Most people called liberal Democrats support some government control social programs aimed at relieving the suffering of the poor and monopolistic control by big business.
Such programs and governmental controls are by definition ultra-conservative, not a classical liberal philosophy. How is it this misnomer has come to apply to the Democratic party?
2006-12-11 09:28:34 · 13 answers · asked by Overt Operative 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Conservatism is the belief of strong government control. Liberalism is the belief of no government control whatsoever. The root word of liberal is liberty. It first came into use during the American revolution. People who fought for freedom from the kings rule were called liberals. Liberals wanted no control and no taxation.
By definition, anyone who believes in a centralized government and taxation is a conservative.
2006-12-11 09:42:46 · update #1
i haven't heard social programs described as ultra-conservative. but i think i know what you are getting at.
there is a difference between a liberal form of government, and liberal politics.
we have a classical-liberal form of government, i.e. it individualistic, power is held in the people, laissez-faire economics, government checks and balances, etc. this was in contrast to the other governments at the time which were mostly monarchies.
in politics liberalism usually means (in the us at least) support for social welfare programs, big government, govt regulation etc. this is more along the lines of liberal v conservative as dems v republicans.
the u.s. has a classical liberal form of govt. but we are generally more conservative in our politics than other countries.
i hope that answers your questions.
2006-12-11 09:49:35 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. O 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have to remember the nature of politics. A politician has to express the concerns of his voters if he wants to remain popular. So if the population is concerned about global warming, they have to express concern as well whether they believe it or not. If you truly want to see if a politician believes in global warming you have to look at their actions and not what they say. Do they support any tough measures designed to combat global warming? That is a true indication. Now they are liberal political activists who do express doubts. Patrick Moore, is a co-founder of Greenpeace and is a skeptic. Other left wing skeptics include: Geophysicist Dr. Claude Allegre, a top geophysicist and French Socialist who has authored more than 100 scientific articles and written 11 books and received numerous scientific awards including the Goldschmidt Medal from the Geochemical Society of the United States. Botanist Dr. David Bellamy, a famed UK environmental campaigner, former lecturer at Durham University and host of a popular UK TV series on wildlife.
2016-03-29 03:39:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have also put up a pile of posts about the left-right axis, the liberal-conservative axis, and the Dem-Rep axis all being quite different, but we are swimming upstream, my friend. Having liberal Dems criticize a liberal Rep all over the site, the web, and the media is also a bit hard to take. I suspect my political views are different from yours, but I say: Wear your Goldwater for President pin proudly.
2006-12-11 10:26:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
so you are saying that because people use the wrong names they do or dont subscribe to a certain ideology? I got away from using republican and democrat for that same reason. I believe what I believe and the group that are on the opposite side are referred to by most ase the liberal agenda. thats not slander its just a name. what are you saying we should switch names. fine by me I could care less the name you give me. but that doesnt change what I believe
2006-12-11 09:48:16 · answer #4 · answered by CaptainObvious 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
muse,
People haven't figured out they are each one and the same party. If the republican party was truly against welfare. Why does it still exist??? They have hand congress and the white house for the last 6 years? Yet republican sit there and blame it on the liberal. etc. If people start openning their eyes they might be suprised.
2006-12-11 09:40:47 · answer #5 · answered by wondermom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It definitely is a misnomer, but for other reasons.
A person or group of people who are truly liberal don't care if
someone owns a gun or not.
What they really are is socialist, which is why I changed my
political affiliation and became a Republican.
Thank you very much, while you're up!!!
2006-12-11 09:37:29 · answer #6 · answered by producer_vortex 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES ARE MORE DEFINED BY THE HISTORICAL PERIOD MORE THEN THE LABEL. GOVERNMENTS AND RELIGION SEEK TO "CONTROL" THE ACTIONS OF SOCIETY AND ITS CITIZENS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER. CRITERIAS CONSTANTLY CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. NOW LIBERALS SEEK TO CONTROL YOU THROUGH PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO LIMIT YR ABILITY MAKE YR OWN DECISIONS . CONSERVATIVES GENERALLY WANT TO LIMIT GOVERNMENT INTRUSION ON PRIVATE LIVES. THIS SOUNDS GREAT BUT OCCASIONALLY SOME FOLKS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LESS CONTROL TO HARM OTHERS ECONOMICALLY FOR THEIR OWN PURPOSES. THIS SOCIETAL BALANCE SYSTEM TENDS TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD OVER TIME. REMEMBER. ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.
2006-12-11 09:48:57 · answer #7 · answered by Rich S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The meanings of words evolve. Always have, always will. Live with it.
2006-12-11 11:49:03 · answer #8 · answered by yupchagee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It hasn't, not for thinking people. Only hard core right wing republicans spout that nonsense. The blind listening to the blind and repeating every word.
2006-12-11 09:40:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Its a cheap smear by conservatives,especially the ones on this site that spew hate and are too cowardly to discuss it objectively.
Anything else you want to know?
2006-12-11 09:31:23 · answer #10 · answered by cannon Ball! 3 · 6⤊ 3⤋