Liberals and Conservatives?

I was looking at a blog site called Rhode Island's Future today. One of the great things about that site is their collection of links to various blogs written by Rhode Island citizens. I think quite a few of the postings being presented are very intelligent and great food for thought. It is wonderful that this medium has opened up a means of communication and publication for anyone who wants to write.

One of the most difficult things for me to understand, especially in Rhode Island politics, is the contrast between the labels of 'liberal' or left-wing and 'conservative' or right-wing. Having grown up around very well educated and worldly people who characterized themselves as liberals and Democrats, I learned that liberal meant someone who was able to engage in critical thinking skills. They were able to think for themselves and see that value of opposing viewpoints.

Over and over again, I now see politicians and political wannabees characterize themselves as liberals and Democrats who place great value on being endorsed as a 'loyal party member'. And, by becoming a 'loyal party member' of the long term ruling group of politicians, it means they paid their dues and did not question authority. It my mind, that does not make them 'liberal' or thoughtful.

On the other hand, I have heard awful comments from the new right, disparaging progressive republicans for supporting the environment, for trying to include all classes of people in decisions, and for supporting the constitutional separation of church and state. They end up being labeled RINOs (republican in name only) for being out of lock step with what has been called neo-conservatism.

The Rhode Island's Future site includes a list blogs labeled as 'Lefty Blogs' separated from other Rhode Island blogs. Yet, when I read what they have to say, I see more personality and lifestyle similarities between people labeling themselves as hard core Republicans and staunch Democrats, than between liberals or conservatives. I know RI Democrats who drive gigantic Cadillac Escalades, would never be caught recycling their own trash (leave that to everyone else to do), engage in speculative development, and declare the value of being a 'loyal party member'.

I know Republicans who are extremely open minded, care about the environment, and embrace democracy, yet have been ostracized by the same type of people who value 'lock step' loyalty above all of those things.

The lock step groups from each side would have us all fight among ourselves on their behalf to keep things the way they are. Their use of labels is an old scary tactic fueling the we vs them mentality and gives momentum to the party attack dogs. A lie for a lie and an untruth for an untruth.

Rhode Island would be helped if we could focus on the truth and solving our collective problems. Lock step loyalty is archaic and irrelevant. It is a sure-fire guarantee that the person will not act from their heart and mind, but simply support the status quo.

The Truth is - Rhode Island needs to change in order for us all to prosper in the coming years - not just the few Cadillac drivers who don't recycle and benefit from keeping things the way they are.