, let's say, a liberal undergrad. As far as the admin, no idea. Politics isn't really on the menu.

 

[chef_NU]

Heh medical students are right out of lliberal-brainwashing-school a.k.a. college and have never payed taxes in their lives (except maybe the $75 they paid on their outback host/hostess summer job). Of course everyone is hardcore liberal.

 

[MollyMalone]

Someone who is overgeneralizing? I don't know... are you really seriously asking and why? Besides I haven't seen anyone in this thread that has done that, just someone who said that Boston is a center of liberal elitism, which it is.

I'm not really being serious. The reference to Boston was not the only reference to liberal elites, or elitist liberals, or whatever concatenation of words one wants to put together, in this thread, and the term is bandied about in other threads, too.

It ticks me off because I never see anyone say, "oh, regular liberals are fine, it's just those elitist liberals that I can't stand." The implication in the general use of the term seems to be that all liberals are elitist snobs, which is untrue and just another smear tactic. I encounter more conservative snobs than liberal ones, but the term "conservative elitism" doesn't seem to have made its way into the vernacular.

Of course, this is all off-topic and I apologize for any thread derailment as a result of my procrastination fueled ranting. 🙂

 

[infiniti]

Ok. Thanks, ctwickman.

 

[Mateodaspy]

This stems from a conversation I was having with someone at Pritzker's second look on Monday, but I wanted the entire forum's opinion. Which schools have the most conservative student bodies, and which are the most liberal? I have a few specific schools in mind (obviously, ones I'm considering), which are Harvard (hopefully), Pritzker, Vanderbilt, and Wash U - which has the most liberal med students, and whose are the most conservative? Also, if you guys want to discuss other schools, too, that's cool by me, but if someone with some level of knowledge could rank those, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, y'all!

j/c but are you looking for a med school with a particular political bend?

 

[Keg]

j/c but are you looking for a med school with a particular political bend?

Not particularly, but since I'm going to be somewhere for the next four years, I want it to be somewhere I can be happy. I'm a very politically conscious person and am opinionated on many topics, and I don't want to be at a school where I don't feel comfortable expressing my views amongst my peers. Now then, I don't know if that's a problem at any medical schools (hopefully everyone would be open-minded and accepting of all views, at least publicly), but as I have yet to revisit everywhere I've gotten in, I was just wondering if anyone else had a feel of these schools' pulses with regards to the political clime.

 

[browniegirl86]

hey, i'm just surfin' on through pre-allo, but I'll weigh in for Wash U. I'd say we're pretty moderate overall with a few people who are really polarized to one side or the other. As a whole, I'll say we're just a shade left of center.

can't speak for other schools, hope that helps (although honestly I can't think of what difference this information could make)

Yep, at my WashU interview we talked about the recent passing of proposition 2 (an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage/civil unions) in Texas. And I was strongly against the amendment, and my interviewer and I had a good talk about why I felt it was a violation of civil rights for it to pass. 😍

 

[Tiki]

Heh medical students are right out of lliberal-brainwashing-school a.k.a. college and have never payed taxes in their lives (except maybe the $75 they paid on their outback host/hostess summer job). Of course everyone is hardcore liberal.

Speak for yourself. I worked for six years before I started medical school and I'm still pretty liberal. 🙄

 

[Gut Shot]

Speak for yourself. I worked for six years before I started medical school and I'm still pretty liberal. 🙄

Tell me about it. One of my brothers cleared seven figures last year (he's in a lucrative specialty in a lucrative part of the country) and he's the most liberal guy in the family.

 

[lingonberry]

I would also go with the west coast (U Wash, OHSU, UCSF being the ones I know the most about) for most liberal. I have to object, though, to the midwest being labeled more conservative. There are strong pockets of "blueness," particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin, which were both blue states last election. I would say that the two U of MN schools and the U of WI are all pretty liberal.

Yeah, I don't like it when people say the midwest is more "conservative." I'm going to med school in New York City and I'd say this city is quite a bit more conservative than Minnesota (where I'm from). Just as an example, I don't think New York has as much as a safety net for uninsured people. By the way, MN hasn't voted for a republican for president since Nixon in 1972, I believe, and even that was out of character.

I was about to add that MN is the home state of Walter Mondale and Bob Dylan, which seem like good liberal credentials--but then I remembered that Tammy Faye Baker hails from International Falls, and she probably cancels them both out...

 

[lingonberry]

but do you know if mayo is very liberal? i just looked up the voter registration data in rochester, minnesota (where mayo is), and it is 46% democrat and 52% republican. add to that the question on drug use i believe they include in their secondary (and do they have a dress code for mayo clinic?) and i picture them being somewhat conservative. anyone have an idea?

I can't speak for the medical school, but the city of Rochester does have a reputation for being a bit stuffy. Maybe they have a dress code at Mayo so that people driving through don't mistake them for farmers! The place is pretty much surrounded by cornfields.

 

[MNsocsci]

**Laughing about Tammy Faye** I didn't know she was from MN!

About Mayo: I found it hard to get a feeling of its political leanings when I interviewed there. Generally, rural MN, like rural anywhere, is more conservative, but since Rochester is mostly made up of the Mayo Clinic and IBM it's a little different from most rural areas.

They paid a lot of lip service to valuing service (they say that part of the reason they are so generous with scholarships is that they want their students to be able to make "altruistic career decisions") However, the hospitals are filled with million dollar artwork (Chihuly glass chandeliers/sculptures) and marble everything. There aren't many poor in Rochester and I didn't hear about many service opportunities at Mayo. So, basically, I don't know. I guess from the previous post it looks like Rochester has roughly equal conservatives and liberals so I guess students of either persuasion could find like minds there.

 

[MedicineNutt]

this thread is very good...keep it going 🙂

 

[NonTradMed]

^

I would say if you think a conservative is less intelligent/knowledgable than you, or if you refer to the red states as things like "Jesusland" or "Dumbf*ckistan," than you are probably an "elitist" liberal.

Hehe, what about people who are living in Jesusland right now, and think alot of people here are less intelligent/knowledgeable than me? Hey, it's the truth. Half the kids I meet here have never left the state, and think it's weird that I'm not Christian (and never have been).

Do I get to be called an elitist too? I don't mind being called an elitist liberal, 'elitist' has a nice right to it, doesn't it? Really feeds my ego. 😀

But yeah, it's kind of weird that conservatives who liberals are dumb aren't called 'conservative elitists'. Double standard methinks.....

But yeah, I've lived ten years in the the midwest, have to say that only one of the three states I've lived in is truly conservative in the 'omigod, I can't believe people here are so backward'. The other two are pretty chill. But my first true love is the true blue state of my childhood. Alas, I'm stuck here in one of the redest state in the country for four years. I really dislike the state I'm living in right now....the weather sucks, people can't drive AND to top it off, everyone is soooo conservative.

I think I'll use this time to spread my elitist liberal ways to all those nonbelievers. 😀

 

[newguy357]

But yeah, it's kind of weird that conservatives who liberals are dumb aren't called 'conservative elitists'. Double standard methinks.....

Either a double standard or, more likely, your definition sucks. Elitist liberals are those liberals that think society needs their help. They're meddlers that won't leave people alone. They think they're the best and brightest of society and that the poor need/want their help. There are certainly conservatives who care about only running their businesses and getting wealthy, but at least there aren't very many who insult the masses by insinuating we need their help. Thus, conservatives are rarely elitist, given that, the common definition. Elitist liberals should go back to their hand-wringing in their ivory towers and leave us alone. We don't need your help. As Lewis said, it's better to be ruled by robber barons than moral busybodies.

 

[sanford_w/o_son]

Either a double standard or, more likely, your definition sucks. Elitist liberals are those liberals that think society needs their help. They're meddlers that won't leave people alone. They think they're the best and brightest of society and that the poor need/want their help. There are certainly conservatives who care about only running their businesses and getting wealthy, but at least there aren't very many who insult the masses by insinuating we need their help. Thus, conservatives are rarely elitist, given that, the common definition. Elitist liberals should go back to their hand-wringing in their ivory towers and leave us alone. We don't need your help. As Lewis said, it's better to be ruled by robber barons than moral busybodies.

yes, conservatives are often selfishly focused on economic interests, and/or lacking in a social conscience for those beyond their particular demographic. so, what is it you are so proud of . . . ?

 

[MedicineNutt]

definitely not true^^...conservatives are just against every liberal action in changing or rewriting laws leading to a bad cause, such as abortion, homosexuality (marriage license to them), etc.

just like liberalism, conservatism is not an inherited value rather someone sees it as the right way to look at things; however, at the end of the day liberals/conservatives shouldnt worry about nothing b/c this country will do its best to take care of its citizens...no matter how bad they treat us...let's not take for granted the many privileges we have been given by our government...it doesn't matter if you're liberal/conservative; this country is gonna take care of you regardless

 

[HMSNeuro]

yes, conservatives are often selfishly focused on economic interests, and/or lacking in a social conscience for those beyond their particular demographic. so, what is it you are so proud of . . . ?

HA, laughable at best.

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/cfp/db/generosity.php?year=2005

Look for trends in "liberal" vs "conservative" states.

 

[Rockhouse]

HA, laughable at best.

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/cfp/db/generosity.php?year=2005

Look for trends in "liberal" vs "conservative" states.

Awesome. Those money sucking bast@rds have done it again. It is all a vast RWC anyway, right?

 

[swifty100850]

HA, laughable at best.

http://www.catalogueforphilanthropy.org/cfp/db/generosity.php?year=2005

Look for trends in "liberal" vs "conservative" states.

Awesome! thanks for sharing 👍

 

[pagemmapants]

Nicely done HMSNeuro.

 

[Camel]

definitely not true^^...conservatives are just against every liberal action in changing or rewriting laws leading to a bad cause, such as abortion, homosexuality (marriage license to them), etc.

just like liberalism, conservatism is not an inherited value rather someone sees it as the right way to look at things; however, at the end of the day liberals/conservatives shouldnt worry about nothing b/c this country will do its best to take care of its citizens...no matter how bad they treat us...let's not take for granted the many privileges we have been given by our government...it doesn't matter if you're liberal/conservative; this country is gonna take care of you regardless

I don't really have a stance, and I don't mean to denounce one side or another on this, but I was under the impression that our government was given ITS powers by us... Just a thought.

 

[Camel]

Ah, one other thought regarding the link posted by HMSneuro. If I'm not mistaken (and I'm certainly no expert on this), liberals typically view the government as having more responsibility in helping the poor and thus favor paying for social programs via that route, whereas conservatives are more likely to support religious-based organizations with donations and abhor the idea of government-sponsored programs.

I'm not assigning right or wrong, just tracking thought processes. Personally, I dunno if I'll ever be able to decide a right or wrong in politics 🙂 As long as this discussion remains amicable, it'll be sweet to read.

 

[browniegirl86]

conservatives are just against every liberal action in changing or rewriting laws leading to a bad cause, such as abortion, homosexuality (marriage license to them), etc.

👎

Attitudes like this are the reason that conservatives (who are definitely not like this as a whole) are labeled as bigots, homophobes, etc.

 

[chef_NU]

Hey what about the libertarians in here... people who want limited government period. People who think the individual should make financial and personal decisions, not the government. Do what you want with your money. Make your own personal ethical decisions. Government is there to make sure that we maintain freedom and our freedom doesn't intrude on that of others. The whole liberal/conservative thing doesn't make sense to me. I am economically conservative and socially liberal. Want to gay marry? Fine. That's your deal. Want to spend your income on inefficient public works projects? Fine. That's your deal. Just don't pretend that you know best. And don't tell me how to live my life.

 

[MedicineNutt]

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Attitudes like this are the reason that conservatives (who are definitely not like this as a whole) are labeled as bigots, homophobes, etc.

LOL if you really do some deep thinking on these kind of issues perhaps you will arrive to the conclusion that conservatives are credible thinkers...im not trying to be biased, but some things that conservatives do/say influence me...however, liberals can make excellent points on some issues regarding economics (taxes,etc)

 

[MedicineNutt]

Hey what about the libertarians in here... people who want limited government period. People who think the individual should make financial and personal decisions, not the government. Do what you want with your money. Make your own personal ethical decisions. Government is there to make sure that we maintain freedom and our freedom doesn't intrude on that of others. The whole liberal/conservative thing doesn't make sense to me. I am economically conservative and socially liberal. Want to gay marry? Fine. That's your deal. Want to spend your income on inefficient public works projects? Fine. That's your deal. Just don't pretend that you know best. And don't tell me how to live my life.

said like a true soldier

 

[browniegirl86]

LOL if you really do some deep thinking on these kind of issues perhaps you will arrive to the conclusion that conservatives are credible thinkers...im not trying to be biased, but some things that conservatives do/say influence me...however, liberals can make excellent points on some issues regarding economics (taxes,etc)

I don't really understand what you're trying to say in this post.

All I was pointing out is the language you used in your earlier post (which, in an internet forum, is the only way for me to understand your attitude) was offensive and prejudiced. I can respect either a conservative or liberal take on any issue, even if I disagree, as long as it's clear that all sides of the issue have been taken into consideration. So when someone calls homosexuality "bad," I have to wonder if that person has really thought about what he or she is saying, or if he or she is just jumping on a party bandwagon. Many liberals let this type of language shape their perception of ALL conservatives, when in reality most conservative people don't have these very generalized, one-sided opinions. Same goes for the conservative perception of liberals.

Sorry if I was unclear.