Comments on: Liberal Self-Criticism

By: Mike at The Big Stick

Mike at The Big Stick — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:08:23 +0000

As a general rule most the conservative movement has always been more prone to reflection and self-critique. This is why there are so many types of ‘hyphenated conservatism’ ie neocons, paleocons, etc. When I say conservative is more intellectual what I mean is that conservatives tend to spend a lot of time thinking about issues whereas liberals are a bit more in the ‘leap first, think later’ camp.

By: ed

ed — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:08:32 +0000

Let’s be frank about the issue here and that both sides are “rightseous” and self absorbed. Living in KY I would equate this to being a UofL Cardinal or UofK Wildcat fan….both sides think that they’re right in supporting/being loyal to their team (and they’d be right to a degree). You’ll be hard pressed to find a KY fan willing to support U of L …even when … they are playing … UNC for example..or visa-versa

My point being is that (IMO) being a Liberal or Conservative is a label and badge (of honor to some), but I will always say that the truth lies somewhere in between – or where I like to call the gray area of life.
I don’t believe it’s inherently wrong to choose to be “Libereal” or “Conservative” based on the binding priciples, but believe that it’s not right to choose a side, tow that line even when the truth is glaring you in the face.

In the end, most of the staunch supportes of either side will not reform or move a step closer to comprimising with the other side. It takes a strong individual to admit that the other side has a good idea and follow along with it.

By: Philip H

Philip H — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:44:22 +0000

Now Mike,
First of all, if you’re really looking for liberals criticising liberals, my blog is full of just that. So, for that matter is Glenn Greenwald’s – and his audience is far bigger then Ames’s – at least for the moment.

Second, Conservatives can and do follow the same “right makes might” mentality. How else do you explain former VP Dick Cheney’s infamous quote that public opinion doesn’t matter in how the President sets and enacts policy, on behalf of the people who elected him? Or how how about all the Conservative commentators who fawned all over President Bush while he was busy gutting the constitution with illegal wiretapping programs and expansions of the states secrets priveledge.

Look, NO SIDE is blameless in America today. NONE. ZIP. ZERO. So why not spend more of our time looking at and debating solutions?

And FWIW – Merry Christmas friend – it’s been agreat year sparing with you!