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I was once asked to define the
difference between a conservative and a liberal. I took the easy
way out and replied it is easiest by comparing votes on different
issues. When I was actively interested in politics, I knew from
their past voting records how every senator (and some members of the
House) would vote on future issues. But this did not resolve the
philosophical difference. Just what is the difference between
liberalism and conservatism? I have given a lot (well, some) thought
to that question. They think differently. Liberals are essentially
intellectuals. I don't mean they are smarter. They live by ideas.
Conservatives go more by experience. If liberals believe their idea
is right, they will continue pushing it come hell or high water.
Conservatives are more restrained, they believe in gradual
change, people should have time to adjust to change instead of
having it rammed down their throats all of a sudden. I personally
don't believe in restricting one's thoughts and action because of an
"ism." I don't believe that one size fits all. Sometimes we should
go slow, sometimes push straight ahead. Change for its own sake is
dubious. So is stone-walling against change. Let's tackle the
problem with whatever ism is suitable. I no longer call myself
conservative, certainly not liberal. I like libertarianism but it's
all over the spectrum. Libertarians don't seem to have any moral or
intellectual compass. I guess independent is a good enough
label. Throw away straight jackets, especially abstract ones which
shackle the mind just as physical ones shackle the body. A free mind
is just as important, or more so, as a free body. |
