On this toasty summer day, I suggest that words such as “liberal” and “conservative” have become confused, misused, and overused to the degree that they are useless and meaningless — particularly in contexts of politics and religion.
Lest we hide behind the inherent ambiguity of words, perhaps we could communicate more effectively by defining terms and focusing on issues.
For example, what does “conservative” mean? Originalist interpretation of the Constitution? Small government? States’ rights? Patriotic? Devout loyalty to the POTUS? To what extent are conservatives’ religious views valid, narrow-minded, or misguided? Is it good or bad to be conservative?
What about “liberal?” A contextual interpretation of the Constitution? Big government? Over-zealous programs for low-income families? Unpatriotic? To what extent are liberals’ religious views valid, nebulous, or misguided? Is it good or bad to be liberal?
What do you mean by “woke?” Are “woke people” good? or bad?
It might be more fruitful to speak directly about issues that become obscure in echo chambers and silos. Questions that beg answers include:
How do you define or explain patriotism?
How do you explain your support for or opposition to a strong, well-funded public education system? To what extent do you value higher education?
How do you discern facts from opinions and blatant lies? To what extent are you concerned about misinformation and disinformation?
How do you explain your support for or opposition to a free press as outlined in the Constitution?
How do you explain your beliefs regarding health care as a right or a privilege?
How do you explain your respect for or opposition to scientific research?
How do you explain your support for or opposition to protecting public lands and the environment?
And now, what about violence and war?
How do you explain your support for or opposition to eliminating references to slavery, the World War II incarceration of Americans of Japanese descent, mistreatment and genocide of indigenous peoples, and other less than honorable elements of our past that are documented in literature, museums, national parks and electronic databases?
How do you explain your support for or opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion? What are your thoughts about Christian nationalism, white nationalism and Project 2025?
Do you believe that three separate, co-equal branches of government are necessary for our democracy to function, or do you favor a more powerful, unencumbered executive branch?
To what extent do you believe the First Amendment to the Constitution is relevant in 2025? (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.)
Do you oppose or support due process as outlined in the Constitution? Or do you simply not care about that provision so much?
Do you oppose or support the Sixth Amendment (In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.)? Or do you simply not care about that provision so much?
Food for Thought — as well as topics for face-to-face, civil, mutually respectful conversations.
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