It's A Matter Of Heart

Political liberals are “bleeding hearts” because they empathize so strongly with the sufferings of others. As Bill Clinton so succinctly phrased it, “I feel your pain.” When Republicans wanted to compete in the empathy department, they had to invent a new term called a “compassionate conservative.”

I ask why conservatives have, or are perceived as having, too little empathy. Why do liberals have too much?

I guess conservatives see the world as a challenging place in which there is always someone else who is ready to steal their lunch. Confronted by a potentially hostile environment, the best course is to take precautions and to ensure well-being of themselves and their families.

I can be categorized as a bleeding heart liberal. Those like myself, have a more optimistic view of the world as being somewhat filled with humans and as such ultimately should have a bond in at least that. So I feel that government is a vehicle through which the the people together in a democracy can solve problems and improve the well-being and happiness of most people.

To lighten this up a bit.....let's talk about humor. I mean, how many really funny conservative comedians are out there? If your answer is Jeff Foxworthy or Larry the Cable Guy, you are probably a conservative, hence point proven. But come to think of it, plenty of conservatives make me laugh, like Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity, and Rush Limbaugh. They just aren’t trying to. Liberals, on the other hand, are attracted to more intelligent- sarcastic humor and can grasp satire more easily.

Obviously, conservatives and liberals have different outlooks and opinions. Still, it would be great if we could ultimately work better together and find middle ground.

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