I'm a liberal and I'm here to learn

[rogerv]

Hi, gang,

I was a regular contributor to the Kerry Online Forum and am now a regular contributor to the Common Ground Common Sense forum. I am a liberal, but I'll be the first to admit, I don't have all the answers. In fact, many of hte questions that matter to me probably matter to you too. I'm concerned with questions about how to tame power, whether governmental or corporate. I'm concern with the rule of law and how we can get the powerful to take it seriously. I'm concerned with the erosion of civil liberties. And yes, I am concerned about some things you may associate with liberalism--social safety nets and taking care of those who fall through the institutional cracks.

I'm here because I think agreement is overrated and that critics can be your best friends: they keep you from getting sloppy or careless. At any rate, I think there are things I can learn from you. I don't expect you are all agreed on anything--I expect there is a lot of diversity of opinion here. If you are interested in what I have said over at Common Ground Common Sense, I'm using the same handle both places, and you should feel free to come over and look around.

Anyway, I'm new here. Anybody care to give me a tour?

[Lando Lincoln]

Agreed. I see no reason for a Zot here unless this goes off into one of the usual rants about the evil boooosh, etc.

Yes, I think those nervous FReepers should place the Zot guns on stun only and keep their fingers off the trigger.

Lando

[stubernx98]

Welcome,

Subscribe to the WSJ and read the editorial page. There is a great article in today's WSJ comparing American individualism with Europe's Socialism. It's "Trust the People" by Brian Wexbury, he is an economist.

Join Heritage Foundation, they have some great conservative thinkers, and people who can explain the conservative ideas very well.

After a month or two go read Al Hunt (late of the WSJ, token Liberal)and compare the arguments.

Check back in a while and gives us your take on the comparative philosophies.

[rogerv]

Yes, I did.

[Red in Blue Maine]

Welcome, Rogerv.

No secret to participation, just jump in.
Post an article, link, or make a statement to get a conversation going.

No hall passes around here, if your argument is full of holes, you will get your head handed to you.
Looks like you have already elicited a one-liner response. Give a reply and then strap in. Have fun.

[tiamat]

Check him out!

[Piranha]

Don't forget Jews.

[subterfuge]

I figure rogerv is just pimping his or someone's web site. Not answering posts, wants us to "come on over."

Are we too quick or were you kidding about conversing?

[Bigh4u2]

Why would this forum be any different than the ones you are used too??

"I was a regular contributor to the Kerry Online Forum and am now a regular contributor to the Common Ground Common Sense forum."

[maestro]

I'm a liberal and I'm here to learn ........

Hmmmmmmm...........New Testament book (epistle to the Italians)...it's called,...THE BOOK of "Romans".....

:-)

[roylene]

"I'm concerned with the erosion of civil liberties."
I have heard this many times and am truly interested in what liberties you have personally lost, not what other people have said they have heard of.

[rogerv]

Perhaps. What's a ZOT?

[baltodog]

I think the main thing that separates the two of us are our stands on personal responsibility and accountability.

We are responsible for our own destinies, and don't count on the government (read: other Americans) to bail us out from our problems.

Although I myself think that we each have a moral obligation to learn and accept from each other, I do not believe we need the government to force it upon us.

Most of us have basic beliefs about what is fundementally and HISTORICALLY right and wrong.

Our Nation's defense is the most important issue facing our country.

Our children, born and unborn, are our most important asset....

Take it from there. Oh, yeah, don't replace the fuses in your truck with .22's...

[mewzilla]

As a recovering lib myself, I'm curious. Are you a lib because you're an ideologue, or because you're ignorant? In my case it was the latter :)

[Feiny]

Welcome to FR. Take a look around.....I appreciate your honesty & hope you learn a few positive things about conservatives. I have a few liberal friends....one is completely unable to debate without personal attacks. We do not discuss issues anymore. There are great debate threads and some that deteriorate to nonsense. Some are serious, some are fun....take your pick.

[Darksheare]

How liberal can you be is you believe in rule of law?

[trisham]

In fact, many of hte questions that matter to me probably matter to you too. I'm concerned with questions about how to tame power, whether governmental or corporate. I'm concern with the rule of law and how we can get the powerful to take it seriously. I'm concerned with the erosion of civil liberties.

*************

Um, no-those are not the questions or concerns I have. Fairly good spelling, though.

Do you like kittens?

[sodpoodle]

Is he supposed to have thick, thin or think skin? You may have confused him.

As a Freeper you are supposed to spell check.

Well, I never, letting the side down like that!!!!!!!!!
Ha Ha:)

[Lancey Howard]

And yes, I am concerned about some things you may associate with liberalism--social safety nets and taking care of those who fall through the institutional cracks.

Translation: "I walk into the polling place and selfishly vote for big government to confiscate - - under threat of jail and loss of home and business - - more and more money from my neighbors..... so that that confiscated money may be used by my scumbag Democrat politicians to buy the votes of society's losers and parasites."

Thanks a lot, Bunky. Now take a hike.

[elbucko]

Thanks. BTW, I new to this--getting a bunch of replies all at once.

As long as you reply, the powers that be will be disposed to tolerate you.

[shadowman99]

This sucks. People here blast the left for being hateful, and here comes this guy - polite and upfront about his politics. He didn't go on a rant. He didn't go and zot anyone. He's asking questions. Would it kill us to be decent to him?

Respect is a two way street people.

Welcome to Free Republic rogerv. I'm happy that you're willing to learn firsthand what the other side thinks without taking it spoonfed from those who want to keep you aligned with them.