When did liberal and conservatives change identities?

Question

It used to be a liberal wanted to increase the budget to allow for larger government and have more control while the conservatives wanted a smaller, more centralized government which would not intrude on people's day to day lives. When did this change, and why don't people understand that the current use of liberal for the leftwingers who are more open to social change and openness, while conservatives are rightwingers more based in tradition and christianity?

Guess a reasonable explanation is too much to expect from Osama.

dakota - isn't telling other people how to live their lives (ie how women have the right to treat their bodies) hypocritical. I do believe that abortion should not be taken lightly and in most cases is wrong, but I don't feel my beliefs should be made into law

Answer 1

Yeah- I'm a Goldwater Republican. Which, by today's standards is somewhere between a Libertarian and a Liberal. Barry Goldwater, oddly enough, predicted that in the future his type of conservatism would be viewed as Liberal.

Answer 2

Power corrupts, we conservatives sent the Republicans to Washington to change Washington and Washington changed the Republicans. Many leaders in the Republican party see the error of their ways. Conservatives are for states rights and smaller Government. If you think the anti abortion stance is about control you are wrong. It is about saving an innocent life. I don't want to control anyone with my Christianity I just want the freedom to live my life.
[Edit]
I personally don't think early term abortion is a political issue, except my tax dollars should never pay for it. I would not assume the right to tell a total stranger what she can do as long as I am not paying for it. But killing a baby that could live outside the womb is murder and everyone should feel something about that.

Answer 3

You got it It has been a slow gradual process over the past few years