Quote:
Originally Posted by spot
Quinn, don't you feel the need to define your vocabulary at any time before you use words which have such different uses in different settings?
The last politician I can think of who called himself a liberal was JFK. Which current politician can you think of who self-identifies with the word? If by a 'Liberal' they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a 'Liberal,' then I'm proud to say I'm a 'Liberal'.
John F. Kennedy, September 14, 1960 |
It seems to me that JFKs definition is just fine for a conservative as well, the problem is not with the goals, but how you reach them. It's like the old fish or fishing story. You can care about someone and either give them food or give them the tools and ability to feed themselves. Simplistic I know, but I am sure you get the idea. Today's definition of a liberal, while perhaps technically inaccurate, has come to mean turning to government for solutions first and wealth transfer to do that. In other words hold down the bow of the boat to raise the stern. The other view would be to try and raise the entire boat.
While the middle class keeps the factories, stories and offices humming and does all the "hard" work, they are not the ones who generate jobs, take risk, start new industries and create economic development. While it is easy to point fingers at the top 5% and their incomes, the fact is they still pay the overall majority of taxes and pull the economy along. The visible Wall Street types are only a very small segment of that 5%, most are small businessmen and women, professionals and entrepreneurs.
The point is that if you push the bow of the boat too low as it appears some politicians would like or at least make you think so, the whole boat sinks.