FREE ESSAY ON LIBERALISM AND CONSERVATISM

LIBERALISM AND CONSERVATISM

Liberalism and Conservatism
Liberalism and conservatism have been political ideas and thoughts from the very birth of
our democracy. Their views and points of the government's role in a democratic society
have changed over the years, but the basic ideas and principles have remained the same.
There are many different degrees of liberalism and conservatism as almost anyone can be
labeled. Some individuals are radical and extreme while others stand on more of a neutral
territory, but the debates between the understood ideas of each group have continued
throughout the history of the United States. We will take liberalism's Gary Doore and
conservatism's Irving Kristol as modern day examples and compare and contrast the
political ways of thinking of each individual. 
Conservatism is comprised of religion, nationalism, and economic growth. Among these,
Irving Kristol believes religion is most important (18). Why? Obviously, religion doesn't
teach people to do wrong. In fact, as most of us know, religion sternly instills good
values and morals in a person at an early age. These ideas are what tell people right
from wrong, good from bad. Religion motivates people to succeed in life not in
materialistic aspects, but in law abiding, respectful aspects. Respect for God, life and
other human beings. So how can this be bad for a society? It can't and that's why
conservatives think it is most important in the function of a government (18-19)
If America could live up to the religious standard, crime would be nonexistent. Of
course, this is impossible, but it is the idea that drives conservative thinkers. Kristol
points out that recent liberal attempts to slow down and decrease the crime rate have not
worked (20). Additionally with each liberal program's failure, more and more American
people discredit and distrust the government. Overall, the common conservative consensus
is that religious ideals should replace big business-like government and the spending
that comes with it. (20-21)
Liberty, rights, justice and equality are ideals liberalists such as Gary Doore view as
the most important aspects in the democracy of America (24). They also feel America has
recently drawn away from these ideals and is therefore not as democratic as it once was
or can be in the future. Doore believes there is especially room for democratization in
the workplace (28). In fact, he points out that it is the lack of freedom of expression
and the restrictive environment of the workplace that has led to this situation. More
ideas and innovations would come from corporations if they would allow more freedom to
its employees. Not only would workers benefit, but the company they work for would also.
(28) 
Another cause for the break down of democracy in America stems from the administrations
of Ronald Reagan and George Bush (Doore 26). Because of the Cold War era and the
insecurities it brought to the American people, the administrations thought it was
necessary to tighten down and take control. To do this they called for more powers to the
executive branch. As a result, Doore and other liberals began to see more of an
authoritarian government take shape, and the term "imperial presidency" was created. The
situations went as far as banning newspapers and magazines from Cuba, North Vietnam, and
Albania (27). These limits, as well as the restrictive environment of the workplace are
what liberals feel are most responsible for the decay of democracy that has taken place
over the past few decades. 
Both Doore and Kristol bring up interesting arguments, but they go too far. Kristol was
quick to point out that liberal programs have not slowed down the crime rate at all, but
the recent attempts by Clinton and his liberal programs have done just that, so their
numbers claim. And how about the deficit? Also, a large turnaround. Who or what is
responsible for that though? Clinton definitely takes credit for more than he deserves.
Doore states that the administrations of Reagan and Bush created somewhat of an
authoritarian government. It did go too far, but some of the actions they took were
necessary to control the insecurities the Cold War brought forth. It also helped in
ending that period. When Doore wrote this article he mentioned that he would like to see
Clinton succeed at decentralizing the government, creating a more democratic society,
boosting the economy, and turning around the general aura and perspectives the people
have for this country. Seven years later, I think he, along with many conservatives,
would be pleased by the recent positive changes this nation has accomplished. 
Bibliography
Doore, Gary. "Liberalism Is Ideal for America." Orig. "Democratizing the United States."
The Humanist May/June 1993. American Values. Ed. David Bender. 
San Diego: Greenhaven P, 1995. 23-28. 
Kristol, Irving. "Conservatism Is Ideal for America." Orig. "The Coming 'Conservative 
Century.'" The Wall Street Journal 1 Feb. 1993. American Values. Ed. David 
Bender. San Diego: Greenhaven P, 1995. 17-22.