July 1, 2021 – Freeread

The Liberal/Conservative Test

Since we have been discussing whether we are liberal or conservative I thought I would write up a test in the matter. Some feel that they cannot be labeled as either, but to fit in this category you would pretty much have to have no opinion on the questions below. I have never met a person with no opinion on even half of the items so this should be interesting.

Let me again stress that we are not using the media definition of liberal and conservative, but the dictionary definition. A liberal is one who is open to change, tolerant, and willing to learn new things. A conservative seeks to “conserve things as they are or were” and is intolerant of change or different views.

Let me stress that neither side is good or evil as a whole, but both have their place. For instance, it is correct to conserve that which is good and to be intolerant of things that create harm. It is also good to be liberally tolerant of beneficial change and to work for a better tomorrow..

Both sides can be used for the negative also. The conservative can resist needed change and the liberal often works for change which makes matters worse.

In the end the second key of judgment must be used to find the point of truth at the midway point.

The Liberal/Conservative Test

Do you support a woman’s right to choose during the first half of the pregnancy? A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
You agree with the environmental view of Greenpeace, the Sierra Club and Earth First that forests should be preserved in their natural state. Logging of mature trees in natural forests should be opposed. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
Do you support the attempts to bring democracy to other nations with authoritarian rule? A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
Do you support the legalization of recreational drugs? A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I support the government’s creation of assisted healthcare and increase in coverage for all. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
We should keep the phrase “In God we trust” on our money (in the USA) A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I think a manned mission to mars is a good idea even though the cost may be high. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I believe the government should operate on a balanced budget except in times of national emergency. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
If a pilot program showed that the voucher system could improve education would you support the privatization of education which would follow? A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)

Explanation. Currently the government spends thousands of dollars to educate each student. Instead of the government giving the money directly to a public school, under a voucher system the government would give it to the individual who can then spend the money on private education if he so desires. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)

The rich need to continue paying at least as much in taxes as is currently the case to make sure they pay their fair share. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I look forward to obtaining and learning the next generation of computers and electronic devices. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
A person who is undergoing great suffering should be able to legally ask for and receive assistance in ending his life. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
The Russians are a bunch of S.O.B.s. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I support nondenominational prayer in schools. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
Since talk radio is dominated by the orthodox right wing it would be fair for the government to make a law requiring the stations to broadcast an equal amount of liberal views. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)

Note: They had such a law in the Sixties called “The Fairness Doctrine.” Reagan repealed it.

I would support laws that prosecute those who use hate speech – or at least the most vile of it. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I support the death penalty for first degree murder? A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
I support a prison reform that truly helps the prisoner reform even if less punitive measures are applied. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
Government assisted social programs (health care, social security, welfare etc.) needs to be increased. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)
Government assisted social programs need to be decreased and private enterprise needs to take a greater role. A Yes B No C No Opinion (or refuse to choose)

Scoring

In one column add up your positive points and in the other add up your negative. The positive represents a liberal attitude and the negative a conservative one. If you have more positive points than conservative then you are more liberal than conservative and visa versa. If you score a lot more points in one area than another this will show a strong polarization.

Question 1 A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: Obvious

A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: Even the word conservationist is derived from the same root as conservative. Those who do not want to alter nature for human benefit are conservative indeed.

A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: To attempt to bring democracy to Iraq is a liberal venture. To not make the attempt and to take no aggressive action is conservative for it conserves the status quo.

A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: Obvious

5 . A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: Because the status quo supports assisted healthcare and increased spending the conservative stance supports what we have and the direction things are headed. The true liberal would support a direction that would change the current inertia.

A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: It is conservative to “conserve” the phrase and liberal in this case to want change.

A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: This should be obvious. It is a liberal attitude to explore new worlds, even at great cost.

A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: Operating on a balanced budget is a virtue that most want to “conserve.”

A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: A voucher system would represent liberal change in the true sense even though it is called conservative by the press. It also allows more than one choice which allows tolerance. 10. A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: To insist the taxation system continues as is in this area is to “conserve” the status quo or an amplification of it. 11. A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: A liberal is flexible and likes to learn new things. 12. A +1 B -1 C 0

Explanation: Obvious

A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: Intolerance is a conservative trait. 14. A -1 B -1 C +1

Explanation: Both sides of this issue are trying to conserve their mindset. A liberal and tolerant view would be flexible and adapt to the majority will.

A -1 B +1 C 0

The left wing dominates the more powerful television and print media so the situation is more than fair. It would show conservative intolerance to support a law to force a point of view on the public. 16. A -1 B +1 C 0

Explanation: It is conservative to be intolerant of speech and desire to control it – even of a hateful kind