What does that make me?

A friend’s post says, “If you ever wondered what side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!” It seemed kind of a sad test to me, filled with assumptions and misconceptions. But she challenged her friends with the header: NOT OPEN FOR DEBATE. IF YOU ARE OFFENDED EASILY THEN DON'T READ THIS. So this is me, not being offended, and hopefully also not giving offense.

She starts with: If a conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn't buy one. If a liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If I’m aware of the dangers cause by careless use of guns, I: a) don’t buy one, and b) wish those who do buy them would all be well-trained, socially responsible, careful, and properly insured. So what does that make me?

If a conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn't eat meat. If a liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

And if I’m concerned about the environment and the treatment of animals, I might buy and eat meat from well-managed sources and wish more sources were better managed. I might even support causes that fight for better care for animals and the environment. What does that make me?

If a conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.

And if I want to live in a safe, healthy society, I will wish everyone had useable and affordable access to good healthcare, good food, good education, safe streets, safe working conditions, salaries that support them, etc. What does that make me?

If a conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.

And if a show peddles lies in the name of truth – be that political, historical, religious, scientific, or any other truth – I will wish someone could stop that show from deceiving people, because I care about the truth, I care about people, and I care about the harm lies do to society. What does that make me?

If a conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and Jesus silenced.

And if I am a believer, but hate the thought of cheapening my faith by making “group prayer” a way to belong the “in crowd,” and by forcing those of other beliefs to act as if they adhere to mine, just because… what does that make me?

If a conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it.. A liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.

And if I believe a healthy society functions better (and is kinder and more moral) when its individuals are healthy (thus better able, amongst other things, to “choose” and perform in good jobs), what does that make me?

If a conservative reads this, he'll post it. A liberal will delete it because he's "offended."

I haven’t deleted it. What does that make me?