I don't ever want to turn into a conservative.

[coloradodem2005]

Mainly I see conservatives as cynical. The thing is I am cynical about people but am liberal. I do have fiscally conservative views, but despite my misanthropy, I do believe that we must do what is best for people, especially politicians. I think that Bush's war is wrong, I think it is wrong that unemployment is so high. I think it is wrong that people live on the street. I think that Bush's gay amendment is bullshit. While I may have bitter feelings, I do believe that women have a right to their bodies, especially when their health or life is at risk. I hate racial profiling and I hate the Patriot Act. I hate big business trying to take over everything. So I guess my question is, is their such a thing as a misanthropic liberal? I sure seem to be one.

[Shoedogg]

1. Sounds sort of Libertarian-ish to me (n/t)

[coloradodem2005]

2. Is that good or bad?

Some think that Libertarian has a bad connotation to it because it has been associated with conservativism, even though there are left-libertarians too.

[Shoedogg]

12. Not necessarily bad, no....

Generally, Libertarians are more fiscally conservative and more socially liberal.

But, as another poster said, don't let these labels define you.

[jobycom]

3. Don't let the labels decide your beliefs

Believe what you do, vote and think accordingly. Labels are what trap people. Look at the Repubs now. Do you think most of them really would like Bush if they didn't feel obligated to? The man has done everything the opposite of what Republicans have always said they believe. He's raised taxes (increased spending is increased taxes, even if he's not the one to collect them), he's grown government, he's gotten us into an ill conceived war, he is hurting business. He's the opposite of what they want, but many still cling to him because he uses the same label they do.

I would make the same argument about Nader, and others would make it about Clinton.

I vote Democrat. I support liberals and progressives, and agree most often with them. But I hesitate to say I'm a Democrat. I don't like yielding that much power to a word. I believe what I believe, and I'm very sure of those beliefs. They don't always fit into categories, though. So I discard the categories, rather than changing my beliefs to fit them.

[The Traveler]

5. Well said! (n/t)

[proud patriot]

4. Stay Independent Vote informed

:hi:

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. Sounds just like me

and I dno't consider myself a republican or a rightwinger, though like you I am a fiscal conservative, but otherwise, totally liberal and/or libertarian at times.

And I, too, in case no one has noticed, have a high belief in the general goodness of people but also have a very cynical attitude that, though they are in general good, they will also generally choose the easiest path, which often means racism, classism, or even tacky artlessnessism, or the subgroup of normally decent honest people who are also easily misled and who follow a guy (Shrub) that they would never follow if the truth could be shown to them.

So I refuse to vote for any republican any more, or even independant, just because the rightwing is SOOOOOO incredibly dangerous now, but if thiogns change, and republicans go back to the roots from which they spring and this evil cabal that has controlled the republican party for the last 30 years or more is gone, I would happily vote for a republican if I thought he or she was better than the democratic offering.

Vote your conscience, and be who you are.

[jobycom]

7. That;s a good description

Mirrors what I believe about people. Basically good, most want and try to do the right thing, but most will take the easy road without weighing the moral consequence. That's why a leader like JFK can call them to a higher purpose, but a sham artist like Reagan can make them believe they should follow their most base instincts. Of course, there are some very good people, and some quite evil folks, in the mix.

I'm not much of a fiscal conservative, though. Spend, spend, spend, it helps the economy, creates jobs, and improves quality of life, unless you blow it on wars or give it all to rich people who don't need it. My opinion, yours may (and does) vary.

[Crunchy Frog]

8. Don't worry,

I'm extremely cynical too, but I know I will never become a conservative and I doubt that you will either. To be a conservative, as the concept in this country currently applies, you also have to be full of hate, incapable of empathy, and also rigidly ideological.

I see liberalism is a more realistic, pragmatic and sensible, as well as compassionate world view. I have always bee quite comfortable being a cynical liberal, although, being liberal probably means that I'm not absolutely cynical to my very core, ie I must believe that the possibility exists for improvement in the world. You probably have some of that at the core of your being as well.

Let us know if you find yourself in the middle of an existential crisis, so we can talk you through it.:)

By the way, what part of Colorado are you in? I live just outside of Boulder.

[coloradodem2005]

10. Down in South Jeffco.

Freeperland second only to Colorado Springs. The thing is, I went to college in Boulder and I left not with the best of feelings.

[Crunchy Frog]

11. So what were your experiences attending CU

and living in Boulder? Was that what turned you into a cynic?:)

I live in Lafayette which is just outside of Boulder, but doesn't have that whole Boulder ambiance to it.

Freeperland sounds pretty aweful. I don't think I could stomach living in an extremely RW area. Do you consider it better or worse than Boulder?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm just up late. :-)

[coloradodem2005]

13. Well,

CU had not been terrible until the end. It was stressful, but I got screwed over by the school of ed administrators. That made me ultra cynical. I have also had bad luck meeting women, and sometimes people seemed too snooty. THe problem is, Boulder Identifies itself as really liberal, but people there are so stuck up.

I don't know about better or worse. Boulder is expensive too. I was very unimpressed by Louisville too.

[The Whiskey Priest]

9. I long to be counted among the silk stocking crowd.

to while away my days in idle reverie, occasionally flogging the staff. Much better than picking the white man's cotton every day.