“We know that leftists mistake their politics for virtue. They think that voting for Democrats somehow makes them good people, and that they are therefore justified in treating anyone who disagrees with them like trash.” – Andrew Klavan

Klavan is a witty and succinct fellow. I liked that one enough to put it in my blog’s rotation of quotes just below the header. It also speaks to something I’ve been chewing on the last few days.

I’m sure I’m not the first person to notice this, but I’m building the view that there are fairly consistent and predictable differences in how conservatives address liberals, and vice versa, when it comes to our political disagreements. Of course, I’m looking at this through my own lens, and I’m trying to take that into account. (I’ll also say toss out the true red meat agitators on both sides; they’re not who I’m talking about today. I mean regular, on-the-ground folks.) OK, is that disclaimed enough? Here goes.

I think conservatives are more likely to view liberalism as a result of ignorance or misinformation, whereas liberals are more likely to view conservatism as a failing of character.

Despite overheated rhetoric to the contrary from some quarters, I really don’t believe the average, intelligent, walking-around liberal is a socialist. (You don’t either, really.) Rather, I think such a person, though perhaps motivated by admirable traits (concern for the poor, for example), concludes badly when deciding how such traits should be (even can be) reflected in society. Too, I often perceive that such a person may suffer from an insulated world view, aided greatly by the ease of self-selecting ideas. It’s dangerous to receive limited points of view in media you select, but it’s even more dangerous to receive limited points of view while believing you are receiving a broader cross-section of ideas.

Of course, conversationally, this is a dangerous slog across a mine field. It’s deliberate going, because one slip and you sound like you’re patting them on the head and saying “poor baby.” Still, some of best friends are liberals (ha, ha! no, really), and there are intelligent discussions to be had here. I know, because I’ve had them.

Conversely, for far too many liberals, conservatives think the way they think because they are bad people. Overstated? Is it really?

I oppose tax increases on high earners because I believe the tax code is already dangerously progressive. The facts are out there for anyone to consume: the rich are just about the only people paying any income tax at all. But, no. See, conservatives really oppose tax increases on high earners because conservatives are greedy and heartless.

Almost all acts of terror are committed by Muslims. That’s something we ought to examine seriously and sustainedly. But, no. See, conservatives think all Muslims are terrorists.

I oppose Mexicans coming across our southern border illegally. But, no. See, conservatives really oppose Mexicans coming across our southern border illegally.

See how this works? It doesn’t matter how robustly I can argue for or against something with the facts. It’s finding a supposed greedy or prejudiced angle that really explains my views. Why is that? Well, because I’m a conservative. I’m probably clinging to guns, or religion, or antipathy toward people who are not like me. Poor baby. (pat pat pat)

Pay attention as you go about your daily activities. Pay attention to what a conservative politician says about a liberal one, and vice versa. See what you find.

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