You should read a post called “Conservatives Are Happier People” over at American Elephants. In the post, American Elephant [correction: Elephant's Child] astutely analyzes the two basic approaches to government: imposition of values by our leaders and freedom to choose our own values.
I have often had the impression that my liberal friends and acquaintances don’t understand that the main difference between us is how we view freedom. Whenever I try to discuss freedom with liberals, I usually get a response that is off topic–such as how privileged I am as a white man or how I lack compassion for poor people. They want to avoid the talk of freedom at all costs–unless it is the freedom to have an abortion or to receive a benefit check.
I wrote a post on freedom back in October. I invite you to read it and share your thoughts. Here are a few excerpts:
During the time that the idea of less government and more individualism has arisen and spread, folks have felt compelled to go back to a system that concentrates power in the hands of a few and denies freedom to the “common people.” I understand why it appeals to the power-holders, but I don’t understand why so many people acquiesce in it.
. . . . .
Some of our current candidates for president would “step on the gas” and help us catch up with our neighbors across the Atlantic and to the north [in terms of government limits on freedom]. Why do so many people want to go back to a Feudalistic system in which the Lord of the Manor lives off the labor of the peasants and throws them back a few crumbs or to an Imperialistic system in which the Emperor gives us bread and circuses?
. . . . .
The trouble with seeing the government that way [--as a family--] is that it allows the government to override the sovereignty of the actual family units and it creates a situation in which adults, who see themselves anoninted for the purpose, are parenting other adults.
Do you want freedom, or do you want to be controlled? Do you think that the Lord of the Manor (or the Emperor or Big Brother) loves you and wants to take care of you? Do you believe that you have the rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” or do you believe that your happiness is dependent on a government’s imposition of values on you and your neighbors?
2 responses so far ↓
helenl // May 9, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Of course, conservatives are happier. Being satisfied with the status quo means lots of “free times.” We progressives have our work cut out for us. LOL
RG’s Response: I think conservatives are happier because we are not always fretting that economic disaster is going to ruin us. Most of us believe that we can take care of ourselves, and we do so. If we do have difficulties, we know that we can depend upon our families, our neighbors, and our churches to help us out. We don’t manufacture disasters, such as global warming, in order to scare people into implementing our pet policies. I could go on. . .
American Elephant // May 9, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Actually Helen, If you read both the accompanying article and the book, Gross National Happiness, by Mr. Brooks, both of which are based on strenuous reesearch and hard facts, and you read his other book, “Who Really Cares”, you will find out one of the main reasons conservatives are so much happier is because they devote far more of both their time and money than do liberals volunteering and giving to charities trying to bring about positive change. And it doesnt matter if the charities are religious or secular, conservatives are far more active volunteering for and donating to both.
And by the way RG, that post was written by my co-elephant, The Elephant’s Child, not me. I dont wanna steal credit for her work.
RG’s Response: Thanks for the clarifications. Not only do they volunteer more, but as you say their charitable contributions are higher than liberals. In other words, liberals talk about caring for the poor, while conservatives just do it. I pointed out in another post that I admire the Clinton’s because their charitable giving is higher than that of most liberals whose tax returns have been scrutinized.
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