Many identify themselves and their political affiliation as politically "liberal" or "conservative". Unfortunately, in my opinion, they have it all wrong and don't have a clue. The key issue is that word "politically".
A politically conservative party should be that party that advocates for the "conservative" use of government. This should mean conservative in terms of size, spending and intrusiveness by the government into the everyday lives of our citizens. Members of this party would expect government to play only a limited role defined by a strict reading of the Constitution. This once was the domain of the Republican party and is what many registered Republicans (and Democrats) still believe.
A politically liberal party would be the party that believes government should play an expanded role in our lives. A liberal political party would engage in large government agencies that engage in extensive spending and shape the face of society. This is supported by a liberal, interpretive reading of the Constitution. This position is aligned with what most people see as the Democrat party.
What we have with the two major parties in the U.S. is not a plolitically conservative versus a politically liberal party. We have two politically liberal parties, one with a "conservative" social philosophy and the other with a "liberal" social philosophy. Each is liberal in the sense they are willing to use both the club and cash of government to advance their social agenda.
What the country needs and what, I believe, most voters want is a party that will provide necessary government functions without unnecessarily intruding in our lives. One alternative has been the Libertarian party which is not particularly clear on its position regarding the size and scope of government but is clear regarding the role of government in the private lives of citizens. Unfortunately, this party is seen as so closely aligned with NORML that it has little chance of success.
An interesting recent development is described at http://www.americanselect.org/. This is an internet based movement which they describe this way,
"Americans Elect is the first-ever open nominating process. We're using the Internet to give every single voter—Democrat, Republican or independent—the power to nominate a presidential ticket in 2012. The people will choose the issues. The people will choose the candidates. And in a secure, online convention next June, the people will make history by putting their choice on the ballot in every state."
The only way we can get our country back on the right track is for voters to get involved. It is time we stopped settling for the Kool-Aid the Republicans and Democrats are serving up.
It might be time for a third way. #justsayin
I'm socially liberal, yet politically conservative. Seems like an oxymoron doesn't it? However, that combination is what I am looking for: I strongly believe in the Americans Elect philosophy and by survey, fit their general ideal within a single deviation away from the standard of thinking. The best I can do with the current two party system is to be two standard deviations away on the right in one case and two standard deviations to the left in the other. Political reform is due. Well said, Dr. Camey.
ReplyDeleteSpot on my friend. It is my firm belief that the electorate has been betrayed and abandoned by our current two party system. We are perhaps more ripe than ever for an alternative choice.
ReplyDeleteI was beginning to think I was the only one who thought the Republican party has become a lot less "conservative" in recent years. Enjoyed reading this :-)
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