Liberal? Conservative? Enlighten Me

This is a challenge I propose to my fellow DJ'ers: My name is John Q. Voter. I am 18 years old and I am interested in getting more involved with politics. I log onto sites like Digital Journal and see labels like "Liberal" and "Conservative". Yet I have no idea what the differences are other than one group doesn't like the other. I would like to read definitions of a Liberal posted by those who consider themselves Liberals, and I would like to see a definition of a Conservative posted by those who call themselves Conservatives. Even better, I would like to see those points of view in respects to these issues: Energy Abortion Foreign Policy Jobs In America It would be nice if I , John Q. Voter, could see definitions without interference by the opposite side. This would help me get a more clear picture of my views on these issues and if they would be considered Liberal, Conservative or whatever.