Liberal Views and Liberalism

Political views differ from individual to individual, but through examination of views held by Liberals and Conservatives, I have determined that my views are consistent with Liberal positions on several issues. The term Liberal, according to Dictionary.com (2008), defines liberal as "...favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs" and or "...noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform" (¶1). I have discovered that I have a high regard for individual dignity and the importance of societal and economical prosperity just as seen in the views of Liberals.

Libertarians are a politically motivated group that believe that people should be able live life as they see fit and do what they wish with their property so long as no other person is harmed in the pursuit their happiness. This ideology suggests that the government should have power but this power should be used to cure the ills within society such as "...hopelessness, hunger, treatable illness, or poverty" (Dye, T. 2007, (7), 2, pp44, ¶2). Through liberty, both on the personal and economic level, Libertarians believe that order, prosperity, and security will increase and make this nation a better place to live for all.

Expression, communication and personal relationships are other areas where my views and Liberals share some common views and interests. According to the Libertarian Party's platform, Liberals "...support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation or control of communications media and technology" (Eclipse, T., 2008, ¶12). Liberals believe that the Fourth Amendment is the baseline for personal freedoms and privacy (Eclipse, T., 2008). While Liberals believe this, they also believe that this should not in any way harm or infringe on the other rights of other individuals. Liberals also believe that the sexual preference of an individual should not limit or hinder the rights of that individual and that the Government should not be allowed to regulate or restrict a person's relationship choices (Eclipse, T., 2008).

While I believe in many of the views of the Libertarians I do oppose some of the views they hold on social policy. As depicted in our text by Thomas Dye (2008), Liberals believe that "Government should protect the right of women to choose abortion and fund abortions for poor women" (WHAT DO YOU THINK, (7), 2, pp49, ¶3). Personally, I do not believe that the government should fund abortions at all, regardless the situation. However, I do feel that abortions should be allowed in extreme cases such as rape. Liberals also believe under their economic policy that "The rich should pay higher taxes to support public services for all" (WHAT DO YOU THINK, (7), 2, pp49, ¶1). Public services are important to all but this is not an issue that faces the middle and lower class of society, it affect all American...rich or poor. There is no reason that the rich should be responsible, through taxes, to provide services to the American public. This is ultimately the responsibility of all Americans.

I believe that I hold many issues as true in agreement with Liberals view but there are some issues that I disagree with. This does not mean that Liberals are corrupt or wrong in the views that they hold as their platform. This can prove through examination of the many different political views and organizations, issues will give way to differing opinions or views but this does not necessarily mean that the political groups platform is inadequate or less American minded. I have learned through this examination of Liberal vs. Conservative mindedness has allowed me to be more open-minded to differing political views.

Reference

Dye, T. (2007). Politics in America (7),Chapter 2: Political Culture: Ideas in Conflict. Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey

Dictionary.com (2008). liberal. Retrieved July 4, 2008 from, web site: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal

Eclipse, T. (2008) Platform: National Platform of the Libertarian Party. Retrieved July 4, 2008 from, web site: http://www.lp.org/platform