Political ideology as it relates to the United States

[SammyBlue]

I posted part of this as a response, but as my own post, I will post this completely:

Let's examine political ideologies and economic theories of today. First the political ideologies, from the most extreme liberal, to the most extreme conservative:


Anarchist -- Anarchy is the absence of government and a return to the natural state. Anarchist is a Liberal (Capital "L") simply because the object of an anarchist of the application of all human freedoms. An anarchist believes we should be back in nature, that no government is the best government because government is a tool for the elites to oppress and repress. Government is a hinderance to the development of personal freedom, as to have a government, you have to give up certain freedoms in exchange for the protection a government can provide. No freedom is worth giving up, so therefore, an anarchist would dissolve the government and people would fend for themselves. Noam Chomsky is a good example of an anarchist.

Libertarian -- Government is there for one reason, and one reason only: to protect people; protect people from terror and horror from outside forces (war), and to protect people from terror and horror from within (crime), yet only on a limited basis within. The crime in question would have to affect at least one other person (so the drug war does not qualify). Libertarians believe that a small, limited government, empowered only for internal and external protection. People and business should be left to their own accords and have limited, if any, government regulations because government is a tool for the elites to oppress and repress. Freedom is the most important aspect to a libertarian, order is second. Libertarian philosopher, the late Robert Nozick, is the best example, and his book Anarchy, Utopia and State explains this ideology very well.

liberals -- So many definitions, so little time. Liberals are egalitarians in theory and in practice. Everyone should have the same freedoms, the same liberities and the same opportunities, regardless of any subjective quality. Liberals believe that government should be limited in the aspects of personal freedom, but should be intertwined in business dealings. Liberals believe the government should stay out of personal affairs (abortion, drug war, gay marriage), but need to involve regulations pertaining to business (tarriffs, corporate tax codes, etc). Above all, liberals look at the world and see the concept off "one person suffers, we all suffer in total." Franklin Roosevelt is the greatest example of a liberal.

moderates/centrists -- People who believe that the status quo is acceptible. Change to it is good, so long as the change doesn't infringe on implied or enumerated rights. This ideology can have some liberal ideals, and yet have some conservative. The concept of selfishness marks a moderate as they are looking for what position will best benefit themselves. Harry S Truman poses the best centrist cse study.

conservative -- Two words: status quo. Two more words: A-okay. A conservative is someone who believes that the system is just fine and new ideas should be approached with extreme caution (Barry Goldwater). Conservatives tend to be more libertarian win business aspects, yet see little problem in the restriction of personal freedom, if that restriction can be justified (national security). Ronald Reagan and Dwight Eisenhower are the best examples of conservatives.

authoritarians -- someone who believes that the system, in its current state, allows for too much individual choices and thus harm to the state, and the public at large. Believe in militant stances on private issues and militant stances on business issues. Also believe in empowering the elite class more, as authoritarians tend to be the elites. Nothing would suit an authoritarian more than marshall law, except that law would apply to the authoritarian as well. Abraham Lincoln was the closest this country has gotten to authoritarian leadership, as was Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson.

totalitarians -- absolute power, absolute say, absolute decision-making without any input from anyone, a totalitarian believes in one man rule. Personal freedoms and business freedoms are curtailed and the most ruthless punishment is meeted out for the most minor of acts. The worst monarchs of Europe and the worst dictators in world history are totalitarians. Adolf Hitler, Idi Amin, Pol Pot, Saddam Hussien, Nero, Caligula, Ivan the terrible and Vlad the Impaler are totality personified.


Now. . .which one describes Bushco?

[BamaLefty]

1. Great Post!

I say authoritarian for Shrub...