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Of course in speaking of the difference between left and right, or between liberals and conservatives, I have in mind a divide wider than the conflict between Democrats and Republicans and deeper than electoral politics. The great issue between the two political communities is how they feel about the nature of American society. With all exceptions duly noted, I think it fair to say that what liberals mainly see when they look at this country is injustice and oppression of every kind—economic, social and political. By sharp contrast, conservatives see a nation shaped by a complex of traditions, principles and institutions that has afforded more freedom and, even factoring in periodic economic downturns, more prosperity to more of its citizens than in any society in human history. It follows that what liberals believe needs to be changed or discarded—and apologized for to other nations—is precisely what conservatives are dedicated to preserving, reinvigorating and proudly defending against attack.
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But avowed secularists are not the only Jews who confuse Judaism with liberalism; so do many non-Orthodox Jews who practice this or that traditional observance. It is not for nothing that a cruel wag has described the Reform movement—the largest of the religious denominations within the American Jewish community—as "the Democratic Party with holidays thrown in," and the services in a Reform temple as "the Democratic Party at prayer."
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The author is spot on in those statements.
I might not be as eloquent in my thought as the author but I will give you my take from my POV and observations as I developed this mentality too growing up.
Jews are obviously a successful and powerful group, however, I think what it comes down to, IMO, is that these liberal Jews have some sort of minority complex. As a once oppressed and constantly under siege group, they identify with the little guy, the have-nots, etc. I think they feel like now because of their position in society as one of the most sucessful minority groups, they must become the champion for these people and disrupt what are the old traditional institutions of our society. Isn't that what liberalism is all about??
Why do you think they hate Bush so much? He's a rich, WASP, male. He represents the establishment. Why else would they hate him? In their mentality these are the people associated with slavery, exploitation of the poor, manifest destiny, oppression, war, - the powerful people who make all the decisions at the highest echelons of our government, military, corporations, etc. Thats the type of people they associate being conservative and the Republican party; And as to why they can only associate themselves liberals and Democrats.
Believe me, it's a very strange mentality. It's slave mentality. I should know. I grew up in south Palm Beach county; a huge Jewish population, and a bastion of the Democrat party and liberalism (and phonies and wannabees. What a coincidence????). Like the author, I finally saw the light.