I'm shamelessly stealing this from a Massachusetts blog, "Speak Out Southbridge!" (a conservative/Republican blog, BTW).
The questions asked in this post are extremely timely, given that both the AZ Democrats and the AZ Republicans are holding their biannual reorganization meetings this weekend.
From Speak Out Southbridge! -
Conservative or Liberal
These are honest questions, because I am sincerely past the point of being confused. I hope that those who respond will speak from their hearts.
Do you consider yourself a liberal or a conservative? Why? What do you think defines you as a conservative/liberal?
To what do you most object about those who identify themselves as liberals if you are a conservative or about conservatives if you are a liberal?
Again, to both sides, what could the other side say that would make you listen to them and open a real conversation?
I hope that we can, indeed, “put away childish things” and start a conversation. Perhaps our differences are not as great as our aspirations.
Kenneth M. O'Brien
Like Mr. O'Brien, I'm not confused - I'm a liberal and proud of it. I'm curious, though, about why other people are liberals/conservatives/whatevers. Please feel free to respond in a comment. It doesn't have to be a complete answer, in fact, a complete and honest answer would probably be too nuanced and long to fit in this forum.
And even if you the reader don't respond in writing, this sort of question and the introspection it provokes is wholly appropriate as our state parties and indeed, our country, try to chart a new course as we enter the Age of Obama.
Oh yeah - and as we enter the 2010 election cycle. :))
Oh yeah2, try to keep it civil. :)
Later!
