Posted on 08/29/2003 12:56:26 PM PDT by FreeRepublicLoginName
Hi. Most people would consider me a "Liberal".
I'm not posting here to argue or incite a flame war. I am not posting to change anyone's mind about anything. I am posting here because I want to understand the Conservative viewpoint. I'm here to listen, but I have some questions.
I've read the Conservative FAQ at
http://www.conservatism.com/CustomPage.asp?WEBSVCID=1155&SID={8D0C2C23-7287-400D-ADB9-0EF7C5A3056A}&MID=118
I don't know if that document truly represents conservatism or not, but it seemed consistent with what I've seen in popular media (and on the web). But it raised some questions for me. I was hoping visitors of Free Republic would be willing to give their personal viewpoints on a few questions.
Here are my questions. The word "you" here refers to any conservative willing to post their opinion. (I got most of these questions by reading what others have said about conservatives, so that's why some of my questions sound like a test.)
1. Do you believe in God?
2. Do you believe Reason has limitations? If so, what are those limitations?
3. Did your father use corporal punishment to enforce discipline? (Were you whipped, beaten, or spanked when you misbehaved?) If so, how frequently? (Once per year? Once per day?)
4. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "To be morally strong, you must be self-disciplined and self-denying. Otherwise, you are self-indulgent and such moral flabbiness ultimately helps the forces of evil."
5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Punishment is nurturing in that it teaches discipline, self-reliance and respect for authority."
6. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Your poverty or your drug habit or your illegitimate children can be explained only as moral weakness and any discussion of social causes cannot be relevant."
7. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "The highest moral good is nurturance, including empathy, fairness and protection, but not painful punishment."
8. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "Obedience comes out of love and respect for the parent, not out of fear, and strength is in the service of nurturance."
9. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "'Conservative tolerance for inequality' [as described by liberals], should, in fact, read intolerance for forced equality, and acceptance of the natural order of things in which inequality is generally the rule. "
10. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: "The modern North American liberal is 'a keen advocate of change mainly to fulfill his/her ego needs -- needs for power, influence, self-advertisement, self-promotion and excitement.'"
11. Is it possible for a Liberal to be a good person? Is it possible for a Conservative to be a bad person?
12. Is morality (by which I mean right and wrong) absolute, as described in the bible, or is it relative?
13. On a scale of 1 to 10, are you happy in life (generally speaking)?
14. Which statement do you agree with more: "people are generally good and trustworthy" or "people are generally bad and will try to harm you"?
15. Is corporal punishment (discipline through whipping, beating, or spanking) an acceptable practice?
16. On a scale of 1 to 10, do have anxiety (or fear) in your life (on a day-to-day basis)?
Absolutely incorrect. I am a physics- and computers major, a graduate with a double Baccaulaurette, and have started my MBA. I seek knowledge constantly, and have a very open mind about scientific and factual realms. I've travelled to other countries for months at a time to try to understand foreign cultures. I speak three languages and want to master three more.
And I also strongly believe in G-d, the L-rd of the Universe.
At the same time, the number of lives "saved" by basic improvements in agriculture and health care far outnumber those lost in all the wars combined. Science works, every time, and has always worked, since the Greeks first discovered it two thousand years ago.
Yes, it has saved lives. But what about the after life?
When you calm your personal insecurities by telling yourself lies about "The Heavenly Father" watching out for you, you are doing nothing but endangering yourself and those around you.
Oh, you poor, poor man. I hope G-d reveals Himself to you someday.
You would be happier if you had the solidarity of reason behind you.
I have reason behind me. I'm happy. Except, of course, for the tiny monkeys in tiny airplanes. They annoy me.
I want leather. Handcuffs. Spikey heels.
We'll talk about your outfit later.
Ok, I can see you in leather and handcuffs.....but not the spikey heels..........
It was a palindrome.
Sleeh yekips.
See?
I still like when you are in the Nixon outfit. Whoa, that is so HOT!
FRegards,
Ayup.
Don't you know it's impolite to ask that question? Just look for the tag that says, "Made in Israel".......
Amazing. Our liberal friend addressed NOT ONE of my points (if you can't refute them, ignore them), changes the subject repeatedly, accuses me of being fearful and a racist and then runs away.
Sadly typical.
My 2 cents: I think you will find a few people in the "far left" and a few in the "far right"....but most people fall in between...... we are what I tend to think of as real - we can see both sides, and maybe even cross over on a few topics - but basically we are the majority, just not as loud and/or obnoxious as the ones on either end of the spectrum.........
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