Quote:
Originally Posted by Comrade Reynolds
It doesn't matter whether they've allowed the religious aspect of their party to pollute the meaning of conservative. In today's lexicon, conservative is absolutely how I defined it. That's what happens in politics - ideological definitions change over time. 100 years ago, liberalism actually meant small government, laissez-faire economics, deregulation, and property rights.
Of course, over time, much of that has changed. Liberalism, at least in America, is defined by FDR's New Deal policies, economic regulation and the social safety nets that make up much of our society - while also keeping the traditional views of liberty and equality.
What conservatives once were is irrelevant. Today's conservatives in this country, at least the people who identify as conservatives, are almost certainly individuals who want government to legislate morality - and that includes Democrats and Republicans.
Rand Paul is but one voice. Even his father didn't make a dent in the Republican Primary, and for all the bluster of the libertarians taking over, the party still adopts an ideology that absolutely allows government intrusiveness into the livelihoods of millions of Americans.
So, really, it doesn't matter what you think conservative should mean or whether it's been co-opted by the religious right. It is what it is.
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Conservative = individualism, regressive government, freedom.
Liberalism = collectivism, Progressive government, regulation.
Not all Republicans are conservative and not all Democrats are liberal...
Liberalism and conservatism are philosophies.. Republican and Democrat are political affiliations.. You seem to be confusing the two.
Most Republicans are moderate conservatives, and most Democrats are moderate liberals.... The political structure within both parties, however, has shifted towards ideological progressivism.. and its driving people apart. Democrats are becoming more communistic, and Republicans are becoming more fascistic... As a result libertarianism and anti-affiliation are on the rise... The two party system as we know it is near its end.. The Republican Party really is two parties right now... The only thing that remains unclear is if the war will continue to stay inside the Republican Party or if it will break apart.. The Republican Party replaced the wig party very quickly... I think you could see something very similar happening... In the end it may or may not be the called the Republican Party but it won't be the same party.. We very well could be looking at three party system...
Rand Paul is not Ron Paul.. Ron Paul always came off as kind of eccentric and kooky.. Rand Paul is much more levelheaded and reasonable sounding... I think he will attract a much larger crowd than his father... Hillary Clinton and Chris Christie can both take a hike as far as I'm concerned.
Rand Paul would be smart to do the Republican primary.. And then go independent whether or not he wins or loses the Republican nomination.. That would be a huge FU to the establishment Republican Party.. And would pull in non-idealistic nonprogressive voters from both sides
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