Etson- I can assure you that the use of “liberalism” to mean socialism/social democracy is a definition put on liberals by Conservatives.
Liberals are not for chaotic, toss traditions to the winds and disrespect. Again, that’s how conservatives perceive it. I think you put more into the conservative philosophy than most- everyone believes in human fallibility (unless they are hopelessly naive) but one of the basics of the identity of this country has always been great expectations ( sorry about that 🙂 ) and the idea that we can do anything. The Horatio Alger stories exemplified that attitude. I don’t know of any conservatives who believe in limiting their expectations- nor any liberals either. Realism, and pragmatism, yes. But that’s different.
I also find the accusation of communism/socialism against liberals,by conservatives not only inaccurate, but very inappropriate,because conservative politicians use it strictly to incite fear. It bears no relation to reality.
Etson when Americans say liberal they don’t mean liberal. They mean progressive statist. You mean liberal in the 17th / 18th century British enlightenment sense.
Etson: “Oh didn’t realize you were being serious, ParkSloper.
Conservatism is about respect for tradition, mistrust of universal political systems & programs, a belief the state’s aspirations and expectations should be limited and a belief in human fallibility / mistrust of human nature.
I’m talking about real Edmund Burke conservatism, not the random thoughts of someone
I find the American usage of ‘liberalism’ to mean socialism / social democracy very confusing and inappropriate.”
Well put, Etson. Perhaps I should have said “right wing” to distinguish it from true conservativism.
Oh I don’t actually drink tea. I just wanted to once and for all get a real live English person to tell me the right way to do it. I understand there can be some strong feelings on the subject.
I agree, too, DH, but when iced coffee is too strong or bitter or burnt, I find I have to add milk to temper the taste.
Etson- I can assure you that the use of “liberalism” to mean socialism/social democracy is a definition put on liberals by Conservatives.
Liberals are not for chaotic, toss traditions to the winds and disrespect. Again, that’s how conservatives perceive it. I think you put more into the conservative philosophy than most- everyone believes in human fallibility (unless they are hopelessly naive) but one of the basics of the identity of this country has always been great expectations ( sorry about that 🙂 ) and the idea that we can do anything. The Horatio Alger stories exemplified that attitude. I don’t know of any conservatives who believe in limiting their expectations- nor any liberals either. Realism, and pragmatism, yes. But that’s different.
I also find the accusation of communism/socialism against liberals,by conservatives not only inaccurate, but very inappropriate,because conservative politicians use it strictly to incite fear. It bears no relation to reality.
Correction: when American conservatives say liberal they mean progressive statist.
“You mean liberal in the 17th / 18th century British enlightenment sense.”
which of course means economically conservative in the United States.
Etson when Americans say liberal they don’t mean liberal. They mean progressive statist. You mean liberal in the 17th / 18th century British enlightenment sense.
Etson: “Oh didn’t realize you were being serious, ParkSloper.
Conservatism is about respect for tradition, mistrust of universal political systems & programs, a belief the state’s aspirations and expectations should be limited and a belief in human fallibility / mistrust of human nature.
I’m talking about real Edmund Burke conservatism, not the random thoughts of someone
I find the American usage of ‘liberalism’ to mean socialism / social democracy very confusing and inappropriate.”
Well put, Etson. Perhaps I should have said “right wing” to distinguish it from true conservativism.
I’m with Snappy – milk in tea is gross. i don’t even like it in my coffee.
Oh I don’t actually drink tea. I just wanted to once and for all get a real live English person to tell me the right way to do it. I understand there can be some strong feelings on the subject.
Bxgirl, keep sending the Serena pics and you’ll go first class and get warm towels/champagne service 🙂
nite