This is what I believe... This is from one of our local black comentators, believe it or not, but I personally think it hits very close to home, especially coming from a black man. I got this from his web site... www.larryelder.com

What Republicans Believe, What Democrats Believe by Larry Elder

Republicans believe hard work wins, and government should allow you — to the fullest extent possible — to keep what you earn. Democrats believe that success results from luck, chance and happenstance, and therefore a just government takes from those who have and gives to those who do not.

Republicans believe in a colorblind society determined by drive, work ethic and talent. Democrats want a color-coordinated society. This explains the support for race and gender-based preferences to "correct" past sins and to create "diversity."

Republicans believe discrimination to fix previous discrimination remains discrimination, and that all a government can be is just in its own time. Democrats wish to use government to "rectify" past wrongs, which they hold responsible for today's "inequities."

Republicans believe that government should empower the individual — that a government that taxes least taxes best. Democrats want individuals to empower government, and support policies that redistribute income from person A to "deserving" person B.

Republicans believe that the playing field, while unlevel, requires an individual to do the best he or she can with the cards dealt. Democrats consider life rigged, and that one's destiny rests on matters beyond the control of the individual.

Republicans believe that those who cannot help themselves can and will be helped out by other individuals — not government — as a result of basic human compassion. Democrats believe that because of one's misfortune, he or she is entitled to something — via government — from someone else.

Republicans believe in peace through strength, and thus support strong national defense, and — in this era of Islamofascism — a proactive foreign policy. Democrats believe in strength through peace, and believe they can better influence the behavior of enemies by demonstrating our good intentions.

Republicans believe in the mutual benefits of free trade of goods and services. Democrats believe in "fair trade," and support barriers that shield domestic industries against competition, reducing the incentive to innovate and change to remain competitive.

Republicans consider the Constitution a contract, limiting the duties, powers and obligations of the federal government. Democrats consider the Constitution a "living, breathing document," to be interpreted flexibly. Republicans, for example, reject Roe v. Wade because the court based it on a right to privacy, not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Democrats consider the right to privacy implied, despite the absence of any reference to it.

Republicans believe in the Second Amendment, and that it confers an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Founding Fathers wanted this right to protect against tyranny by government. Democrats consider the Second Amendment an impediment to public safety.

Michigan, six years ago, became one of about 40 "shall issue" states that now allow citizens to apply for a permit to carry concealed weapons. At the time, law enforcement officials predicted an increase in violent crime. In fact, the opposite happened.

Woodhaven, Michigan Police Chief Michael Martin said, "I think the general consensus out there from law enforcement is that things were not as bad as we expected. There are problems with gun violence, but I think we can breathe a sigh of relief that what we anticipated didn't happen."

So how did the president of the Michigan chapter of the anti-gun group Million Moms March respond? She called the statistics bogus, and argued that even if true, society still possesses too many guns.

And this brings us to our final observation: Republicans believe what they see, and Democrats see what they believe.

This is not a working definition. it is only how "I see" the two sides.

1. A liberal believes we have a responsiblity to help each other and care for the poor and downtrodden.

A conservative believes they should not be responsible for the failures or deficiencies of others.

2. A liberal believes that education in the humanities as part of an education is necessary for a well rounded, intelligent and responsible citizen of the world.

A conservative sees humanities as unnecessary for success and feels they should be optional and NOT required.

3.A liberal believes "Big Business" needs to be kept in check and share their gains fairly with their workers.

A conservative believes the business owner or corporation has the responsiblity to make the highest profits for the company and its shareholders. Workers are unimportant. And, the more you can flood the market with desperate workers, the better they like it. It means more profits which is the goal.

4. A liberal believes that people should come first to strengthen the economy.

A conservative believes that by supporting the needs of big business, the strength will "trickle down" to the people.

Disclaimer: This is just how I see it and does not constitute a definitive answer.

A liberal loves change because change is good.

A conservative hates change because change is bad.

And so goes all hope for either one. lol

That is a load of infuriating HOGWASH. That you espouse a belief that your assertions are true is either a demonstration of the success of the propaganda spread by the republican machine, or a demonstration of the depth of your own cynism.

how I abhor these kinds of LIES and those who spread them

Lack of regulation in the banking industry is responsible for the real estate melt down, and in consequence is partly responsible for the devaluation of the dollar.

Lack of regulation on specutative trading of oil futures also is responsible for the high price of fuel and the devaluation of our dollar.

That dollar represents the medium of trade for my labor

Irresponsible jerks, so enamoured of their ability to accumulate vast sums through unethical practices insist - through their behavior and the consequences that result - that I must work harder for less.

Deregulation is a significant component of the republican agenda - and that is to end consumer protection -

Look at Bush initiatives regarding water quality, clean air, and the list goes on

furious - does not begin to describe my rage

Abolition was a Liberal policy
and the fish that fed on tea in Boston harbor
were fed by Liberal hands . . .

death I say, DEATH,
to NEO-CON facism . . .

Naomi Wolf's The End of America: A Letter of Warning to a Young Patriot will be published by Chelsea Green in September

preview: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.comment

First off liberals and conservatives, need to be separated from lib and con, politicians.

The way I see it libs emphasize fairness and equality, while cons emphasize freedom and liberty. The devil is in the details (interpretation).

So why be either one? I mean, why not just accept change as inevitable, instead of attaching any love or hate to it?