Monday, October 19, 2009
In response to Chet Compton’s Oct. 9 column “Liberalism versus conservatism,” I would like to bring attention to his key point: That the conservative right side fights for the individual. This argument is completely contradictory to the actions we really see from the right side.
In fact, the right side operates under the belief that only specific individuals deserve rights. For example, conservatives believe that certain individuals should not be given the right to legally marry the person they love, nor should individuals be allowed to choose what they believe is best for themselves and their unborn children.
Not only does the conservative side believe people do not deserve these rights, they fight to keep people from obtaining them.
It is true that bringing religion into the argument makes the left side fidgety. That is because the left side is willing to recognize that there are people in this country who do not share the same Christian ideals as the conservatives. Therefore, laws should not be made on that religious basis. Once again, these actions do not protect individuals who do not share the same views — it undermines them.
The right side fights for only one individual: The powerful, wealthy, Christian and white individual. The idea of protecting only the individuals who fit specific criteria is the main difference between the liberal left and the conservative right. The left side is able to see that limiting protection comes at a huge cost for everyone else and the people who truly need protection.
— Anne Robertson is a junior from Wichita.
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Comments
Letter to editor: Truth about the right
This is the kind of generalization that comes from both sides and frustrates me to no end. It's entirely unfair to suggest that all or for that matter most conservatives are part of the religious right just as it is unfair to characterize all liberals as being of the Michael Moore persuasion. If you ask a traditional conservative what it means to be conservative they would probably sum it up by saying that they believe in a small government, controlled spending, and a strong military. I realize that it's easy coming from the other side of things to characterize us as the neo-con talking heads that are on tv, but I can guarantee that if you talked to your average Republican even here in the state of Kansas you'd find that most of them are reasonable people. And as an atheist, pro gay marriage, pro alternative energy, traditional conservative I can confidently say that neither Bill O'Reilly nor Chet Compton speak for me.
Letter to editor: Truth about the right
Wow. Pure garbage. You obviously see black and white. Did you know that some consider themselves economically conservative and liberal in social issues? That there are some blue voters who do NOT support gay marriage?
Why was this printed? She clearly knows nothing of America's very diverse and complicated political landscape. The sheer ignorance of this argument, and the fact that it was acknowledged in print, is frustrating - this is why KU must increase admissions standards.
Letter to editor: Truth about the right
What an obnoxious letter. I guess racism, anti-Christian bigotry and unsophisticated political rhetoric are the hallmarks of thoughtful analysis for Ms. Robertson. Thanks for the insight, Anne – really great stuff.
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