Does the word "conservative" leave a bad taste in your mouth these days?

[Rocknrule]

I hate to paint all people with the same brush, but nowadays, whenever I hear someone describe themselves as "conservative" I automatically think "stubborn, ignorant asshole who hates gays, loves war, thinks all non-Christians are going to hell, and would support Bush even if he personally murdered every member of their family." Anyone else have this issue?

[Sammy Pepys]

1. Not really

Until I hear someone describe their beliefs in depth, I refrain from passing judgement.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. It's sad that liberal and conservative have both become bad words

Most people, even right wingers, would like to work for an employer who is liberal with his benefits. And every church likes the parishoner who is liberal when it comes to filling the collection plate.

On the other hand, I know of good liberal progressives who are conservative when it comes to the environment. I know of many left and right wingers who are conservative when it comes to reckless government spending.

The people who are in power now are not conservatives, and neither are their followers. They are a species entirely their own. My adjective to describe them is destructive.