Is being pro-American being conservative - serious question?
965072
Of course not.  You have the right to state your opinion.  Anyway, who cares?  You are taking care of your business, right?  Remember, never argue with an idiot.  If he wants to argue with you, point out your avatar at the top of the page that says "best answerer."
955942
As much as I'd like to appreciate the sentiments that you were wrong in attacking liberals, I have to think that your probably are one yourself, and that you're doing the same thing as all the conservative dingbats on here, just with less verbal abuse.\n\nEither that, or you are hardcore conservative, and you're just doing that to criticize us later on.\n\nI hope you aren't either case, and if I'm wrong, I truly apologize, but I just have this feeling.
584508
I am a liberal, and just like I have reached my political convictions through extensive consideration of issues and through allegiance to principles I hold dear, I have no reason whatsoever to presume that this is not the case for conservatives.  I am sure that like the vast majority of Republicans, you support the Republican party for a variety of worthy and noble reasons.  I hope you have a great night, and that you disabuse yourself of the notion that the people who may insult you online for your beliefs represent the generality of liberals.
604448
I think it's all a matter of perception. When liberals, such as myself, do present evidence to back a claim up, it is often viewed by SOME neocon nutjobs as vicious and nearsighted when in fact it proves to be the truth in my (our) estimation. I suggest taking a broader look at any political issue and then view it from different perspectives, i.e. race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, etc., then ask yourself "if I was in their position what would be acceptable and reasonable". It all comes down to ones perception, when it comes to our great country it behooves us (citizens) to think with our brains and NOT our hearts. Now go have nice tall glass of Kool-Aid and think about what I just said.
505583
A conservative liberal is someone who is mostly liberal but conservative on some issues. I know it seems ridiculous because it appears to be an oxymoron, but it is not. This alleged oxymoron is similar to the United States being a Democratic Republic. It is such because we use some elements of democracy (like voting-- in a true democracy EVERYONE votes on EVERY issue, rather than having a congress) but our government has also been influenced by the ways of a republic (having senators, etc., which is similar to the ways of Ancient Rome).\n\nFor example, I consider myself to be a conservative liberal as I am liberal on most social issues involving human rights, such as gay marriage because I believe that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, deserves the right of marriage. However, I am conservative on issues like immigration because I believe that only people who intend to gain citizenship, pay taxes, learn to speak English, and have a stable job should be allowed to immigrate. I happen to feel this way because, although I value their addition culturally, we cannot finance the welfare for people who do not help fund the services they are receiving.
762915
Neddie...have you checked the ratings you're getting for these Q's lately?  Your followers have deserted you and been replaced by a pretty rowdy bunch here!\n\nIf your positions represent the majority of Americans, why isn't that reflected in this forum?  By the way, do you agree with the platforms of the (mostly conservative) Democratic saviors who just got elected?  \n\nA simple yes or no doesn't work, does it.  Why?...it's because life, politics and even Yahoo Answers is complicated.  Don't be afraid of nuance.  It sure beats trying to to fit every odd-shaped peg into one size hole.\n\nI'm getting worried about you.  Maybe you need a little vacation, or perhaps some Yoga and deep breathing execises.  Relax...it's just politics!
614886
I think it's that the opposite of liberal is conservative.  Conservatives favor the ways and institutions of the past, and would like to revert to them.  And many republicans are conservatives.  Their ideal is therefor the polar opposite of liberals.  And no, I don't think there's anything wrong with liberals, both keeping an open mind and respecting the past seem like good ideas to me.  That's why I couldn't be a member of the press.  I make too much sense and am too respectful of other peoples opinions.
967243
Being a liberal is being a constitutionalists. Being a conservativist is more difficult to define precisely due to the different categories of conservatism.  There is the so-called compassionate conservative, the fiscally conservative and lastly there is the socially conservative.\n\nIn an attempt to answer your question, I will elaborate on my personal liberal reasons for leaning far left.\n\nI believe in freedom of speech, separation of church and state, a person's right to bear arms, in the Bill of Rights making all ppl equal and believe that minorities should not be discriminated against, etc... I believe in the constitution and fully support this great nation's Supreme Court's interpretation of it. \n\nI do NOT believe in majority rule or changing the constitution just because the majority says so. \n\nI believe this country CORE value is the right of the ONE!\n\nIn more detail, here is why I am a 'liberal' and a democrat:\n\n- I believe in war as a last resort or unless we or an ally have been attacked. IEs, Gulf War and Pearl Harbor\n- I believe in UN support and if the UN is corrupt, instead of bailing on them, fix it.\n- I believe we have a duty to pay our elderly social security because they paid those funds when they were working. That is like robbing them if we do not pay it back.\n- I do not believe trickle down economics of Reagan, Bush Sr, and Bush Jr works. It never works. I believe in Clinton's economic system that is commonly referred to as Pay-As-You-Go... I believe in fiscal responsibility to not burden our children with our large debts.\n- I believe in FDR's New Deal that the republican party has been trying to destroy piece by piece.\n- I believe our social programs that keep families from living under bridges prevent us from becoming a 3rd world country.\n- I believe in welfare but I also believe in Clinton's welfare reform where it is limited to 2 to 3 years in a lifetime. This prevents ppl from living on it their entire life; thereby, prevents welfare abuse.\n- I believe in universal healthcare because a healthy nation is a powerful nation and also the pharmcy/insurance companies are corrupt.\n- I believe in government regulation of monopolies such as power/energy, cable and telephone companies. Everytime the government deregulates these industries, they promise the price will go down but it never does... it always increases thereby increases the cost of living.\n- I do not believe in making laws that violate constiutional rights... such as the Patriot Act or even seatbelt laws.\n- I do not believe in making new laws everytime a problem arises; but rather, to fix the problem.\n- I believe in gay marriage because gay ppl pay taxes too and heteorsexual couples should not be given special rights by the states just because they are straight. Otherwise take away those special rights and don't allow the state to recognize anyone's marriage.\n- I believe in a woman's right to choose because just as the Supreme Court has ruled, a woman has a constitutional right to privacy over what happens to her body.\n- I believe in the right to own a gun because it is a constitutional right.\n- I believe in the constitution 110% and the liberties it allows each citizen.\n- I am anti-illegal immigration because simply, they break the law by entering illegally therefore are criminals.\n- I believe in complete separation of church and state per the constitution and as interpreted by Thomas Jefferson who stated, "thus building a wall of separation between Church and State"\n- I believe in SMALL GOVERNMENT in terms of big brother staying the hell out of my business. I've never participated in a census and refuse to. I am a LIBERAL and believe government has NO RIGHT to stick its nose in my business.
803279
First, it seems that many of you are taking the "conservative viewpoint" to heart - I don't think that it means each and every single person who might align themself with the conservative thinking just as one can't make a generalization about each and every single liberal.  While I can't be sure of the actual intent of the question, it doesn't sound like it is implying that EVERY SINGLE PERSON who calls themself conservative believes that.  \n\nIt seems that in the same way conservatives are misunderstood, so are liberals, and socialists, and marxists, and moderates, etc.  \n\nSecond, Heidi 4, "you want everything to be given to you" is a huge assumption, I would say.  Clearly nothing comes for free, ESPECIALLY in the United States, but does that mean that we, as a nation, can't figure out a way to provide at least basic healthcare for all at a reasonable cost (to all), or stop depending on oil so heavily?  A few European countries have amazing universal health for hardly the cost that we pay for an uninsured hospital visit.  Technology to decrease our dependence on oil has been invented but is being held back from the public...but why?\n\nThirdly, a few mentioned dedicating your life to service.  How unoriginal.  Love thy neighbor doesn't mean dedicate your life to servitude but to give respect to all - whether you agree with them or not, everyone is a human being with thoughts and feelings and opinions and different life experiences.  \n\nFinally, concerning "deplete and destroy what was divinely given to humans" is actually a very interesting point.  This can be pinned to everyone regardless of religious affiliation but it does seem the most contradictory for those who do believe that god created all.  It's a slap in the face saying, "You gave it all to us and you gave us brains-  ha ha ha- we sure can't take care of it because we all want money which is something that humans invented, not you!  Ha- you sure misjudged us."  Well put.
1007138
I suppose that, in this instance, I would side with the mainstream democrats, not the 6 or so that keep voting for "Come home now!"\nThat was context.\n\nI'm not opposed to the war on terror. For example, I believe we should have gone into Afghanistan. That made sense.\nIraq didn't. That's my firm OPINION. I support the war on Terror, but I don't support what I perceive to be the war on terror destroying what the United States IS. For example, we've seen the executive use the war on terror to deny hundreds and hundreds of folks their right to not be held without reason. The Supreme Court just labeled Guantanamo that, I think quite clearly. \n\nTo answer your question more directly, I am an absolutist. I believe that occasions where relativism fits morally are created by prior fails to 'do the right thing.' Like the example of "What if you were hiding Jews, and the SS asked you if you were. Would you LIE?" Well, this example, which seems to support moral relativism, is caused by the SS's failure to observe basic morality. So I am an absolutist. I believe in a firm list of right & wrong. I believe in absolutes, and absolute truth. (I'm a christian; not much of a way around it for us, is there?)\nI believe firmly that it is wrong to kill non-combatants for political/military ends. This is what terrorism is. I believe this is universally, always, everywhere, wrong. And I support our government for attacking it.\nI do not support our government when it uses this good thing as a pretext to do other things.\n\n-Stephen
1116855
I wouldn't go that far. I know several Republicans who are quite firm in their beliefs (most of them can't stand Bush, but that's another issue) I'd think of it more as theory vs. reality - it's easy to believe something until you see the effect it has on people. Like the old joke goes, a conservative is a liberla who's been mugged.
896247
I'm conservative on a number of issues. I'm opposed to abortion on demand and I'm opposed to gay marriage, as two examples of that.\n\nBut I generally support the ACLU.\n\nA lot of conservatives want to overcome 'political correctness' in society, as do I. But political correctness slices both ways. There's liberal PC and there's conservative PC. Neither can be allowed to influence the laws of the land.\n\nThe ACLU is as likely to fight for someone's right to protest at an abortion clinic or a gay parade as they are to fight for someone's right to protest at a Republican rally or a church.\n\nThe ACLU is a nonpartisan organization that stands in defense of civil liberties. Not just yours or mine, but everyones.\n\nSometimes they defend people I find vile and potentially dangerous, but they do it to protect the principle of civil freedom...for all people, including you. They are not advocating for pornography or homosexuality... they are advocating for individual freedom and free expression. If those things can be taken away from gays or pornographers, they can be taken away from you too. You can't have it both ways.
768951
THANK YOU.  I have experienced the very same thing in this forum.  It's the reason I mention the fact that I am a moderate Independent so often.  I'm tired of being labeled a left wing liberal because I don't agree with the ultra-conservative Republicans.  I'm not real fond of extremism in either camp, but lately I have disagreed with the Republican manner of handling this country.  Contrary to their beliefs that does NOT make me a freaking liberal.
644684
Well, isn't asking questions like you ask a way of looking for debate? I happen to agree with your viewpoint, but when I see a question like "Why can't we all be good Americans & just support our great President Bush?", I get pretty hot under the collar myself. People like to argue, and hope to somehow "convince" you that you are wrong. Human nature. Keep asking questions, not just here, but everywhere.
1081156
What constitutes a "conservative" changes with time just as what defines a liberal, Republican, or Democrat.\n\nI think I have rather good credentials as a conservative. I list them so you can understand my current position.\n\nI was a founding member of the Conservative Party of New York State before I was old enough to vote. Even though I was only 15 years old  I was elected the Vice chairman of the Queens County Conservative Party Club (the largest in the state). I was a vice chairman of Youth for Goldwater and a chairman of Young Americans for Freedom. \n\nAfter college when I moved to Missouri I was elected a Republican committeeman, a member of the Republican State Committee, and chairman of the Republican City Central Committee.\n\nI ran (unsuccessfully) for congress at the personal request of President Ronald Reagan who campaigned for me and helped me raise campaign funding. \n\nI have managed campaigns, been a fund raiser for and a political consultant to a large number of  Republican candidates and elected officials including half a dozen United States Senators and two dozen congressman.  \n\nYet despite this history I did not vote for George Bush in either presidential election and have left the Republican Party to become a Libertarian.\n\nGeorge Bush and the current Republican leadership know as much about traditional Conservative principles as Jennifer Lopez knows about the Talmud.\n\nTraditional conservatives believe in fiscal responsibility. \n\nGeorge W. has given us a huge budget deficit. He has signed pork laden spending bills authorizing billions for absurdities like a bridge to nowhere in Alaska and a Museum to the Packard Automobile in Ohio.\n\nTraditional conservatives believe, like George Washington, in "avoiding foreign entanglements." \n\nGeorge W. has sent American troops to the other side of the globe to "nation build."\n\nTraditional conservatives believe in state's rights. \n\nGeorge W. has sought to oust the jurisdiction of Florida State courts when he didn't like the outcome of the Schivo case. He seeks a constitutional amendment concerning marriage, a traditional state prerogative. He uses Federal authority to deal with K-12 education, another local prerogative (and responsibility). \n\nTraditional conservatives believe in individual rights. \n\nGeorge W. has used the so called Patriot Act to violate those rights. He has directed the NSA to conduct covert surveillance of American citizens. He attacks the rights of homosexuals. [NB:Barry Goldwater, iconic conservative leader, once said, "You don't have to BE straight to be in the army, you have to SHOOT straight"]\n\nIt is clear that what passes for "conservatism" today is far removed from the traditional conservatism of men like Senator Barry Goldwater. It won't pass muster with me or anyone else who believes that what a real conservative seeks to conserve is, first and foremost, the Constitution.
450725
Well, I consider myself moderate- leaning conservative, but I don't think there's a problem with having the liberal point of view.  There's nothing wrong with being conservative or liberal, but no matter where you are on the spectrum, there is something wrong with intolerance toward another person's point of view.\n\nI will agree that there are some on both sides that are an embarrassment both to their ideologies, as well as the United States.  But remember that single events (such as Jane Fonda's trip to Hanoi during the Vietnam War) may not be characteristic of all people holding that point of view.\n\nI would like to close with two of my favorite quotes regarding differing ideologies:\n     1.  I may not agree with what you have to say, but I would fight to the death for your right to say it.\n     2.  Just because we don't see eye to eye doesn't mean we can't stand side by side.\n\n\nI hope this helps.
306262
Personally, I believe that liberals are a valuable part of the democratic institution in the United States. So are conservatives. Discussion and debate is healthy for our republic and should be encouraged. Uniformity in thinking and political ideology is what leads to things like fascism, dictatorship and/or totalitarianism. \n\nIn the words of former President Theordore Roosevelt: "To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." \n\nAs a moderate conservative, I have no problem with liberals. I disagree with them and their political beliefs but welcome them in the political process and debate.