LIBERAL INTEREST-GROUPS
Suppose we look at some of the groups conservatives call self-interest groups:
> Civil Rights Groups - Conservatives do not like some positions taken by organizations such as the ACLU. I do not like every single position the ACLU takes either. But the ACLU is there not for any selfish reason. It is there to protect the civil rights of every single person in the country, regardless of his or her political philosophy. The ACLU and other organizations like it are not self-interest but public-interest groups.
> Minority Organizations - Blacks, Latinos, Chinese, Jews, Muslims and other minority groups have organizations fighting for the rights of these minorities. A conservative thinks of these groups as working for their self-interest vis a vis all the other self-interest groups. But these groups have been founded to right wrongs. It is true their members benefit from joining. But the success of such groups improves the quality of life for all Americans. They are public-interest organizations.
> Women Organizations - Although you may not agree with some positions they advance - free choice, for instance - these organizations are concerned with improving the lot of women. How could a group working to benefit half the population be called a self-interest group?
> Environment Organizations - Again, conservatives do not like environmental organizations limiting their economic freedom. So they call them self-interest organizations. But think about it. Are these people working for their own selfish economic interest or are they concerned for the health and safety of all of us? Environmental groups are definitely public-interest organizations
> Labor and Unions - Conservatives have more reason to call labor groups, especially unions, self-interest groups. Indeed they are. They are trying to improve their economic and also social and political lots. But remember this: The great majority of people in the U.S. are not in business. They work for a living. So these groups are working for the benefit of the majority of Americans
CONSERVATIVE INTEREST-GROUPS
Now let us take a look at some conservative interest-groups:
>Tax Groups - There are many groups that agitate against taxes. They have gotten capital gains taxes reduced. They have gotten "death taxes" reduced. Who benefits from tax reduction? Primarily the rich. There is no doubt that these are self-interest groups
> Religious Groups - Here you find groups favoring "family values," fighting abortion rights and trying to increase morality. These may be called public-interest groups, except for the fact that they are trying to coerce all citizens to follow their path to morality. This goes counter to the principles of freedom upon which this country is based. In this sense, these are not public-interest but self-interest groups
> Law and Order - Because such groups are concerned with the welfare of all they are public-interest groups. However, when they try to reduce our freedoms in the interest of security, I could not call them public-interest
> Business - Here is where the great majority of conservative groups are and their purpose is purely self-interest
SUMMARY
More conservative groups may be labeled self-interest than liberal groups.
In general, conservatives favor business and liberals favor those who work for a living. Since there are more than 100 times more workers than businesses, the liberal view is closer to the common good than the conservative view.
I am a liberal because I want to advance the public-interest.
