Navigating the Spectrum of Political Beliefs: Why Some Conservatives Annoy Me Though I Support Their Views

I certainly don’t call myself a conservative either, but I hold opinions more often associated with the Right than with the Left. I advocate for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (RKBA) with qualifying footnotes. I support a free market with qualifying footnotes. I am a former Marine, no footnotes needed. And I do think it's important to take time and think before you rush into any new way of doing things.

That said, I don’t call most of the modern American Right-wing “conservatives.” I realize they call themselves that, but I know actual conservatives, and these folks ain’t it. I haven’t actually read much from Candace Owens, so I can’t claim I find her annoying. But listening to a lot of the people presently spewing nonsense on the Right has led me to conclude that they are not conservatives. They tend to parrot the Republican narrative on issues, often influenced by the echo chambers in their media bubble. Actual conservative principles get sidelined. They decry the perceived threats of Democratic “communism” and “socialism,” argue against the rights and dignity of people they don’t feel comfortable with, and in general pander to the worst instincts of their increasingly vapid and virulent base.

A Skeptical View of Conservative Labeling

First, it’s impossible to group people into specific designations like conservatives, liberals, or wokeness. Nobody is all one thing. I lean socially and fiscally conservative but I am a true environmentalist. I compost, I recycle, I conserve water in my gardening efforts, and we adopted a local park to keep it clean. Secondly, there are annoying people of every supposed designation. It’s kind of like saying you don’t go to church because some pastors are charlatans, or you don’t go to public school because some teachers seduce children. The presence of annoying people doesn’t stop you from identifying with a certain group. Human nature suggests that there will always be annoying, stupid, and dangerous people in every group, regardless of their designation. Find people of like mind on the issues that are most important to you.

Engaging With Nuanced Political Discourse

Engaging with politics on a daily basis can be demanding. It requires you to understand the viewpoints of different groups, to be critical of the information you consume, and to form your own opinions without being swayed by emotional appeals. The political landscape is complex, and it’s essential to prioritize your values and the issues that matter most to you. Here are some tips to help you navigate this landscape:

Stay Informed: Follow reputable news sources and seek out diverse perspectives. Avoid echo chambers or sources that only present one side of the story. Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to the information you consume. Question the sources of information and the logic behind arguments. Your Core Values: Identify and prioritize the values that are most important to you. Focus on issues and groups that align with these values. Engage Respectfully: When engaging with others, practice empathy and respectful communication. Even if you disagree, maintain a level of mutual respect. Take a Break: If the political discourse becomes overwhelming, take a break from social media and news outlets for a while. Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you recharge.

Prioritizing Beyond Political Labels

It's important to look beyond political labels and focus on the core values that guide your beliefs. For instance, even if someone aligns with the Republican Party on social issues, their stance on economic policies might be at odds with conservative principles. Additionally, some individuals who identify with the left may hold certain fiscal conservative views, or environmental concerns that align with what might traditionally be considered conservative values.

The key is to identify the principles that matter most to you and find others who share those principles, regardless of their political label. Intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness can help you navigate the complexities of the political landscape.