Throwing out the Baby; Keeping the bathwater

Liberalism, conservatism, progressivism, traditionalism, republicanism, democratism...
Why must we feel like we have to defend one at all costs? Its politics, not religion, so let’s just set up a buffet. It seems to me, that when a Christian picks a side, it’s because they relate to the good on that side. But there's no need to defend the bad. For example, a liberal Christian probably sees a lot of social injustice, and wants to see that change. A conservative Christian sees rampant infanticide and wants to see that change. The funny thing is that the conservative Christian also wants social justice. The liberal Christian also wants to see abortion end. It’s HOW these things happen that Christians tend to disagree on.
You want to be a progressive liberal? Come up with a way to help the poor without robbing the rich.
You want to be a companionate conservative? Come up with a way to end abortion that gives women some choices.
I mean, really... lets take social justice for a second. A Christian might decide that welfare enables social injustice by making some dependent on it. Here is a real example. One summer I worked through the temp agency for a month or so. During that time, I met and befriended a guy who was doing the same job as I, and who needed a ride to work. On payday, he looked disappointedly at his check and all the deductions for child support and whatnot and lamented that when he wasn't working, and was on welfare, he was making more money.
A Christian might just as well see that there are so many people out there who are trying their hardest to make it, and can't get a break. Their lower income fosters an environment where it is harder to get a good education perhaps. A good widowed woman struggles and can't make ends meet. It seems obvious that some financial assistance would help these people climb out of the rut, and have a chance to lead a better life.
So here's the catch... Both things happen! tada! Not everyone on welfare is robbing the system blind; and yet not everyone is really in need. It seems to me that all Christians would be behind a program that works with people; that helps people with money for a time, while helping the person find a way to take on that responsibility themselves. A program which rewards responsible behavior.
It seems more and more to me that personal responsibility is the main issue in many of these debates. More and more in America, we are running away from responsibility. People sue people/entities/etc not necessarily because they were wronged, but because they have an opportunity to sue. Responsibility is a hard sell though. There are not a lot benefits on the surface or in the short term.
A scientist said that "life" doesn't begin until a few weeks after conception? Oh! Well then, I can support abortion for those few weeks with a clear conscience. Whew.
Did (insert politician/pundit/religious person/someone) say "(insert questionable statement)"? Oh well then, I can (support/denounce) that position without further thought because they are an (expert/idiot). I'm not saying that you have to investigate everything yourself; I am saying that sometimes arrogant people have the best answer; sometimes good intentions don't come with the best implementations; and often times scientist speak in the realm of philosophy with false authority.