Posted on Jul 24, 2015
Why has the gap between conservative and liberal ideologies grown so much in the last decade(ish)? Is this a tactic to divide our nation?
7.97K
60
28
7
7
0
So, personally, I think that the liberals are getting more and more unrealistic in their expectations. I'm actually an atheist but I side with conservatives in almost every mainstream issue (except for gay marriage - it doesn't affect me since I'm not gay.) Is this growing gulf between libs and cons being caused by increased liberal detachment from reality or is it simply part of an elaborate plot to divide and conquer our great nation?
Politics
Conservative
Liberal
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
8
8
0
Bear in mind that, for a Liberal, they'd say the exact same thing but that it is the Conservatives who are detached from reality and trying to live unrealistic expectations.
I think a lot of it is that the media seeks out, finds, and holds up the big mouths on both sides, because they need to sell "drama" as news. I haven't met many Liberals *or* Conservatives who *truly* fit the cartoon caricatures that the media holds up; most are "a little of this & a little of that"" with only a few of the far-out ones. And they exist on both sides; I used to be super Conservative and now I learn pretty left, but not as far as I used to lean right because I learned that such extreme points of view are unsustainable if we want a cohesive society.
I think a lot of it is that the media seeks out, finds, and holds up the big mouths on both sides, because they need to sell "drama" as news. I haven't met many Liberals *or* Conservatives who *truly* fit the cartoon caricatures that the media holds up; most are "a little of this & a little of that"" with only a few of the far-out ones. And they exist on both sides; I used to be super Conservative and now I learn pretty left, but not as far as I used to lean right because I learned that such extreme points of view are unsustainable if we want a cohesive society.
(8)
(0)
Capt Jeff S.
... which is why Donald Trump is so popular right now. Had both parties been more faithful in representing their constituents instead of the Special Interests that pour money into their campaigns and keep them re-elected, and had they not sold out, people would not be talking about Trump. In fact, Trump would not even have ran for President because he wouldn't have had need to. But here we are, with the GOP spending millions to prevent Trump from getting elected and Trump being the only viable and Constitutionally qualified candidate in the running. Contrary to what the media is saying, Trump will not spell doom for America and have us involved in another war. We are already at war with radical Islam, and there is an immigration war going on as well vying for control of this country -- a war of the womb if you will.
I simply want to see America restored to the vision of limited federal government that our Founding Fathers had. An America that doesn't meddle in the affairs of other countries. An America that isn't the world's police force. An America that is fiscally responsible, that respects the right of its citizens to privacy and protection against illegal search and seizure. An America that has sensible laws and the will to enforce the laws it has on the books. [We would NOT have an immigration problem IF the current immigration laws were enforced.] An America that PROPERLY vets the candidates for office and has free and fair elections! That isn't too much to ask is it?
I simply want to see America restored to the vision of limited federal government that our Founding Fathers had. An America that doesn't meddle in the affairs of other countries. An America that isn't the world's police force. An America that is fiscally responsible, that respects the right of its citizens to privacy and protection against illegal search and seizure. An America that has sensible laws and the will to enforce the laws it has on the books. [We would NOT have an immigration problem IF the current immigration laws were enforced.] An America that PROPERLY vets the candidates for office and has free and fair elections! That isn't too much to ask is it?
(0)
(0)
8
8
0
Multiple media sources and the internet have allowed us to silo ourselves into ideological niches and given everyone, no matter how insane, nearly instant infinite reach. I'm sure there's some intent to some of it, but overall, it's just human nature to seek out voices that tell us what we want to hear rather than exposing us to things that may make us reconsider our position.
I'd toss in the blend of religion and politics by the Religious Right as well. I was raised in it and "compromise" was a four letter word. When your politics have theological undertones, giving an inch or even hearing the other person out can be considered betraying God.
I'd toss in the blend of religion and politics by the Religious Right as well. I was raised in it and "compromise" was a four letter word. When your politics have theological undertones, giving an inch or even hearing the other person out can be considered betraying God.
(8)
(0)
7
7
0
To understand the workings of American politics, you have to understand this fundamental law: Conservatives think liberals are stupid. Liberals think conservatives are evil. — Charles Krauthammer
My short answer is that the modern education system, mixed with the constant demand on peoples time from social networking, computer gaming, smart phones, etc. have led to a greater acceptance of the word of perceived or self described "experts". Also, many people who call them selves Liberal or Conservative do so (and vote so) based on one or two issues they "feel strongly about". When they are challenged to think out their positions they often become uncomfortable and resort to insults.
My short answer is that the modern education system, mixed with the constant demand on peoples time from social networking, computer gaming, smart phones, etc. have led to a greater acceptance of the word of perceived or self described "experts". Also, many people who call them selves Liberal or Conservative do so (and vote so) based on one or two issues they "feel strongly about". When they are challenged to think out their positions they often become uncomfortable and resort to insults.
(7)
(0)
SPC (Join to see)
I agree 100 percent. I classify myself as a liberal yet I agree with things Trump wants to do. No it doesn’t make me less of a liberal because I think logically not lead by my emotions and feelings. I don’t agree on most political things because I feel like it should be a middle ground and if a middle ground isn’t the best option then what ever option does more good than harm is the best way. I’m so far right on the liberal side I’m like 2 points shy of being in the middle.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google