Presidential election, 2016

[Eric the Green]

(01-09-2017, 06:55 PM)Warren Dew Wrote:

(01-09-2017, 04:36 PM)Eric the Green Wrote: I admit though I am curious What parts of neo-liberalism do you think I approve of (which you presumably don't), that aren't part of classical liberalism, Warren Dew?

Offhand, since you think political elites can do no wrong, no doubt you approve of the top down, big government, EU imposition of austerity on Greece.  That's definitely part of neoliberalism that isn't part of classical liberalism.

Come to think of it, austerity itself, since it involves increased tax rates, is another part of neoliberalism that isn't part of classical liberalism.  You may not approve of austerity as a package, but I bet you approve of the increased tax rates part of it.

I'm sure there are

Quote:I can't help remembering your statement that it was Reagan's success that got you interested in classical liberalism.

I didn't make any such statement, though I might have made a statement you interpreted that way.  The economics parts of classical liberalism I got interested in from reading Milton Friedman's Newsweek column in the early 1970s.  The personal liberty part I think I was born with.

You did say that about Reagan and his effect on you. But speaking of things people never said, I never said I favor austerity on Greece. Higher taxes maybe, if they are on the wealthy, because that's the secret about Greece that isn't often said, that a portion of their problems come from the wealthy's priviledges in that country. But higher taxes is not what austerity means in neo-liberalism; it means cuts to government spending on social and welfare programs that help the people and society. Neo-liberalism is all about tax cuts. That means you're a neo-liberal, Warren.

Neo-liberals frequently DO believe in higher taxes, and so do classical liberals (AGAIN, THE SAME THING!), when the burden will fall heavier on the poor and/or middle class. That's what the flat tax schemes are all about, and would accomplish. It's what Trump's tax plan aims to do. It's what folks like Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney want when they complain that the poor don't pay taxes. Neo/classical liberalism could be summed up in the adage: "it's best to rob from the poor and give to the rich!"

Political elites do wrong frequently, because in the USA they are mostly neo-liberal/classical liberal Republican conservatives. But progressive liberals can do wrong and become corrupt too, and forget whom they serve. It happens because power corrupts. No, I don't approve of that. Progressive means grass roots; we support only politicians that represent the people and respond to the peoples' wishes, provided those wishes are in accord with progressive principles of solving problems, sharing the wealth, respecting civil liberties, respecting all of life, greater democracy, etc. Progressive means we the people are active and concerned and choose politicians that take action to benefit the people; that means all the people, NOT a priviledged few like the neo/classical liberals like you choose represent.

The Green Party Four Pillars are:
Ecological wisdom.
Social justice.
Grassroots democracy.
Nonviolence.
greenpolitics.wikia.com/wiki/Four_Pillars_of_the_Green_Party