--by James W. Squires, M.D.
A “conservative’s” view of society and politics appears to me to be based on at least four pillars: (1) Humans are endowed with “Individual Freedom” (be free to do what I wish providing it doesn’t harm anyone) while acknowledging the agreed upon powers of government enshrined in the Constitution and leaving everything up to state government; (2) Humans have an obligation to be “responsible” for their well being; (3) the larger the federal government becomes (especially intruding into areas not specifically indentified in the Constitution) then the “greater encroachment on “Individual Freedoms” necessitating a limitation of government. (4) An economic climate that has few restrictions and regulations (the free market) is the surest way to improve the economic and social status of all Americans.
A “liberal/Progressive” view of society and politics appears to me to be based on the idea that (1) Citizens who find themselves in circumstances over which they had no control and now face poverty, often accompanied by spousal abandonment, domestic violence, mental illness, lack of access to health services, crippling disease states, and joblessness, collectively need assistance in finding an opportunity for a better life. (2) The decisions of state governments fail to recognize many “rights” that can only be addressed at the federal level. (3) Today’s issues are so enormous and complex that the federal government must assert regulation and control as, for example, interstate commerce, education, climate change (assuming one believes this to be true), and energy policy. (4) A free market with minimal regulation would invariably result in chaos and the destructions of capital as witness the economic calamity of the great depression that led to many of today’s regulations.
Both views have been demonized during the current season and have become unrecognizable. The conservative view is defined as cruel and uncaring; the liberal/progressive view is repeatedly described as a “nanny state” or “socialism.”
Hundreds upon hundreds of articles, forums, interviews, political rhetoric and media productions assault us daily. Some are scholarly; others defend a position already strongly held and sometimes inflammatory language making a civil and rational discussion of these views difficult. These observations, I believe, have made a reasoned discussion of health reform impossible.
“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” - William Penn
I am firmly in the camp of William Penn.
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