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How many "liberals" out there??


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Who I was looking for were those tree-hugging, pro-choice, Darwin believing, global warming believing, feminist homeschoolers that I know must exist someplace!

 

:seeya: again :001_smile:.

 

i think liberal folks of different faiths and denominations often have more in common with one another than we do with the ultraconservatives within our own faiths/denominations.

 

i am so glad you started this thread :001_smile:

ann

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She is a really wonderful writer and I love her idea that there are only two prayers one needs to know. The first is "Help me , help me." The second is "Thank you, thank you." I read your blog a bit and you are definitely way too interesting to "speak" here so rarely.

 

Thanks :blushing: ...believe me, if time didn't restrain me, I'd hang out on this board a lot more often! It is so rare for me to connect on this kind of intellectual level with women I know face-to-face, so it's very tempting to engage in the many interesting dialogues happening here.

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Yes--it is right to view all religious paths as equal and wrong to make any distinctions about them or to determine that any one is greater than the others.

 

I think her point was that it's fine to decide whatever you like for yourself, but don't presume to know what others should believe. Unless you'd like us doing that for you in return, of course. For example, for me, Christianity does not work, for many, many reasons. But I'll fight for your right to practice it any day.

 

If you're going to make an argument that advocating religious tolerance is judgmental, well, then, I really don't have anything else to say to that!

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:iagree: And yes, I'll admit to listening to Rush, Hannity and Glenn Beck. :lol: (ducking for cover and running!!)

 

You know, the sad part of all of this is that I don't really fit in anywhere with my local homeschoolers. The conservative religious group thinks I'm a liberal. And in my inclusive group, I'm the right wing wacko. sigh. I don't belong anywhere, I think. :confused:

 

I feel this way sometimes too, though it's more internal (and how I used to feel in college, the workplace, etc) since I'm new to the homeschool world. The bigger homeschool group in my area reflects the political ideology of most of the people who have posted to this thread (as that is the majority of the population) and the tiny one is made up of conservative Christians but politics is rarely discussed. It's more the theological ideology of some in the group that I know is much more traditional than mine. I hear "Vision Forum" or even "the Duggars" and I get a little uneasy, but that's a whole nuther subject and I've already posted about it...

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I am a liberal, esp regarding health care and more. I am a bit more conservative in matters of what I believe constitutes a 'good' education. I may be respectful, gentle and unschooly, but I still want the children to know that the world does not begin and end with them, I don't want my children to leave our home without having basic information, or the abilty to learn what they wish /need to learn later on. It's important to me that you all know where the countries we are bombing are located. (It makes me crazy when people can't find Iraq or Afghanistan on a map). I can't have that ignorance in my house. I know that doesn't sound very 'liberal'. :chillpill:

 

As for religion. I love religion. I love the celebrations, the rituals, the metaphors, the stories. From the ancient Greeks and Zeus to Job to Jesus to why people cover to bathing in the Ganges to Mormon undergarments. It's exciting and fascinating. I don't believe in a deity, or evangelizing, or the mean parts (killing doctors or chopping off heads for adultery etc) but it doesn't mean I don't love religion. 'cause I do.

Edited by LibraryLover
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Yes--it is right to view all religious paths as equal and wrong to make any distinctions about them or to determine that any one is greater than the others.

 

 

I, for one, don't believe that all religions are equal. I think that one is true and others are either entirely wrong or not completely correct in their interpretation of "the way things are" (or whatever).

 

However, I do not believe that it is my right, duty, privilege, moral obligation, or necessity to go around offering this opinion unsolicited. I live my life and practice my religion without ever feeling the need to tell others they have got it wrong. I think that people misconstrue the idea of religious tolerance. To me it is not about believing (or pretending to believe) that all religions are equally true. To me, it means recognizing that I don't have to foist my beliefs off on other people and that people of other religions (or no religion at all) have the right to choose that religion, and practice it, free from do-gooders telling them they are wrong.

 

Tara

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Who I was looking for were those tree-hugging, pro-choice, Darwin believing, global warming believing, feminist homeschoolers that I know must exist someplace!

 

I definitely consider myself solidly, unabashedly liberal and I agree with you on all of those particular issues except one: I am pro-life. Not to debate it at all, but just to explain, I am anti-death-penalty, anti-war, and as Feminists For Life says, I believe that "peace begins in the womb". I would probably add pro-universal health care to the list because that's something that's really important to me (not that it's necessarily a defining trait of liberalism, I don't know, just that it's a big one for me). Glad to "meet" you, and you're definitely not alone!

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I notice people calling themselves socially liberal and fiscally conservative (reminds me of a certain governator) but no one saying the reverse.

 

I'm actually socially more conservative but fiscally more liberal. Jesus upheld the law (he didn't condone or tolerate immoral behavior that violated Biblical standards) and he practiced compassion (helping the poor, healing the sick, loving outcasts, etc.). So purity and sanctity of life issues are big for me, as is social justice.

 

And for the record, "pro-life feminist" isn't an oxymoron (the original suffragists like Susan B. Anthony were very much against abortion, which they saw as an affront to womanhood):

 

http://www.feministsforlife.org/

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Well, my "conservative" friends would say that I'm liberal.

 

But...

 

My "liberal" friends would say that I'm conservative.

 

I'd say I'm a "voluntary socialist" politically speaking. (My dh describes me as a constitutional-libertarian-bordering-on-mutualist/pacifist-anarchist. :D ) I'm not sure how to describe myself religiously. (Some flavor of reformed Christian, but I don't think anyone has developed a classification for it yet. Maybe I need to come up with one. Seems a waste of a title when there is only one of me, though. :D)

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I notice people calling themselves socially liberal and fiscally conservative (reminds me of a certain governator) but no one saying the reverse.

 

I'm actually socially more conservative but fiscally more liberal. Jesus upheld the law (he didn't condone or tolerate immoral behavior that violated Biblical standards) and he practiced compassion (helping the poor, healing the sick, loving outcasts, etc.). So purity and sanctity of life issues are big for me, as is social justice.

 

I really really agree with this. :thumbup1: Purity and sanctity of life issues are huge for me as well. Oh yeah, and social justice. ;)

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I'm actually socially more conservative but fiscally more liberal. Jesus upheld the law (he didn't condone or tolerate immoral behavior that violated Biblical standards) and he practiced compassion (helping the poor, healing the sick, loving outcasts, etc.). So purity and sanctity of life issues are big for me, as is social justice.

 

That makes a lot of sense and was well stated. Thanks for sharing this. Good food for thought. I would like to hear more, but I think I'll pm you.

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I, for one, don't believe that all religions are equal. I think that one is true and others are either entirely wrong or not completely correct in their interpretation of "the way things are" (or whatever).

 

However, I do not believe that it is my right, duty, privilege, moral obligation, or necessity to go around offering this opinion unsolicited. I live my life and practice my religion without ever feeling the need to tell others they have got it wrong. I think that people misconstrue the idea of religious tolerance. To me it is not about believing (or pretending to believe) that all religions are equally true. To me, it means recognizing that I don't have to foist my beliefs off on other people and that people of other religions (or no religion at all) have the right to choose that religion, and practice it, free from do-gooders telling them they are wrong.

 

Tara

 

I agree with everything you said. That was not the impression I had of the post I quoted previously. But it's not really relevant to the OP and I regret opening this particular can of worms.

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Well, my "conservative" friends would say that I'm liberal.

 

But...

 

My "liberal" friends would say that I'm conservative.

 

I'd say I'm a "voluntary socialist" politically speaking. (My dh describes me as a constitutional-libertarian-bordering-on-mutualist/pacifist-anarchist. :D ) I'm not sure how to describe myself religiously. (Some flavor of reformed Christian, but I don't think anyone has developed a classification for it yet. Maybe I need to come up with one. Seems a waste of a title when there is only one of me, though. :D)

 

You may not be the only one of you!:D

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And for the record, "pro-life feminist" isn't an oxymoron (the original suffragists like Susan B. Anthony were very much against abortion, which they saw as an affront to womanhood):

 

http://www.feministsforlife.org/

 

Hey! Cool.

 

For myself I am pro life (and I have the 7 kids to prove it. *g*) but I have a hard time with a law restricting it. The same way I am pro gun, think drugs should be legalized and everyone should marry who they want-I don't want what I believe made into law for everyone. But I can totally get behind feminists for life.

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It is clear there is a large number of conservative homeschoolers here. I was just wondering how many of us identify as liberals?

 

I would classify myself as a way out there, real life, from birth, liberal with extremely liberal religious and political views. My Dh is Hindu, I was raised Christian (dad, granddad, great grand dad all ministers in liberal churches.) We celebrate all the holidays and the kids have been exposed to both religions. We practice tolerance, compassion and understanding as well as respect for all backgrounds and faiths. I personally believe it is the governments responsibility to make sure that the benefits of the society are available to all the citizens - whether they are "productive members of society" or not!

 

Anyone else out there??

 

[And please note - not looking to debate if I am right or wrong - just looking for like minded folks - thanks!]

Right there with you. Dh is Muslim. I am Christian. OTOH- I would prefer not to classify myself as liberal or conservative. Can I just say that I am an independent:tongue_smilie:?

 

Mandy

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No "shelf label" fits me.

 

Inflexibly pro-life.

Inflexibly anti-gun.

Incline toward anti-military, but leave a few loopholes.

Inflexibly ______________, ____________, and _______________. (not politically correct to fill in the blanks)

Pro-vegetarian, but Anti-PETA extremism.

 

Standard American hodge-podge, in other words.

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I'm with Mandy. I'd consider myself more independent. Socially liberal and fiscally conservative would probably be an okay description of me or maybe left of center.

 

I am most definitely a tree hugging mama, but I don't really see that that has anything to do with my political leanings. I've met several cloth diapering, organic food growing, babywearing, family cloth using, co-sleeping ultraconservatives.

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I'm with Mandy. I'd consider myself more independent. Socially liberal and fiscally conservative would probably be an okay description of me or maybe left of center.

 

I am most definitely a tree hugging mama, but I don't really see that that has anything to do with my political leanings. I've met several cloth diapering, organic food growing, babywearing, family cloth using, co-sleeping ultraconservatives.

 

I know a few. They call themselves crunchy-cons.

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I guess I must be in the muddle in the middle someplace--I have my own set of ideas. I'm really starting to get unhappy about the way both 'sides' vilify and misunderstand each other, especially when we really have an awful lot in common.

 

The assumptions that conservatives are all cruel and selfish and intolerant, and liberals are all secretly fascists are starting to get me really depressed. Makes me want to withdraw from all of it. A pox on both their houses, I say.

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I guess I must be in the muddle in the middle someplace--I have my own set of ideas. I'm really starting to get unhappy about the way both 'sides' vilify and misunderstand each other, especially when we really have an awful lot in common.

 

The assumptions that conservatives are all cruel and selfish and intolerant, and liberals are all secretly fascists are starting to get me really depressed. Makes me want to withdraw from all of it. A pox on both their houses, I say.

 

 

I feel you on this. I really dislike how these two major parties have pretty much taken over and treat each other with such little respect. If any at all these days. It's no longer about compromises and doing what's best for America as a whole. It's saying "my way or the highway", a political boxing match.

 

To *me*, our entire political process and the politicians within are in a horrible state of disarray. Even the news coverage of important politics is a joke, just being used for jabbing at one another.

 

But I digress...

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Just wanted to say kudos for not rudely tagging or one-starring the other thread. :thumbup:

 

Leave it alone and let everybody play in their respective sandboxes. Some play nicer than others.

 

Btw, I tagged this thread Sybil because I was giggling at all the different variations and names people call themselves in trying to describe their political views.

 

I call myself a cheap liberal. Nice to meetya! :seeya:

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Depends on the matter at hand. In someways, I'm liberal, but in others conservative. Most decidedly pro-life and have conservative family values. Otherwise, probably more liberal than most here, but a moderate liberal. Unfortunately neither party represents me well.

 

Janet

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I've been thinking this over.....and I now think I'm probably more liberal than conservative.....I think.

 

Having grown up in a decidedly Democratic household and then marrying a staunch Republican......I'm now somewhere in the middle: agreeing with one side or the other on different issues.

 

I used to think I was very conservative, but after having several unpleasant run-ins with super-conservative Christians.......nope. I'm not. And I don't wanna be like 'that', kwim?

 

When I take those online 'tests' I usually land in the Libertarian field, but when I took the Facebook political test, I was Liberal Democrat. I had to delete that one pronto! (too many conservative friends that would freak!) My dd thought it was hilarious. :lol:

 

I'm enjoying reading so many on here that land where I do in my thinking.

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Just wanted to say kudos for not rudely tagging or one-starring the other thread. :thumbup:

 

Leave it alone and let everybody play in their respective sandboxes. Some play nicer than others.

 

Btw, I tagged this thread Sybil because I was giggling at all the different variations and names people call themselves in trying to describe their political views.

 

I call myself a cheap liberal. Nice to meetya! :seeya:

 

I wondered who did that. It made me laugh.

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I definitely have liberal leanings;) OTOH, I also have some conservative leanings and have always felt that I am definitely a mixture of both:).

 

My mom is liberal and my dad is conservative. My mother-in-law and father-in-law are conservative. My dh's maternal grandmother and paternal grandfather are liberals. We love them all:). I definitely do get distressed by all of the name calling of late seen in the public media since I cannot understand the level of vitriol coming from my perspective:(.

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Check me off as a "liberal".

 

And one who is unyielding at protecting the Constitutional rights of minorities. Otherwise I'm pretty non-ideological, and pragmatic. I like good ideas from either side of the aisle, and fully recognize that sometimes the Republicans have it right, and the Democrats (my party) have had it wrong.

 

Fiscally, I'm a moderate and like responsible spending. But recognize that in a crisis (like the current one) that government has a role as an instrument of "last resort" to keep the economy afloat. (Well done there, BTW, starting with Bush/Paulson).

 

I also generally favor free markets, but understand to ensure transparency that regulation is a necessary role of government to ensure rationality prevails, and investments are make based on truth and not illusion (or as close as one can get in the real world).

 

Centrist on American foreign policy.

 

Old fashioned in my personal sense of morality and ethics and many life-style choices.

 

But I do believe government can be a instrument for social good, and I guess that makes me a liberal.

 

Bill

Edited by Spy Car
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Check me off as a "liberal".

 

And one who is unyielding at protecting the Constitutional rights of minorities. Otherwise I'm pretty non-ideological, and pragmatic. I like good ideas from either side of the aisle, and fully recognize that sometimes the Republicans have it right, and the Democrats (my party) have had it wrong.

 

Fiscally, I'm a moderate and like responsible spending. But recognize that in a crisis (like the current one) that government has a role ass an instrument of "last resort" to keep the economy afloat. (Well done there, BTW, starting with Bush/Paulson).

 

I also generally favor free markets, but understand transparency that regulation is a necessary role of government to ensure rationality prevails, and investments are make based on truth and not illusion (or as close as one can get in the real world).

 

Centrist on American foreign policy.

 

Old fashioned in my personal sense of morality and ethics and many life-style choices.

 

But I do believe government can be a instrument for social good, and I guess that makes me a liberal.

 

Bill

 

Gee Bill, I agree with just about everything here. :iagree: But I bet we still have lots of differences which is awesome. I like diversity, and I love when people can have actual discussions which is something I always respect about you.

 

My Republican brother thinks I'm liberal, and my liberal friends think I conservative. I think we need government regulation to help even out some of the abuse that a true free-market economy can produce. But I don't think the government should regulate morality. I am very much against most vice-crime laws which is a stance that makes my more conservative friends look at me like I have recently sprouted horns. I am surprisingly pro-life which shocks people who think that only the religious fundamentalist can respect life.

 

I am very environmentally conscience which kills my high-tech, consumer husband who really thought he signed up for a different version of reality and hates the idea of reducing and reusing - he'd rather just put out the recycle bin once a week and feel good about himself.

 

I was raised in a military family and have a strong respect for the freedoms that we enjoy as a result of our military - best offense is a strong defense. I fully support mandatory service for everyone - men and women.

 

I also believe that the government should be a force for social good. I will identify my self as a liberal and vote democrat every day of my life until we get another choice.

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So, in most of the "liberal" circles in which I am involved, I'm seen as pretty traditional and conservative, while in the "conservative" circles in which I am involved, I'm an edgy "liberal" :D.

 

I won't quote all of your post, but yeah! We need a little check list. We also need a better word. I've self-described a progressive and even libertarian (until I saw who that party fielded for prez.) , but when given only two choices.... I take the liberal - because they are more likely to accept me.

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I am ... far more "liberal" I suspect than most of those who consider themselves "liberal" ... .

 

:iagree:

 

Many of the responses to this thread have me thinking I should amend my original reply to read, "Radically left-wing, bleeding heart, ACLU-card-carrying, flaming liberal/progressive atheist." Much of what seems to be considered "liberal" is, from my perspective, moderate with a wink over the left shoulder. ;)

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I voted for Ronald Reagan. Twice.

 

I voted for George H. W. Bush. Twice.

 

I voted for Bill Clinton. Once.

 

I voted for Al Gore. Once.

 

I voted for John Kerry. Once.

 

I voted for Barack Obama. Once.

 

I'll vote for Barack Obama again if he runs.

 

How does someone who voted for Reagan end up voting for Kerry? I mean, I suppose you can see how I could vote for Clinton over Dole but Kerry?

 

I simply stopped being able to overlook things. For the longest time I said to myself... "well, Reagan is a good leader. He's going to get us more jobs and turn this country around." And he did in my eyes. So I was willing to overlook that he was against abortion rights and that he set Ed Meese loose upon the world with his false pornography nonsense. Iran-Contra happened and the religious right slowly gained power but I looked the other way because Reagan stood there and said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Then Bush Sr. liberated Kuwait and the USSR collapsed and it was all good.

 

At first I hated the Clintons. How could this "bubba" have become president? But... slowly the right went into a tizzy. Rush became syndicated and began to tear at Democrats in the White House. The ends of the political spectrum began to move apart and the middle became non-existent. I found myself repelled by the right and their takeover by religious organizations. In the words of one bumper sticker... focus on your own family. Attacks on gays and sneers at minorities. I was done with Republicans when Rush became their spokesman.

 

And still, when W. was declared the winner late, late election night 2000 I was relieved. I figured he would surround himself with people who knew what they were doing and we would be done with lying in the White House. How wrong I was. Four years later I was actively campaigning against W. I wasn't FOR Kerry, I was AGAINST Bush. I was AGAINST John Ashcroft. I was AGAINST Dick Cheney and Karl Rove and Donald Rumsfeld.

 

Then we finally got a candidate I could be FOR instead of just someone I had to vote for so the other guy didn't win. John McCain had to bow to too many people that he didn't really believe in to try and win. I rather liked him before he checked his conscience at the door to try and become president. But... Obama won. And now the right is doing what they did to Clinton... only with much more zeal. And FOX News is the opposition.

 

So I'm a liberal if that means I believe that you should be able to marry the person you love. I'm a liberal if that means I believe you should be able to serve your country even if you marry the person you love. I'm a liberal if that means I believe everyone should have access to a doctor whenever they need it. At little or no cost. And I'm a liberal because I believe that if you believe in a god or gods that's a personal thing and it should be kept personal.

 

What's sad is that I couldn't vote for Ronald Reagan again today. I think most of what he stood for represents America.

 

Oh... and I'm a card-carrying member of the ACLU and an atheist.

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hmmm, "liberal bashing" 20 minutes after my post. :glare: I wonder if a conservative added that so as to not look bad :lol:

 

Still not as bad as "misery loves company" :hurray:

 

That is enough of the clapping. Enough!:lol:

 

 

 

J/K You know I love you!:D The clapping guy is funny.

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