Chiasmus, a figure of speech in which two clauses reverse structures to show crossing parallelism.
Liberals believe the best talk shows are liberal, the Courts are conservative, and the media isn’t doing their job. Conservatives believe the best talk shows are conservative, the Courts are liberal, and the media isn’t doing their job.
Liberals remember the Founding Fathers as agnostic revolutionaries who sought freedom from English oppression. Conservatives remember the Founding Fathers as Christian businessmen who sought freedom from English taxation.
Liberals burn the flag and wrap themselves in the Constitution. Conservatives shred the Constitution and wrap themselves in the flag. (after Molly Ivins)
Liberals believe patriotic Americans question improper government actions. Conservatives believe patriotic Americans support the government without question.
Liberals are poor at winning elections but good at governing. Conservatives are good at winning elections but poor at governing.
Liberals govern by change, and fear only fear itself. Conservatives govern by fear, and fear change itself.
Liberals want the government to help people (e.g., welfare, school loans, public transit, and consumer protection) but want the freedom to make individual choices. Conservatives wants people to help themselves but wants the government to control individual choices (e.g., abortion, the right-to-die, medical marijuana, and sexual orientation).
Liberals believe that it is necessary to discriminate so that everyone has equal opportunities. Conservatives believe that everyone has equal opportunities so it is not necessary to discriminate.
Liberals believe the focus of our foreign policy should be human rights. Conservatives believe the focus of human rights should be our foreign policy.
Liberals believe that business should be regulated so it is a benefit to society. Conservatives believe that business is a benefit to society so it should not be regulated.
Liberals believe that the environmental needs to be protected, even if there may be some adverse economic impact. Conservatives believe that the economy needs to be protected, even if there may be some adverse environmental impact.
Liberals believe taxation should be based on ability-to-pay. Conservatives believe taxation should be based on equality.
Liberals impose taxes but balance the budget. Conservatives cut taxes but create budget deficits.
Liberals believe the best defense against violent crime is for no one to have guns. Conservatives believe the best defense against violent crime is for everyone to have guns.
Liberals oppose the death penalty but support allowing women to have abortions. Conservatives oppose allowing women to have abortions but support the death penalty.
Liberals believe that civil liberties should not be compromised to obtain security. Conservatives believe that security should not be compromised to provide civil liberties.
Liberals believe they can deter terrorism with diplomacy. Conservatives believe they can deter terrorism with terrorism.
Liberals believe morality and charitable actions are more important than Church membership. Conservatives believe that Church membership leads to morality and charitable actions.
Liberals believe that Religion should not interfere with Government. Conservatives believe that Government should not interfere with Religion.