The lines have ostensibly been drawn around “conservatives” and “liberals”, but this means nothing.

Wikipedia gives this encyclopedic definition of liberalism:
“Different forms of liberalism may propose very different policies, but they are generally united by their support for a number of principles, including extensive freedom of thought and speech, limitations on the power of governments, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market or mixed economy, and a transparent system of government. All liberals — as well as some adherents of other political ideologies — support some variant of the form of government known as liberal democracy, with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law.”

And this of conservatism:
“Conservatism is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. The term is derived from the Latin, com servare, to preserve; ‘to protect from loss or harm.’”

Both of these defined groups obviously differ greatly from the groups in the United States who misappropriate their names.

“I’m a liberal” now means: “I may think the world is complex, but damned if I ever do anything different as a result. I also support the welfare state, the unlimited expansion of scientific inquiry and the total abrogation of citizens’ rights.”

“I’m a conservative” now means: “I think the world is simple, and if it isn’t yet I’ll make it that way. I also support moral standards playing a role in government, careful restrictions on progress, and the total abrogation of citizens’ rights.”

I mourn the fact that recognizing the complexity of the world is now considered a partisan issue in the U.S., but more importantly I refuse to believe that as many people as vote a straight-party ticket every year actually align themselves with either of these philosophies. We get no credit from our leaders yet we continue to give them ours.

Worst of all, I suppose, is that we’re slowly rubbing off on the rest of the world.

In other words, someone who understands simple solutions and clear-cut paths do not happen in a world this complex.

How many of us vote for the one who can ask questions?

(Not enough to encourage anyone who can ask questions to run for office, that’s how many.)