conservative labels is context.
Larry's links for example relate to the Liberal (capital L) and
Conservative (capital C) parties of Canada, which are actually rather
centrist in that like the Democrats (capital D) and Republicans
(capital R) they compete for the undecided middle. There are however
smaller parties in Canada to the right and left of these. Many
European countries also have a Liberal and a Conservative party as
well as a Socialist, a Communist and a Nationalist party. I am not an
expert on any of these, but I did want to make the point that what is
in Arizona ranch country evidence of flaming radical liberalism
(support for bilingualism) is in Canada rather pro-status quo and
downright conservative in Quebec. Consider gun control as seen from
rural Montana versus Alphabet City in Manhattan.
So I will try to define liberal and conservative without regard to
specific issues.
Liberal - Concerned with the rights of the individual, often in favor
of government intervention and government programs. Excited by shiny
new government initiatives such as putting a man on the moon.
Conservative - resists change for the sake of change, cautious,
pro-status quo. Implies "good steward" mentality, careful management
of resources.
Those are my personal definitions. The ones currently in vogue in US
political discourse seem to run more like this.
Conservative - pro business, anti-tax, anti-regulation
Liberal - pro-regulation, anti-business, pro-environment
that's my best shot for now :) Got some good medical news and am
headed home to take the kids out someplace. Woo hoo.
Dana
On Fri, 9 Jul 2004 08:38:57 -0500, Kevin Graeme <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I've realized while reading many of these threads over the years that
> I think we don't share a common paradigm and so we aren't always even
> talking about the same things. One of the most common word-thought
> shortcuts that comes up in the political discussions is the label of
> "Liberal" and "Conservative". So I'm going to ask, how do you define
> them? I'm not looking for a Google cut/paste. I'm interested in
> people's personal perspectives.
>
> I'll post my thoughts later. But I'll be honest, I'm not even sure I
> understand the terms. If we can, I'd appreciate it if people can
> refrain from criticizing other's definitions. At least initially.
>
> -Kevin________________________________
>
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