The Core

If it were up to the democrats there would be no Bill of Rights. I have a very hard time actually attributing the label of Liberal to the modern democratic party. I see them more as either socialist or communist. The fact that they want a bigger, stronger central government throws them into the definition of fascistic. In the modern Democrat world the individual is insignificant. Everything is done by group or community. Individuals incapable of putting a hole in a ballot are lumped into the disenfranchised community. Throw in the fact that quite a few of them want to get rid of the electoral college thus eliminating the value of the smaller "communities." We live in a sad era. People clamor about their civil rights while they support and vote for people who wish to eliminate these rights. How pathetic are we?

Very interesting column. I would also add what I believe is another liberal core value: that you are entitled to someone else's property based on your lot in life.

that while Dems believe that "people are basically failures," they also believe in the perfectability of mankind. Conservatives, on the other hand, view people as imperfect, if not fallen, with no chance of perfecting themselves. And yet, Conservatives "see people as potential successes." The key here, I think, is that Conservatives know the problem and work from there and that they "stress personal accountability in life." Lefties don't have the problem right, so they are doomed to failure. Which is why we see them try the same answer over and over. The answer fits their view of the problem, so it's gotta work this time. But their view is wrong. It doesn't matter if you've got a flawless map of California if you're living in Florida.

I have an incomplete list for sure, so I look forward to getting your views on what other core values both sides hold.

Cynewulf, you have expressed things very well in your post here. You are exactly right that if you fail to see the problems correctly, you will only come up with the wrong answers. Dems have proven it time and again with their constant calls for MORE MONEY to solve every problem.

James, you are correct in saying that the liberals of today lean way towards being authoritarians. I have a post here, "The Opposite of Liberty" that might interest you. It tackles the issue that you bring up in a little more detail. Check it out when you get the chance!

If it weren't for forums such as this, talk radio and sometimes Fox news, conservative viewpoints wouldn't even be heard. In fact, the leftist media hates the fact that we now have a voice, that they try to stifle our voice every chance they get -- example: the attempts to censor "The Path to 9/11".
Lefties don't have to agree with us, but our viewpoint should be heard, because we can back up our arguements with facts -- not just feelings. But if they had their way, we would be STOPPED FROM TALKING and EXPRESSING IDEAS. These socialists think that conservatives are close-minded bigots, but with their "hate speech laws" and acceptable campus speech in Academia, THE LEFT ARE THE CLOSE-MINDED ONES who don't want to hear any other point of view except theirs.

I think a core difference lies in how each regards government.

Conservatives are wary of government. Liberals see government as the answer to all problems.

I mostly agree with you, but my comments are so long that I put them on my blog :-)

Come over to http://unpurereason.townhall.com/g/85fcf4e0-7ef3-4b9e-9fc2-3363f7e1ea11 for my comments.

Regardless, I love what you write and come here most every day looking for new insight. Keep up the great work.

Many perceptive ideas expressed. I see in Liberals two behaviors that occur much less often in conservatives: 1) wishful thinking and 2) a belief that the end justifies the means. Wishful thinking liberals are less likely to show foresight, to bite the bullet early, to prepare for the future. In accordance with item 2, they overlook any flaw in anybody who votes with them. For example, their support for KKK Byrd, Chappaquidick Teddy, and Slick Willie. Conservatives pulled the rug from Nixon when he tried a cover up.