American Liberalism

[skywalker]

Yes Yorick, it was uncalled for (I winced when I read it), but not entirely unexpected. From reading many of Gregster's posts, around a number of forums, I believe this just his style. No offense taken, though Greg. I guess it's because I do lean toward the liberal side in the classic sense, but not fully because I believe in fiscal responsiblity that I could be inadvertantly labeled "LIBERAL". I'd rather be Left than Right, though.

Besides, this thread is not about me personally. I just wanted to find out what other people thought about the subject!

One more thing...I wonder if people are confusing Liberal and Democrat?

Mark

(BTW Thanx Yorick!)

[Ar-Cunin]

Well it is a strange concept (seen from the other side of the pond)

In Denmark liberal refers to the economic principal of free market economy and a minimalistic state (as opposed to a welfare state and regulated economy)

This discussion remind me of an old Doonsbury cartoon (of Bush Sr.'s first campaign) where his opponent was accused of being a "raging, frothing liberal" and "he looks like a liberail, speaks like a liberal and spends like a liberal" (or something pretty close to that). Perhaps the last part (spending) is one of the reasons that it is a 'bad' word, as it is assosiated with people who spend (and waste) the taxpayers hard earned money.

[Yorick]

No worries Mark.

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Ar-Cunin: In Denmark liberal refers to the economic principal of free market economy and a minimalistic state (as opposed to a welfare state and regulated economy) .

Same as in most of the English speaking world I believe. Certainly in Australia.

Although our 'Liberal Party' Government is now conservative in practice.

[skywalker]

Originally posted by Ar-Cunin: Well it is a strange concept (seen from the other side of the pond) In Denmark liberal refers to the economic principal of free market economy and a minimalistic state (as opposed to a welfare state and regulated economy) This discussion remind me of an old Doonsbury cartoon (of Bush Sr.'s first campaign) where his opponent was accused of being a "raging, frothing liberal" and "he looks like a liberail, speaks like a liberal and spends like a liberal" (or something pretty close to that). Perhaps the last part (spending) is one of the reasons that it is a 'bad' word, as it is assosiated with people who spend (and waste) the taxpayers hard earned money.

I almost titled this thread "Liberalism". And then I thought that it might mean different things around the world, so I added "American" to the header. (Thanks again, Yorick, for opening my eyes to the global reach of this forum).

As Ar-Cunin states above that the US definition is strange, I can't imagine the path this thread would take if I was not specific.

Mark

[Gregster]

Originally posted by skywalker: [QB]Yes Yorick, it was uncalled for (I winced when I read it), but not entirely unexpected. From reading many of Gregster's posts, around a number of forums, I believe this just his style. No offense taken, though Greg. I guess it's because I do lean toward the liberal side in the classic sense, but not fully because I believe in fiscal responsiblity that I could be inadvertantly labeled "LIBERAL". I'd rather be Left than Right, though.[QB]

Skywalker: This was not intended to be a swipe at you-- I was genuinely asking you if you were a liberal. Fact is, I've not seen you posting on any boards I've haunted lately and forgot what your exact political leanings were...now that I think about it, I should have known the answer. Big misunderstanding, never mind.

Yorick: See above, and put your shirt back on, mate.

Originally posted by Yorick: quote: Originally posted by Ar-Cunin: In Denmark liberal refers to the economic principal of free market economy and a minimalistic state (as opposed to a welfare state and regulated economy) .

Same as in most of the English speaking world I believe. Certainly in Australia.

Although our 'Liberal Party' Government is now conservative in practice. [/QUOTE]Err... in the US it is the Liberals who promote the welfare state, and large government to control most aspects of our lives. Conservatives are for smaller government and less regulation both at the corporate and individual levels (though this is an idealistic description) and the libertarians are for NO governmental controls on our actions..

[skywalker]

Smaller government, except of course for defense.

Mark

[Attalus]

Conservatives believe that one of the main functions of any government is to "provide for the common defense" and so we support strong armed services, just as we support the police and firefighters doing their jobs. We do not believe that a proper function of government is to keep people in a welfare cocoon from cradle to grave, etc. One of the reasons that liberalism has gained such a bad odor originated with the excesses of the radicals of the 1960's, who still infest academe, with their hatred of the USA, and their violent predilictions. That is why I am not a libertarian, though aspects of their programs do appeal to me.

Originally posted by skywalker: Smaller government, except of course for defense. Mark

Read the Constitution some time Mark, National Defense is in there..welfare programs are not not.

Edit: Neither is income tax.

[ 12-21-2002, 07:49 PM: Message edited by: MagiK ]