Once again it is an election year, a very important one and political parties are doing everything they can to manipulate voters decisions. The Republican Party in particular has a tendency to demonize their opponents by calling them liberals, as if being called that name makes them guilty of some kind of high crime and misdemeanor.
A comparison of the definition of the two terms in Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is interesting. Websters defines a conservative as "One who adheres to traditional methods or views. A cautious or discreet person". It defines liberal as "A person who is open minded or not strict in the observance of orthodox, traditional or established forms or ways. An advocate or adherent of liberalism, especially in individual rights".
When one considers these two definitions it is clear to see why the definition of conservative might appear to be morally superior to the definition of liberal, therefore more appealing to religious voters who tend to be conservative.
To be fair, however, one should examine the term "progressive" which many liberals would apply to themselves if asked to define themselves. Webster's defines "progressive" as "one believing in moderate political change and especially social improvement by governmental action". This definition is much less moralistic and judgmental in its tone than the other two definitions.
Why do conservatives play this game of trying to scare voters into voting for them by calling their opponents "liberal"? The answer is very simple in my opinion. If conservatives, or any political party, can tag someone with a "bad" label and get people to automatically vote against the other party without considering other factors, then they do not have to educate voters about their stands on the real issues. They therefore escape accountability for their voting record.
The bottom line is, I believe, that neither conservatives, liberals, or progressives for that matter, have a monopoly on truth or virtue. Each candidate should not be judged on the basis of some political label. Rather each candidate should be assessed by their voting record, temperament, intelligence and ability to work with others in solving problems. Only then can we be confident of voting for the best candidates.
A practical application:...consider each candidate on their own words and merits rather than judging based purely on media reporting and also be willing to vote for a candidate regardless of what party he or she is a party of or what party you are registered in.