Conservatives have a problem with "Neo liberals"?

Question

I kept seeing "neo liberal" as a derogatory term, and being a liberal, I looked it up. After reading on Wikipedia, I guess I am a neo liberal as well, but I am wondering, if there is an alternate meaning for conservatives, because it sounds like a conservative value? And I'm looking for thoughtful, polite and referenced answers please!

"Neoliberalism is a label for economic liberalism that describes government policies aiming to promote free competition among business firms within market, notably liberalization and monetarism.

Neoliberalism promotes a stable currency, a balanced budget, free market capitalism, and free trade. Characteristic aspects include expansion of the market to a 24-hour global trading cycle, contract maximalization, increase in the frequency of contracts, continuous assessment, and derivative markets."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism

I don't typically consider Wikipedia a reliable source, but it is a referenced definition.

Also try:
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/econ101/neoliberalDefined.html

http://www.globalissues.org/TradeRelated/FreeTrade/Neoliberalism.asp

or, if you prefer:

http://www.answers.com/topic/neoliberalism

Answer 1

Some conservatives have a problem with people being free and deterring from the status quo of "conscious control through traditional and social values".

So when they start attacking liberals--or people who don't follow their ways--they start assigning labels and terms as a way of explaining the threat some groups represent to the "perfect society" model--upon which they've technically established at the beginning of the 20th century to about the late 60s.

Then neoconservatism started to rise in the early 80s--after Reagan was elected--and so a new definition of "conservatism" started to take root; one that has gone off the beaten path of traditional conservatism--all in an effort to reign in those people and groups who have "strayed" from their perceived values and traditionals.

Except this one version doesn't offer any quarter. It keeps attacking those who don't bend or break to their will.

And since 'liberal' is a term associated with those who aren't with the current status quo of world domination and local control through intimidation and fear, a newer term started popping up recently which says that a new form of 'liberalism' has emerged--which is a GRAVE THREAT to the country as a whole.

But given your definition (see above), I can't see how wanting a stable currency, a balanced budget, and free market capitalism can be considered a 'threat' for conservatives.

Answer 2

Actually, Classical Liberalism promotes fre-market, free-trade, Invisible Hand Economics. That would be from the 19th Century.
Neo-Liberalism, modern day Liberals, approaches more Socialistic Ideals. Liberals today routinely spout off Marxist Values, which are completely opposed to the ideals of Adam Smith, the father of Classical Liberalsim.

I don't see either as a derogatory term, descriptive adjetive, but not derogatory.

Answer 3

Neo Conservative is a anti Semitic slur and I happen to be a Baptist with no jewish ancestors. Liberals view Jews in the same fashion as blacks; they profess love for them until they start to think for themselves and then out comes the venom. Sorry but I am not biting.

Answer 4

I get a kick out of being called "commietraitorpinkoetc.". Notice how your more vitriolic responses will have not even read your definition.
I'm a Rockefeller Republican; sometimes it seems like I'm the last one in America. It is possible to be fiscally conservative and espouse liberal social values. I cannot even recognize what passes for "Republicans" today. The Christian Right has subverted the party of Lincoln.
Now it's "Don't tax but SPENDSPENDSPEND". Todays Republicans represent the very worst of both parties.

Answer 5

I think the Neoliberal label is being used in response to the Neoconservative label being applied to conservatives.

Answer 6

Actually I only have a problem with people who pose questions designed to anger or hurt other people. If you want to be a neo-liberal it is perfectly ok with me. We need a stable currency, a balanced budget, free market capitalism, and free trade.

Answer 7

Im not sure as to the exact definition, but Liberals in the U.S. do not seem to promote free market capitalism.

Answer 8

By my definition and beliefs , I am a conservative.

I don't name call or hate anyone. I don't have a "problem with neo" as you put it.
I may not agree with everyone all the time - Personally I don't see that as a bad thing.
I don't stereotype people or put them in nice little groups with labels . I don't hold grudges and throw tantrum.
I frown of extremism - on any issue.

Sorry to put a hole in your balloon - for living outside the labeled group you assigned me.

Answer 9

Anyone can post anything in wikipedia, it is not a reliable source, but if that definition makes you happy, good for you.

Answer 10

I must be ahead of my time, for by definition, I am a neoliberal!

Yeah!