Since I have been
both in my life, and have pretty much paid attention to both sides, I have come
to some conclusions.
What a conservative
position stands for in a balanced, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual way:
1)
The
conservative model represents male energy, or patriarchal, in its approach to
managing, guiding and encouraging a people.
2)
The
ideal goal is to allow people the freedom and space to create there own dreams
and provide the open doors to pursue that.
3)
There is
a strong belief that if a government aids people in need over and above what is
essential in an emergency situation, the country will be fostering a state of
dependence in such people. (welfare state)
4)
To help
those in dire need is a necessity for a government, but to continue that help
when the person is able-bodied only takes away that person’s means to develop
self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
5)
To
enable a group of individuals to remain on more aid than is necessary for
survival weakens society and allows a segment of the population to become a
burden when in fact they could be productive given responsibility for
themselves.
6)
Capitalism
is the best form of economic base for a country and it will enable prosperity to the
broadest number of people.
7)
Supply
and demand in a free society will of its own accord will be the fairest system
to all, pricing goods and services more equitably than any government could.(
Based on the belief of Adam Smith in 1776, ‘A Wealth of Nations’ which
influenced our Declaration of Independence)
8)
Underlying
these beliefs is the basic belief that people given free rein will rise to
their full capabilities.
9)
This is
very much like the father’s form of parenting, giving the children more
responsibility, playing a bit tough, but being there for support of the
helpless.
10)
The
government is ready to protect during real or perceived threats.
When this form of
governing gets out of balance, just like a father too stern or removed from the
children, it can grow toward one end of the spectrum creating lack in other
areas. In the effort to protect the masses and put resources there, there could
be a lack of nurturing of the people, the environment and the small businesses. Funding can get lop-sided toward the male energy
type activities, too much of the resources going authority, territorial rights,
defense, etc. Aggression can be a knee jerk reaction to problems. Businesses
may grow irresponsibly, ignoring the byproducts of their wastefulness and lack
of ecological awareness as well as an understanding of the needs of the
individual workers.
What a Liberal
position stands for in a balanced, emotional, intellectual and spiritual way:
1)
Conversely
to the conservative model, the Liberal model represents female energy, or
maternal in its approach to managing, guiding and nurturing a people.
2)
The
ideal goal is to create a safe, healthy environment that is rich in experience
and gives everyone an opportunity to become what they want to be.
3)
There is
a strong belief that if the government shows the people it’s ability to be
there for them, have safety nets in place, caring for the poor, aged,
disadvantaged, discriminated against, and ill, that that is a sign of success.
4)
To lack
taking sufficient care of the less fortunate will bring an eventuality of more
crime, hopelessness and despair. The gulf between the poor and wealthy will
grow.
5)
To have
a government that brings speedy aid to the less fortunate will allow those
individuals, with government programs assisting them, become productive
citizens of society and, in the end, off government assistance.
6)
Capitalism
may be the best form of economic base, but
the government must be vigilant in making sure it is fair to all.
7)
Sometimes
supply and demand isn’t fair to all and the government can and should equal
things out for everyone.
8)
Underlying
these beliefs is the basic belief that we are our brother’s keeper. We are all
ultimately responsible for the welfare of our people and the world where we can
help.
9)
This,
obviously, is very much like the mother’s form of parenting, very nurturing,
helpful, listening, and being supportive in the direction the individuals want
to go in.
10)
This
government is ready to nurture and protect its weakest segment of society.
When this form of
governing gets out of balance, just like a mother that is too permissive or too helpful, it can create divisions of
the people. The people that work hardest and create the most success can be
penalized by a heavy tax burden to support an ever-growing dependent population.
Too much nurturing robs those receiving welfare of the opportunity to develop
self-reliance, find out what they are innately capable of, thereby never
attaining their potential or self-fulfillment. Their offspring becomes entangled in
the web of government agencies without hope of escaping.
In both of the
extreme scenarios there would be an eventual outcome of an exhausted,
over-expended state, somewhat similar to single parenting!
A person in balance
has an opportunity to improve, and raise his or her consciousness.
A person out of
balance has fewer options available, being seemingly held down by unknown
outside forces, which is an illusion. The country is a macrocosm of this.
The balance is
created by the individuals, all of
us; listening to BOTH sides of ourselves
and each other. We, of course, need both attributes in a
society. With balance, peace, fortitude, male and female energy, ying and yang,
we can create a vibrant, healthy populace that offers the fertile ground for
all to grow. I believe if humanity continues to thrive on this
planet there will inevitably be an evolution resulting in the merging of these energies.
We can see it in individuals right now. Men are developing more awareness and
use of their potential and women are certainly moving into a more whole-brained
way of life. It is a matter of consciousness being raised above the
polarization of society.
