I do not like to use the term liberal for I associate it with "Classical Liberalism". Classical Liberalism is the belief in the freedom of individuals- including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and markets- as well as limited government. Similar ideologies would be conservatism and libertarianism. So to identify the left, I will use the term leftist.
So why am I not a part of the left? Because I understand that I cannot change reality into the perfect worldview. I base my views upon facts, evidence, logic, and the truth. I do not appeal to one's feelings. Many on the left base so much of their views on emotion rather than logic. They do not want to accept the reality that they are in, so they try to change it which is impossible.
"You are probably a conservative because of your family." While that is understandable that is not the case. My parents, father specifically, would simply discuss with my sister and I. They would explain their reasons for their beliefs and allow us to make our own conclusions.
"You grew up in a red state so you are just influenced by those around you." This is also understandable, but still not the main reason why I am a conservative. I disagree with many republicans on certain topics because I am not a party loyalist. Republicans for the most part do represent conservative values, but if someone goes against those values they need to be called out for it.
Why am I not part of the left? To simply put it, I care more about facts and truth than emotional appeal. Facts don't care about your feelings. I care more about what systems work (e.g. free market capitalism) and which ones don't (e.g. democratic socialism). I believe that individuals have rights already bestowed upon them by a Creator and that the government does not grant people rights (healthcare and education are not rights). I believe that a small limited government allows for more freedom to the people. The government's job is not to fund your life, it is not supposed to pay for your education, or subsidize your failing business. The government's job is to keep us safe and to protect our rights. The left believes that we need more government and less freedom.
I am a constitutional conservative and I stand by the values that founded this great nation. I will not stand with an ideology that wants to undermine those values.
"We hold these truths self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness..." - Declaration of Independence, July 4th 1776.
