Final Essay

Since taking this course and others, I have discovered that I hold some conservative and liberal values, but at times the most practical solution from my perspective falls somewhere in between. I do not identify as a liberal, a conservative, or as a centrist; I simply choose positions I believe are in alignment with my religious beliefs, lead to a fairer society/market, and help ensure a healthier economy. Strictly identifying as a conservative, liberal, or centrist contributes to group think, and often turns politics into a sporting event where we all want our 'team' to win. Each issue should be carefully considered instead, with each side heard, and the most reasonable, just, beneficial idea supported.
The free market system should ideally provide (over the long run) the greatest amount of good to the largest amount of people, but markets are not perfect. Businesses work towards their own goals and strive to make a profit, sometimes ignoring the wants of consumers to make more money. Monopolies naturally or unnaturally occur as competition continues and losers are expelled from the market, when an expenditure has high start up costs, or when businesses unfairly utilize price-fixing or dumping. Consumers are often at the mercy of entrepreneurs and big business, therefore government intervention is necessary. Drastic conservatives oppose this, believing instead that an unregulated system works best and provides more occupations, higher standards of living, and promotes greater economic growth. While this may be somewhat true, an unregulated economy does not combat unfair wages or work environments, often increases the standard of living for businessmen, but not workers, allows businesses to be looser with consumer safety and cha...

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...ndent, but dependent as long as possible out of laziness. However, there will always be someone that gives a bad reputation to acts of support and charity. In spite of its 'bad apples', I support welfare and view it as a Christian stance that helps individuals and families when they desperately need it.
This course has taught me an abundance of programs, systems, and ideas I had not previously understood and has prompted me to view economic/political matters in a reasonable, justified perspective. I no longer desire to know whether a view is liberal, conservative, or centrist. I do want to hear stances, separate them from their black and white categories, and support positions that will help as many members of our society as possible. Instead of labeling people politically, I would rather work together, compromise, and come into an agreement instead of a stand-off.