The fundamental weakness of conservative arguments (and its origin).

[neuvocat]

is that a conservative will say absolutely ANYTHING, YES ANYTHING to defend their position or anyone they support.

They take no real positions on anything and will do whatever it takes to avoid committing themselves to something that they possibly would have to admit later on they were wrong about.

Reasoning to them isn't nearly as important as repeating a claim. After all, if you repeat a lie often enough, many people will begin to believe it.

However of course in the eagerness to say anything they please, they've forgotten what they've said even in as little a time as a few minutes. That's how they leave themselves open: by contradicting themselves. It doesn't take much at all to expose them and make them see how foolish they are. A lot of the time they will try to cover their embarassment and say something else that only makes it worse.

That all stems from their selfishness and self-centeredness. Liberals gain a valuable perspective and intelligence-it is a by-product of having consideration and kindness for others (such as those in other countries, different races, creeds and so on, not just caring only for oneself and immediate family members).

So, the fundamental weakness of conservative arguments vs. liberal arguments stems from the fundamental difference between liberals and conservatives. We liberals value life enough to not only help others preserve their own but also to help others live better lives.

To be a liberal is to truly live.

[Brucey]

1. Two things I believe drive conservative thinking:

First, they believe the ends justify the means and will therefore do and say anything to get their way (they do not believe in democracy; do not want to count the votes to see who actually won). Second, they believe the individual is the center of the universe, particularly as the boss or businessman (anything goes). If workers want overtime pay, or to form a union, there must be controls over this. But if the boss wants to do something, it is his rightful, god-given right to do it and no government should get in the way. Of course, this view is hypocritical, but as you said, rational thinking is not part of their method.

[amber dog democrat]

2. Saw Al Franken last night.

He made a point by saying " Conservatives are interested in ammunition, the left is interested in information".
Have to agree with you

[rock]

3. Seems we're together on this

Conservatives have their conclusions, so their energy is spent in showing how you arrive there. You'll notice that's a good definition of anti-liberal. Liberals tend to treat problems on their own merits as opposed to some pre-disposition.

[JackSwift]

4. Conservatives don't think or argue

they parrot and assert