First is the struggle for "true conservatism". Ron Paul-type supporters typically call themselves "true conservatives" by which they really mean mainly libertarian. Yet, they cringe at being called libertarian. Similarly, the Sarah Palin or Dick Cheney supporters see themselves as the "true conservatives", which also makes the Ron Paul conservatives cringe. The Palin/Cheney camp is often referred to as neo-conservative (meaning "new" conservative) by libertarian-leaners, yet many Palin/Cheney supporters consider the term neo-conservative to be disparaging. I find that reaction intriguing, since neo only means new. To me, the reaction reflects the fact that lots of people have found fault with the idea that big "defense" (really offense) for the U.S. military is counterproductive to the ideals of liberty, and the "new" conservatives bristle at the same suggestion.
Second is the struggle for "true liberalism". America elected a liberal-leaning centrist as president last year. Look at the struggle within the liberal wing. Just like the conservative side, the liberal side is torn between "true liberalism" which is often called "progressive", and "pragmatic liberalism" which is more centrist. When the health care measure including the "public option" didn't clear Congress and was derailed by the loss of Kennedy's seat in Massachusetts, strongly liberal people threatened to do to Democrats what libertarians are threatening to do to Republicans: withdraw their support.
posted
I am also a centrist with a slight leaning towards libertarian and liberal according to the chart. There were a few answers that I chose that I didn't totally agree with but came closest to my personal position.
-------------------- No longer eligible for government service due to lack of tax issues. Posts: 5178 | From: Up North | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Libertarian with a slight lean towards conservative. Im sure there are some liberal statists here!
-------------------- It isn't so much that liberals are ignorant. It's just that they know so many things that aren't so. Posts: 6949 | Registered: Apr 2004
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