What is your definition of conservative and liberal?

Conservatives believe in small government in the economy but large government in social issues.

Liberals believe in large government in the economy but small government in social issues.

Other ideologies:

Libertarians: small government in both economic and social issues.

Interventionist: large government in both economic and social issues.

What is stated in the additional details is the conventional view, and was somewhat accurate until about 20 years ago. I submit that the change since then has been profound, especially on the Liberal side, due to the "New Left" from the 60's taking over the Democratic party.

Both terms come from 19th century British politics. Then - C's wanted to conserve the status quo, L's wanted to implement the concepts of liberty from 18th century Enlightenment. L's favored free market Capitalism, C's wanted central (government) control over economics. A key L position was not criminalizing unconventional thought or behavior that violated no ones rights.

US today:

C's - say they want Capitalism and freedom, but believe big government has a key role in citizen's lives - all aspects. They pander to the mob just as much as L's, just different segments - pro-lifers and "get God back in government" types for example. L's - essentially are Marxists - believe government should run everything and redistribute wealth. Their key mob portion includes labor unions, those taught by our public schools to envy and hate those who are successful, and those who would prefer to live off the dole. They deride Capitalism, and either don't understand it created the prosperity we have, or don't care. L's say any thought or behavior is OK,(essentially) which has led to the espousal of multicultural BS. In practice they belittle and try to crush dissent - one method is to make disapproval of others behavior or ideas somehow wrong - the disapproval will be shouted down with terms such as hate speech, racist, homophobia, etc.

Summary - The differences between the two have become only a matter of degree, though both sides would like people to think otherwise, and both groups favor increased government intervention in all aspects of life The most interesting and surprising recent event was the election of Barry Obama. For the first time, an extreme left wing candidate made no effort to hide the extremism and openly stated his agenda and plans (unlike the "we're moderate" Clinton's). I could not believe he even won the nomination

Cleverity Definition

To me, both groups are convinced they are 100 percent right and believe their political ideals once realized would make the would perfect.

Seeing it is impossible to be even 75 percent right and certain when it comes to political matters and seeing how most attempts at attaining an utopia often end up in a disaster, I would say both are delusional. Not to mention no matter what ideal form of government one shoots for, the end result in the long run will always be the same (those in charge only concerned about power and themselves at the expense of others and it always ends up becoming an oligarchy), it pretty much makes any political ideal invalid.

Liberals seem to love everyone but your average american and your average american ideas, and mores

Conservatives seem to be suspicious of others and love American ideas and mores

This is why conservatives SEEM to push for Christian values and why Liberals seem to have declared a war on Christians but wont even profile muslims

It’s difficult to define labels but what’s happened over the last 8 years. It used to be conservatives didn’t like taxes, homosexuals, premarital sex, abortion and many of their political stances were argued from a pedestal of morality based in religion. This made them a very powerful party over the years when their base was the religious right. The endorsement of James Dobson was coveted as the golden ticket. It was this endorsement that motivated the McCain campaign to add Sarah Palin poorly vetted to his ticket in the last election, they wanted the endorsement of James Dobson who’s opposed to abortion.

The McCain/Palin ticket was death after the Bush administration to the old understanding of conservative. The party had a following linked closely to ideas of character and morality. They ran on the idea of reforming Washington but instead created a gridlock while being caught in multiple scandals. The timely demise of Haggard through the tell all of a drug dealing hooker exposed the reprobate tone of the “conservative” brand.

To the hard core conservative Obama burst on the scene intruding on the arenas they once owned. He made appearances in places that had conventionally be taken for granted by Republicans. He didn’t let the conservative right define him and had conversations with people “liberals” haven’t traditionally had. His appearance at the Saddle Back church of Rick Warren exposes perfectly the idea I’m suggesting. It had traditionally been a republican venue and McCain was predictable in that arena while Obama expanded on his views. He made a powerful point on abortion it’s not that he wants to promote the idea of abortions but rather then he wants to preserve the right of women, men and their doctors to make those choices rather then a government. The right has relied for years on this idea “liberals” hate babies. He managed to turn if only a small bit that perception and as a result many disenfranchised conservatives after the Bush administration were receptive to the idea he suggested.

The liberals are coming down on the right side of history and their appeal is growing with a more moderate stance on issues like the don’t ask don’t tell, the environment and abortion. The party of conservatives right now are led by men who’ve lived under regime power and they’ve gotten lazy. They have failed to follow trends in the culture and they believe another contract with America will usher them back into office.

The conservatives are struggling with assumptions the Tea Party will be their militant wing according to Newt Gingrich and the non violent wing according to Sarah Palin, they have a leadership gap that needs addressing.

There are extremes on both sides of the line but the core of both parties is more compatible. We’ve evolved past many biases as a culture. We now know aids isn’t just a homosexual demise. If we don’t it’s because we are clinging to junk science to argue the politics. We now know homosexuals won’t destroy the military but now we wrestle with letting those actively serving and their right to close their orientation. We have a health care bill for the first time in our history and now a bill for Wall Street reform. What we have now is a new electorate of sorts that conservatives and liberals will have to compete to win their votes. At this point both parties are in the process or redefining their values and restating their key planks on the issues. It’s not a cut and defined label as it had been in the past.

conservative means, smaller govt, more personal responsibility, personal success is rewarded, a secure nation and strong defensive against all enemies.

liberal means, govt take over with regulations over all areas of life, no personal responsibility expected, personal success is condemned and frowned upon and punished through outrageous taxing and redistribution of wealth. Entitlements are expected and all pay at least 45% taxes. very unsecure nation and weak defense against all enemies. Apology tours and bowing down and pleading for no conflicts conferences are staged often.

Conservative = good

Liberal = bad

I'm uncompromising in my beliefs...

Conservative: Pro-Life, opposed to gay marriage, fiscal discipline, and a strong military

Liberal: Pro-Choice, want gay marriage, less religion, spend and tax like crazy, and a weak military.

Liberal: Those who seek happiness and freedom. Conservative: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere my be happy and the fanatical obsession with crushing that happiness.

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