December 3, 200619 yr Interesting article that shows that the historical, perceived difference between the parties isn't quite what it used to be: http://www.slate.com/id/2154620/ This is a good example why using labels (i.e. conservative, liberal, etc.) is often misleading - sometimes intentionally so. Frances
December 3, 200619 yr Author Sorry for the confusion. My statement regarding the use of labels was intended to show that "conservative" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Republican", just like "liberal" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Democrat". Both parties have people that mix and match positions that would, historically speaking, have been considered "conservative" with "liberal" views on other issues. The overuse of the two labels in broad, generalistic statements often obscures the issues that we should be discussing and examining in detail. Frances
December 3, 200619 yr Sorry for the confusion. My statement regarding the use of labels was intended to show that "conservative" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Republican", just like "liberal" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Democrat". Definitely agree! :thumb:
December 3, 200619 yr The overuse of the two labels in broad, generalistic statements often obscures the issues that we should be discussing and examining in detail. Frances Couldn't agree more. On top of that, labels allow for two or three divisive issues to determine which person or party someone will vote for. Take gay marriage for example. How many Conservative/Republicans list this as one of their main voting issues while being completely ignorant to economic issues, something equally important, beyond a tax increase/tax decrease? There are far too many people who will say "I'm against gay marriage...so I'm Republican," when they very well might be represented better by another party...and there are a handful of other issues that can be interchanged seamlessly with either party. I think thats exactly what you were saying, I just put it a little less eloquently.
December 3, 200619 yr Author ... I think thats exactly what you were saying, I just put it a little less eloquently. I disagree - I think you stated my point very well. Frances
December 3, 200619 yr Couldn't agree more. On top of that, labels allow for two or three divisive issues to determine which person or party someone will vote for. Take gay marriage for example. How many Conservative/Republicans list this as one of their main voting issues while being completely ignorant to economic issues, something equally important, beyond a tax increase/tax decrease? There are far too many people who will say "I'm against gay marriage...so I'm Republican," when they very well might be represented better by another party...and there are a handful of other issues that can be interchanged seamlessly with either party. I think thats exactly what you were saying, I just put it a little less eloquently. I kind of fit this mold. I'm a registered Republican, but I am conservative on some issues and liberal on others. Someone posted a test on BGP a couple of years ago so one could determine which party their views were more in line with....Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist, Communist, etc. My test results showed that my views were more Democratic than Republican.
December 4, 200619 yr I kind of fit this mold. I'm a registered Republican, but I am conservative on some issues and liberal on others. Someone posted a test on BGP a couple of years ago so one could determine which party their views were more in line with....Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Socialist, Communist, etc. My test results showed that my views were more Democratic than Republican. Could someone find a link to that survey/test? I'd be interested.
December 4, 200619 yr Sorry for the confusion. My statement regarding the use of labels was intended to show that "conservative" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Republican", just like "liberal" is not necessarily interchangeable with "Democrat". Both parties have people that mix and match positions that would, historically speaking, have been considered "conservative" with "liberal" views on other issues. The overuse of the two labels in broad, generalistic statements often obscures the issues that we should be discussing and examining in detail. Frances Now liberal and Rockmom are interchangeable, correct?
December 4, 200619 yr Author Now liberal and Rockmom is interchangeable, correct? I thought it was an alternate spelling .... Frances
December 4, 200619 yr Could someone find a link to that survey/test? I'd be interested. Enjoy 'papa . My results said "Left of Lenin" http://typology.people-press.org/typology/
December 4, 200619 yr Enjoy 'papa . My results said "Left of Lenin" http://typology.people-press.org/typology/ WOW...not whay I thought I was.lol:eek:
December 4, 200619 yr Enterprisers represent 9 percent of the American public, and 10 percent of registered voters. Not many of me. I am sure some of you are very thankful of that. Basic Description As in previous studies conducted in 1987, 1994 and 1999, this extremely partisan Republican group’s politics are driven by a belief in the free enterprise system and social values that reflect a conservative agenda. Enterprisers are also the strongest backers of an assertive foreign policy, which includes nearly unanimous support for the war in Iraq and strong support for such anti-terrorism efforts as the Patriot Act. Defining Values Assertive on foreign policy and patriotic; anti-regulation and pro-business; very little support for government help to the poor; strong belief that individuals are responsible for their own well being. Conservative on social issues such as gay marriage, but not much more religious than the nation as a whole. Very satisfied with personal financial situation. Who They Are Predominantly white (91%), male (76%) and financially well-off (62% have household incomes of at least $50,000, compared with 40% nationwide). Nearly half (46%) have a college degree, and 77% are married. Nearly a quarter (23%) are themselves military veterans. Only 10% are under age 30. Lifestyle Notes 59% report having a gun in their homes; 53% trade stocks and bonds in the stock market, and 30% are small business owners – all of which are the highest percentages among typology groups. 48% attend church weekly; 36% attend bible study or prayer group meetings Media Use Enterprisers follow news about government and politics more closely than any other group, and exhibit the most knowledge about world affairs. The Fox News Channel is their primary source of news (46% cite it as a main source) followed by newspapers (42%) radio (31%) and the internet (26%). Although they are wrong with Fox News. I watch it maybe once every month for about 30 minutes.
December 4, 200619 yr No big surprise here; almost everything applies to me. Basic Description This group has nearly doubled in proportion since 1999(I may have added a couple of pounds, but I haven't doubled in proportion), Liberals now comprise the largest share of Democrats and is the single largest of the nine Typology groups. They are the most opposed to an assertive foreign policy, the most secular, and take the most liberal views on social issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and censorship. They differ from other Democratic groups in that they are strongly pro-environment and pro-immigration, issues which are more controversial among Conservative and Disadvantaged Democrats. Defining Values Strongest preference for diplomacy over use of military force. Pro-choice, supportive of gay marriage and strongly favor environmental protection. Low participation in religious activities. Most sympathetic of any group to immigrants as well as labor unions, and most opposed to the anti-terrorism Patriot Act. Who They Are Most (62%) identify themselves as liberal. Predominantly white (83%), most highly educated group (49% have a college degree or more), and youngest group after Bystanders. Least religious group in typology: 43% report they seldom or never attend religious services; nearly a quarter (22%) are seculars. More than one-third never married (36%). Largest group residing in urban areas (42%) and in the western half the country (34%). Wealthiest Democratic group (41% earn at least $75,000). Lifestyle Notes Largest group to have been born (or whose parents were born) outside of the U.S. or Canada (20%). Least likely to report having a gun at home (23%) or attending bible study or prayer group meetings (13%). 2004 Election Bush 2%, Kerry 81% Party ID 59% Democrat; 40% Independent/No Preference, 1% Republican (92% Dem/Lean Dem) Media Use Liberals are second only to Enterprisers in following news about government and public affairs most of the time (60%). Liberals’ use of the internet to get news is the highest among all groups (37%). By the way, thanks to mathemagician for the link!
December 4, 200619 yr Enterprisers represent 9 percent of the American public, and 10 percent of registered voters. Not many of me. I am sure some of you are very thankful of that. Basic Description As in previous studies conducted in 1987, 1994 and 1999, this extremely partisan Republican group’s politics are driven by a belief in the free enterprise system and social values that reflect a conservative agenda. Enterprisers are also the strongest backers of an assertive foreign policy, which includes nearly unanimous support for the war in Iraq and strong support for such anti-terrorism efforts as the Patriot Act. Defining Values Assertive on foreign policy and patriotic; anti-regulation and pro-business; very little support for government help to the poor; strong belief that individuals are responsible for their own well being. Conservative on social issues such as gay marriage, but not much more religious than the nation as a whole. Very satisfied with personal financial situation. Who They Are Predominantly white (91%), male (76%) and financially well-off (62% have household incomes of at least $50,000, compared with 40% nationwide). Nearly half (46%) have a college degree, and 77% are married. Nearly a quarter (23%) are themselves military veterans. Only 10% are under age 30. Lifestyle Notes 59% report having a gun in their homes; 53% trade stocks and bonds in the stock market, and 30% are small business owners – all of which are the highest percentages among typology groups. 48% attend church weekly; 36% attend bible study or prayer group meetings Media Use Enterprisers follow news about government and politics more closely than any other group, and exhibit the most knowledge about world affairs. The Fox News Channel is their primary source of news (46% cite it as a main source) followed by newspapers (42%) radio (31%) and the internet (26%). Although they are wrong with Fox News. I watch it maybe once every month for about 30 minutes. I am with ya LBBC...considered myself more moderate...lol:thumb:
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