Right and left of politics

[The Cat-Tribe]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

[Call to power]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

yes and no

[Jervak]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

"Leftists are often vegans, Hitler was a vegan...gasp!"

[Reodika]

how so ?

Liberals refuse to acknowledge class and only wish to make capitalism nicer, they still want a free market, just with weak safety nets.
America is currently under a liberal regime, and it's pretty awful nation to live in, in comparison to social democratic countries.

Well, it's certainly isn't all rainbows and daisies right now but I would hardly call it "pretty awful" to live in. We have our fair share of problems, the biggest of which being this tendency among both sides of our political spectrum to judge each other based upon their fringes. Every country has its problems and every country has times when it is having more problems than others.

In economic terms, liberals and conservatives both support mixed shades of capitalism with the former leaning towards more government influence in the markets and with the latter supporting less. In social terms, conservatives tend to support the preservation of the established status quo in society's underlying social institutions while liberals tend to support non-radical reform. In terms of the worldwide left-right divide, both sides can be considered to be "right of center."

There is a reason for this, however. Most Americans believe that our traditional institutions work and work well. We have not seen a need for the types of radical reforms advocated by the worldwide left. In terms of Orwell's classic "Animal Farm", we are similar to those farms which saw no need to overthrow their farmers because they were, at the end of the day, more or less happy with that system. Many Americans see the current problems in this country as being connected to attempts to tinker with something which appeared to have worked rather than borne from an inability to adapt to new conditions.

It's a fair question. Fair disclosure -- I'm probably best described as a traditional Republican who is alienated by the modern Republican Party. I want as little government interference in society as possible yet see it as ultimately a necessary evil as liberty is not possible without a system of laws to support it. I believe society should have safety nets for our less fortunate but I don't believe that such programs should be extended to the general public as a rule. I don't support extensive social programs. I think that the problem with our news media is that it is corporate driven and that corporations are neither representative of the "left" or the "right" but rather of themselves -- they are ultimately Corporatist by definition, which is neither conservative nor liberal! I believe in the private ownership of companies although I also believe that our current legal definitions of "corporations" need to be revised and reformed heavily -- the current definitions give them way too much influence in a system not designed to account for them.

From a social standpoint, I believe that government should re-label "marriage" as "civil unions", a less emotionally-charged term, and extend the rights pertaining thereto to all pairs of consenting adults. I see abortion as being a woman's own business. In regards to socialism, I do not believe it is a viable and sustainable system. I do believe, however, that it can be an extremely valuable deconstructionist tool for examining the underlying problems of society when they need to be addressed. I should add that I do not define that which exists in Europe as "socialist" in any meaningful way although there is perhaps a bit too much public influence over the economy for my tastes.

At any rate, just wanted to throw a few of these thoughts out there.

[New Manvir]

ok thanks Bydlostan. Do you know any conservatives and liberals on this forum ?

There's Panzerjaeger, who's like the biggest pro-democracy and libertarian poster ever. Sibirsky is a raging Communist who praises and lovingly spouts the words of Marx and Lenin every chance he gets, and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

Also, Lunatic Goofballs is the most serious person you will ever meet on this forum, don't even try to joke with him.

[Bavungria]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

I am guessing you think the book is stupid

[Bavungria]

ok thanks Bydlostan. Do you know any conservatives and liberals on this forum ?

There's Panzerjaeger, who's like the biggest pro-democracy and libertarian poster ever. Sibirsky is a raging Communist who praises and lovingly spouts the words of Marx and Lenin every chance he gets, and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

Also, Lunatic Goofballs is the most serious person you will ever meet on this forum, don't even try to joke with him.

thanks lol : P

[Bavungria]

how so ?

Liberals refuse to acknowledge class and only wish to make capitalism nicer, they still want a free market, just with weak safety nets.
America is currently under a liberal regime, and it's pretty awful nation to live in, in comparison to social democratic countries.

Well, it's certainly isn't all rainbows and daisies right now but I would hardly call it "pretty awful" to live in. We have our fair share of problems, the biggest of which being this tendency among both sides of our political spectrum to judge each other based upon their fringes. Every country has its problems and every country has times when it is having more problems than others.

In economic terms, liberals and conservatives both support mixed shades of capitalism with the former leaning towards more government influence in the markets and with the latter supporting less. In social terms, conservatives tend to support the preservation of the established status quo in society's underlying social institutions while liberals tend to support non-radical reform. In terms of the worldwide left-right divide, both sides can be considered to be "right of center."

There is a reason for this, however. Most Americans believe that our traditional institutions work and work well. We have not seen a need for the types of radical reforms advocated by the worldwide left. In terms of Orwell's classic "Animal Farm", we are similar to those farms which saw no need to overthrow their farmers because they were, at the end of the day, more or less happy with that system. Many Americans see the current problems in this country as being connected to attempts to tinker with something which appeared to have worked rather than borne from an inability to adapt to new conditions.

It's a fair question. Fair disclosure -- I'm probably best described as a traditional Republican who is alienated by the modern Republican Party. I want as little government interference in society as possible yet see it as ultimately a necessary evil as liberty is not possible without a system of laws to support it. I believe society should have safety nets for our less fortunate but I don't believe that such programs should be extended to the general public as a rule. I don't support extensive social programs. I think that the problem with our news media is that it is corporate driven and that corporations are neither representative of the "left" or the "right" but rather of themselves -- they are ultimately Corporatist by definition, which is neither conservative nor liberal! I believe in the private ownership of companies although I also believe that our current legal definitions of "corporations" need to be revised and reformed heavily -- the current definitions give them way too much influence in a system not designed to account for them.

From a social standpoint, I believe that government should re-label "marriage" as "civil unions", a less emotionally-charged term, and extend the rights pertaining thereto to all pairs of consenting adults. I see abortion as being a woman's own business. In regards to socialism, I do not believe it is a viable and sustainable system. I do believe, however, that it can be an extremely valuable deconstructionist tool for examining the underlying problems of society when they need to be addressed. I should add that I do not define that which exists in Europe as "socialist" in any meaningful way although there is perhaps a bit too much public influence over the economy for my tastes.

At any rate, just wanted to throw a few of these thoughts out there.

this was probably the best answer so far thanks !

[Middle of somewhere]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? A liberal is someone who i s more "progressive" they are generally for regulation of economic activities and they have an "acceptance" of other people and cultures such as homosexuality.How would you define a conservative?A conservative is generally a traditionalist. They are more permissive when it comes to economic means and when it comes to personal freedoms they are generally moralists so they are against abortion and ect. whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? When it comes to economics liberals are generally more regulative and favor a strong welfare system. They aren't a command economy type, but they like to have there foot in business. Conservatives are more permissive and usually dislike generous welfare.
war- liberals are usually for sanctions, conservatives rather fight
drugs- liberals would be more forgiving, conservatives are usually against drugs and love strong punishment
Immigration - Liberals like to help illegals immigrate and ect. conservatives like strong border protection.
yeah whatever i am sure you get the point by now
Why are liberal associated as the left ? i don't knowAlso has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

No

[SaintB]

People call me liberal.

Very simply; I support the extension and promotion of the individual over society, I believe the job of governments is to provide and protect not to rule. Governments should be accountable to the people, Corporations should be treated like the shady constructs they are; with just enough trust to breathe without being treated with suspicion. I believe each individual has a moral responsibility to take care of the environment and each other, that prisoners still have the same rights as anyone else but should lack the same privileges, that the well off have a responsibility to those who are not as well off (even if only to keep their own interests safe); and that people either through personal choice or social pressure if held accountable for their actions will almost always make the right choice.

I also believe in a concept of good and evil, there are very few gray areas in between.

[Panzerjaeger]

ok thanks Bydlostan. Do you know any conservatives and liberals on this forum ?

There's Panzerjaeger, who's like the biggest pro-democracy and libertarian poster ever. Sibirsky is a raging Communist who praises and lovingly spouts the words of Marx and Lenin every chance he gets, and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

Also, Lunatic Goofballs is the most serious person you will ever meet on this forum, don't even try to joke with him.

Yeah Go Democracy and Pro-Ayn Rand Rape Fantasies! WHOOOOO!

[Risottia]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

Western Europe isn't a country. Hello, get some facts.

[Panzerjaeger]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

Western Europe isn't a country. Hello, get some facts.

It isn't? Well I'll be damned.

[Risottia]

and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

VINCERE!

[Risottia]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

Western Europe isn't a country. Hello, get some facts.

It isn't? Well I'll be damned.

We all will. Muhuhahahah!

[Nazi Flower Power]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

"Leftists are often vegans, Hitler was a vegan...gasp!"

I bet you breathe oxygen, don't you. You know who else breathed oxygen? Hitler!

[Panzerjaeger]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

"Leftists are often vegans, Hitler was a vegan...gasp!"

I bet you breathe oxygen, don't you. You know who else breathed oxygen? Hitler!

Good thing I breathe Methane.

[Nazi Flower Power]

ok thanks Bydlostan. Do you know any conservatives and liberals on this forum ?

There's Panzerjaeger, who's like the biggest pro-democracy and libertarian poster ever. Sibirsky is a raging Communist who praises and lovingly spouts the words of Marx and Lenin every chance he gets, and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

Also, Lunatic Goofballs is the most serious person you will ever meet on this forum, don't even try to joke with him.

That's right! And I am a warmongering hate-filled Nazi.

[Scarsaw]

ok thanks Bydlostan. Do you know any conservatives and liberals on this forum ?

There's Panzerjaeger, who's like the biggest pro-democracy and libertarian poster ever. Sibirsky is a raging Communist who praises and lovingly spouts the words of Marx and Lenin every chance he gets, and Risottia is a jackbooted fascist who has an unhealthy fascination with Benito Mussolini.

Also, Lunatic Goofballs is the most serious person you will ever meet on this forum, don't even try to joke with him.

Yeah Go Democracy and Pro-Ayn Rand Rape Fantasies! WHOOOOO!

Kinky

[Nazi Flower Power]

I bet you breathe oxygen, don't you. You know who else breathed oxygen? Hitler!

Good thing I breathe Methane.

You're not human! I knew it!

[Panzerjaeger]

I bet you breathe oxygen, don't you. You know who else breathed oxygen? Hitler!

Good thing I breathe Methane.

You're not human! I knew it!

I already stated I came from a space pod to bring Fascism Democracy to the people.

[Eirenua]

In America (because I assume you're looking for the American definition), a Liberal is defined as someone who believes in Social Welfare (like Universal Healthcare, etc.), slight regulation of the economy and other slightly progressive policies; whereas a Conservative believes in unregulated capitalism and an interventionist foreign policy.

In America that makes Liberals left-wingers and Conservatives right-wingers. In most of the rest of the world, Liberals (by the American definition) are seen as right-of-centre, and Conservatives (again, by the American definition) are seen as more extreme right-wingers. In the rest of the world, the definitions themselves are also different, over here (in South Africa), even Conservatives support Universal Health Care and other forms of Social Welfare (but with less economic regulation), whereas Liberals are what Americans would call slightly Socialist and Socialists themselves are seen as left-of-centre (with Communists and Anarchists -- like myself -- being extreme left-wingers).

There doesn't seem to be such a thing as a single global definition...

[Bavungria]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

Western Europe isn't a country. Hello, get some facts.

I know that. I like your half hearted attempt to insult my intelligence. If you want me too i will list of the country's i am talking about. France, UK, spain, Portugal, Belgium and Netherlands. Britain and France look like social-democracy's to me

[Jervak]

is western Europe a social democracy ?

Western Europe isn't a country. Hello, get some facts.

Britain and France look like social-democracy's to me

They are welfare states. Well, Britain is, not sure about France. A better example of Social Democracy is the Scandinavian countries.

[The Cat-Tribe]

This will probably sound very stupid but i am going to ask it anyway. How would you define a liberal ? How would you define a conservative? whats the different policies and economic beliefs do they have ? Why are liberal associated as the left ? Also has anyone read liberal Fascism ?

Follow up to the highlighted final question: does anyone who has read Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism have any brain cells left or were they all dead before you started it?

I am guessing you think the book is stupid

You are one good guesser!! And you had so few clues to work with.

I don't think the book is stupid, however. I know the book is stupid. I just can't figure out who helped Jonah hold the crayons.