How Does One Become Liberal?

ptsdkid · 01-11-07, 04:48 PM

I have 3 liberally oriented brothers that have fit into perhaps 4 of the first 8 options above. And that all happened while being raised by two staunchly devoted Republican parents. Go Figure!

Now I'm willing to engage people in debate with this subject--even going as far as to tell you how people (such as myself) became Republicans or Conservatives. Of course, I would really like to see some liberals tell the forum of their genesis into liberalism by selecting the 'OTHER' option in the polling section. Don't be shy now.

Iriemon · 01-11-07, 04:58 PM

For me, it was seeing that folks who called themselves "conservatives" (d)evolve from a group of fiscally responsible moderates to a fiscally irresponsible group dominated by the religious far-right.

I used to call myself a conservative, but nowadays ... yuck. Now I'm proud to call myself a liberal.

Johnny_Utah · 01-11-07, 06:05 PM

By not worrying about what your label is. By doing what is best regardless of party ideology. Oh wait, that is how you become a rational and intelligent Independent instead of part of the problem, my bad.

saggyjones · 01-11-07, 06:48 PM

Originally, I was influenced by my parents, but as I matured, I realized I truly am liberal, so I chose other. I support capitalism but I think the market is a little too free, for example our trade deficit with China, and I think protectionism can be a good thing in some cases. Also I believe in equal health care for everyone, regardless of ability to pay, and I support giving illegal immigrants here now amnesty, but keeping new immigrants to a minimum. I support gay marriage because I believe everyone has a right to marry who they want, even if it goes against the Bible. The list goes on, but I don't want to put all my ideas down for time's sake. So the way I became liberal in the first place was my parents, but after I started questioning them and their beliefs I found I am a liberal also.

By the way, if you disagree with my beliefs on some issues, please don't argue here, because it would really derail the thread, just pm me if you really care

saggyjones · 01-11-07, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny_Utah

By not worrying about what your label is. By doing what is best regardless of party ideology. Oh wait, that is how you become a rational and intelligent Independent instead of part of the problem, my bad.

To be a liberal or conservative isn't worrying about party labels, it's sharing beliefs with a bunch of other people. Also, can you tell me what the problem is?

Dogger807 · 01-11-07, 07:37 PM

How does one become a liberal?

One word

Think

jallman · 01-11-07, 07:43 PM

I am just as disenchanted with both liberals and conservatives. Conservatives for the very reasons that Iriemon stated.

And with liberals...I just see so much hypocrisy and general meanness out of them. Tolerance is their anthem until they face opposition and then it's do everything in their power to shut every thought down except those that they agree with. Plus, being a gay man, I have learned that there are two types of politics when it comes to me...those that will call me an abomination to my face and then those "tolerant liberals" who will call me a valuable citizen for my vote but then immediately call me a f@g as soon as I walk away. I say screw 'em both.

Kandahar · 01-11-07, 07:52 PM

Found more solace in paganism/sectarianism then in Jesus Christ

Iriemon · 01-11-07, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jallman

I am just as disenchanted with both liberals and conservatives. Conservatives for the very reasons that Iriemon stated.

And with liberals...I just see so much hypocrisy and general meanness out of them. Tolerance is their anthem until they face opposition and then it's do everything in their power to shut every thought down except those that they agree with. Plus, being a gay man, I have learned that there are two types of politics when it comes to me...those that will call me an abomination to my face and then those "tolerant liberals" who will call me a valuable citizen for my vote but then immediately call me a f@g as soon as I walk away. I say screw 'em both.

Being an straight liberal, I will say that in my experience the percentage of folks who will call you a f@g when you walk away is *much* higher amongst conservatives than liberals. I can honestly say that few liberals I know would even use the word.

jallman · 01-11-07, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iriemon

Being an straight liberal, I will say that in my experience the percentage of folks who will call you a f@g when you walk away is *much* higher amongst conservatives than liberals. I can honestly say that few liberals I know would even use the word.

I can respect your experience. However, I have had the experience that most conservatives will be forward about expressing their disagreement with my lifestyle while maintaining at least a modicum of civility. Most self proclaimed liberals I have met will feign tolerance and acceptance but would be the first to resort to slurs against my sexuality if we ever disagreed.

I have learned that conservatives hold no monopoly on bigotry...in fact, it is often the other way around. But that's just been my experience.