Hillary Clinton- A progressive? Communist? Some clarification would be nice?

Question

Please note I'm not looking for an argument. I would like an unbiased answer to this question, if possible.

Today I told my teacher I would probably be voting for Hillary because I like her views on many topics I consider important. He said absolutely not to vote for her because shes a progressive, that she's trying to turn America into a communist country.

I tried searching for information on this (progressive, communist, Clinton) but don't quite know what to think. Could someone rationally and kindly explain to me what my teacher may have been talking about?

Reference sites would be wonderful. Thank you so much!

To clarify, I go to an art school which is very untraditional. Most teachers do not have their teaching degree as they are hired for their experience. I wasn't offended he said anything like this, as the whole school is very open to everyone's opinions. Just thought I'd post this since some people seemed upset a teacher would say such a thing.

Answer 1

Well let me clear that up for you right now. Go to www.hillaryiscrazy.com

Answer 2

Sen. Clinton is a moderate Democratic capitalist. Where does the communist/socialist thing come in? It started with Universal Health Care and now every time she talks about any program designed to help the children of this country, or to require oil companies to stop yanking our chains and really look for alternative fuel sources, etc. the call of "socialist" just gets louder. Now, if you have noticed, ALL Democrats are being called socialists by the Right. It's an overreaction that's turned into the overall use of a buzz word that sounds nasty enough to use as a continuing smear tactic. I don't have to ask which side of the political fence your professor sits on, his reaction tells the story. It's sad though that even a professor has been taken in by the latest smear tactics of the Right. Progressive does not equate into being a communist. What has this guy got a degree in anyway lol?

More than anything else, perhaps this link to a socialist organizational site will help you understand she is clearly not a socialist. They don't even want to claim her - and wouldn't they be falling all over her if she was the socialist that conservatives love to claim she is?

http://www.socialistappeal.org/content/view/421/73/

Answer 3

First off, the teacher should be reported--such comments are unethical in the extreme. They are grounds for suspension--andshould not be tolerated. That ges for any teacher propagandizing their personal opinions to students, regardless of what those views are.

Also--your teacher does not know what he is talking about. Communism is a specific sociopolitical system. The basic definition is centralization of all political and economic decisions in the state--including abolishing private property, parket trading (businesses that are privately owned), elimination of all opposition parties/organizations (and elections). Among other things. There's a lot of good political science introductory books that can tell you more than I can here--but if you go to your local library, the librarian can help you pick out a couple of good ones.

Nothing in what Hillary has said or proposed is even remotely "communist." Some of her proposals would increase government'srole in some areas (like health care) and are thus technically somewhat socialist--but only ina very limited sense. Most of her proposals goe to government mandates but leave actual ownership and operations in the hands of the private sector. But the two (socialism and communism) are distinct systems. And its certainly no more "socialist" than government ownership of some major industries--like our roads system in the US, for example. Thatis--by definition--a socilist enterprise.

You asked if Hillary is a "progressive." Yes and no. The term is loosely used these days to mean someone who wants to promote social change focused on benefiting average citizens. In that sense she is. Also, from that perspective, she does resemple some of the "Progressives" of the early 20th century, though that movement was over with 80-90 years ago.

Answer 4

Your teacher is sadly misinformed, and as a teacher, I am rather miffed that he would use hyperbole and an ad hominem comment to describe Hillary Clinton's political positions. FYI - ad hominems are a very common logical fallacy, and as an educator, he should know better.

Hillary Clinton is hardly a true leftist or progressive in the context of American politics. She has traditionally been a centrist in her political views, and her political instincts tend to err on the side of caution ( you can find this in her stance on the Iraq war) - and people who ARE progressive often criticize her for not taking a strong enough position on, say, opposing the Iraq war.

As for sources or research - I would start looking at Hillary's official websites for her actual positions and votes. See if they are really communist in nature. Has she voted or even advocated the abolition of private property? Nationalize large corporations? Puh-leez. See her public positions and judge for yourself.

You can also check out The Almanac of American Politics which has a description of all the members of Congress and their voting records, with ratings of the House and Senate reps by different interest groups (ranging from liberal to conservative) so you have an idea of where a politician stands in terms of political ideology. And a lot of times, it's not so black and white. Heck, Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch have cooperated to form and pass legislation on health care before, including SCHIP.

Also you can look up CQ (Congressional Quarterly) for articles on Congress members.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

Your TEACHER told you this? He should be fired. Hillary Clinton is not only not a communist, she's about as far RIGHT as you can get and still be a Democrat. I'm not saying you should vote for her or supporting her in any way, but your teacher is obviously very biased and ignorant about basic politics. I can't believe he said that to you. I recommend you google "America political parties" and "Hillary Clinton" and find the information yourself. Ultimately anything you get from Yahoo! Answers is going to be biased one way or another.

Answer 6

An ideal person to answer your question was standing in front of you. Ask your teacher to explain his position?
Ask why her position will be vastly different from Bill Clinton's 8 popular years in the White House?
Ask why his position differs so much from other academics?.
Ask should America be closer to a communist country, than the dictatorship is virtually is now

Answer 7

Wow! I'm shocked to hear that you have a teacher who is telling you who to or not to vote for. That's shameful.
Calling the Democrats communists is a ridiculous unfounded claim Republicans like to make. You googled it and found nothing because there's nothing to find. She's not a communist.
And what's wrong with being progressive? When did that word take on a negative connotation?

Answer 8

Raised in a conservative family,she volunteered for Republican candidate Barry Goldwater in the United States presidential election of 1964.Her parents encouraged her to pursue the career of her choice. After graduating from high school in 1965, Rodham enrolled in Wellesley College where she majored in political science. She became active in politics and served as president of the Wellesley Young Republicans organization during her freshman year. She attended the 1968 Republican Convention.

She's a republican for all I can tell. Remember when she was touring with Newt Gingrich? He'll probably be her running mate.

ps: Your teacher should be fired.

Answer 9

Most teachers are democrats, as they are union members. Which means he's a freak and should be ignored. Hillary isn't even really a democrat, let alone progressive and definately not communist, I can't believe she has made it this far. It just maybe the first time in history we have 2 republicans running for president and no "real" democrats.

Answer 10

Hillary Clinton is not a communist. Your teacher sounds like a reactionary who merely doesn't like her. Never believe anyone who "tells" you not to vote for someone else. He or she is trying to foist an opinion on you. What's important is your own opinion.

The best way to form it is to avoid the propaganda from both sides...right and left...and examine her Congressional voting record. That way, you can see if the issues that are important to you are important to her.

Answer 11

Progressive = Communist = Neo-Comm's.