A Liberal: Origins Issue 0
Neal Starkman, writing at the website that is all that is left of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which was my favorite of the two major Seattle papers, muses over how he became a liberal what he considers the two distinguishing characteristics of liberals.
In some ways, it mirrors my own experiences; in others, it points to some of the reasons why liberals tend to be such a factious bunch. A nugget (emphasis added):
But am I merely justifying and ennobling my own prejudices? Don’t conservatives seek the truth and care about people? Consider some issues, past and present, with liberals on one side and conservatives on the other: Racial integration of public schools. The formation and continuation of unions. The invasions of Vietnam and of Iraq. Environmental protections. Women’s rights. Gay rights. Well, you can do the analyses. The next time you see a liberal and a conservative debate an issue, ask yourself: Which one is sticking to the facts? Which one is advocating something that will help people who need help?
