Believe it or not I'm not a lefty. I'm in the political center with a lean to the left primarily concerning open societies and social liberalism. I'm a self-confessed liberal but, unlike what most conservatives on this site would tell you, liberalism does not = socialism. I believe in the autonomy of the individual and social openness. In contrast to the conservative norms of order and conformity. Back to the main point: I have argued with those to my political left quite vociferously at times and have felt like their arguments were ill-thought out. Passion over intelligence. Id over ego. But when I try to have a discussion with a conservative, especially on imgflip, it degenerates into a your-momma-wears-combat-boots style of 'debate' and I sometimes get threatened with fantasy violence. I never expect to convert a conservative to my point of view, it's a commitment that goes beyond those on the left, to almost a religion, so what I write in posts here is primarily for who else might look in. I believe in many ideas which conservatives claim to treasure and hold close to their breast: I'm for open markets, free trade, and globalization. Only I believe in these things because they devolve power from the few and spread it out to all individuals. Loss of power of those already empowered is anathema to the movement conservative. When I discuss issues with a committed conservative it all comes back to this. Who will hold power in the end? Their values are all formed to this end and talk of freedom and a 'constitutional republic' are smoke and mirrors to detract from the true lack of ideals at the center of the value system. Yes, I do believe it's offal, but not unthinkingly so. No partisanship here, I just want a coherent argument. You'll get my respect if your beliefs aren't mere reactions.
