Distinction without a Difference?

Why do "conservatives" view the mainstream media as "liberal" while "liberals" view the same mainstream media as "conservative"? Do we knee-jerk at viewpoints that differ from our own rather than listening? Or are we letting ourselves get suckered into "us vs. them" thinking by political parties that need the perception of differences to justify their continued existence?

The terms liberal and conservative have changed in meaning over the last several hundred years, just as other words in our language evolve over time. Classical liberal and traditional conservative both bespoke views of limited government and greater individual liberty. The ideas of personal freedom, safety from interference in one's beliefs, privacy in one's property and personal life - all are shared by classical liberals and traditional conservatives.

But what do the parties that "represent" these terms really stand for today? I believe they stand for power - self empowerment - that is, bringing power unto themselves. They aren't about empowering us citizens, that's for certain!