Hey, Tweedster: Somehow, I overlooked this thread when you first posted it. As a friend, I have to agree with Beccy (considering myself mostly a liberal.) When I saw the title, I thought this was going to be a thread reminding us that whatever our beliefs are, we are first of all, human beings. We are complex, and resist labels, and labels preclude discussion. They are just a good reason for saying what WE believe. One hand clapping. They encourage generalities that are almost 100% negative (except generalities about our own beliefs, which are 95% praiseworthy.)

I'd like to address category three... human beings. We are FIRST of all human beings, and liberals are just as guilty, generalizing about conservatives as conservatives are about liberals. Us being folksinger types, and mostly liberal in philosophy it feels as good for us to condemn any conservative thinking as it does for Rush Limbaugh, who I find disgusting, to condemn liberals. I know conservative Republicans who would put 95% of the liberals in here to shame by quietly dedicating their lives to trying to ease suffering and political injustice. But, that's like saying, "some of my best friends are black." It doesn't totally address the issue. It's the "exception proves the rule" approach.

We all have to live by generalities. We are faced with daily decisions (like voting) that require us to form opinions that are generalities. BUT, there is a real danger in that. Daily life is mostly lived on a one-on-one basis, and folks is folks, sure enough.
And, even the most liberal person has some conservatives attitudes, and the reverse.

This thread seems to have quickly become a "Oh, yeah, conervatives are stupid" thread. I say that, considering myself a liberal and agreeing almost completely with all the wrong-headedness I personally see in the conservative attitude.

In closing, I'd like to quote Winnie The Pooh. He liked to say that he was "that kind of a bear." We are all guilty (me too) of saying, "Thank God I am not as judgemental as those people." If there is ever going to be any common ground found, we have to start with category three.

Human beings.

Your buddy,

Jerry