Jacoby wrote:
Classical liberalism is libertarianism, liberalism now as we define it in America is different and more akin to progressivism or socialism which is not liberal.
Yes I always found this odd, but I guess that is what happens to language. Also what is called "social democrat" and even "social capitalist", in Europe.
I wouldn't support the Libertarian Party if was American. Not impressed with their manifesto.
I'm more of a Competitionist, and Trade Liberal. Socially libertarian (i.e. stuff like marriage, relationships, etc)
I find many people tend to have some protectionist views, but don't necessarily see these thing as protectionist. Sometime they justify protectionism under some spurious "right" or psuedo-property.
One truth is libertarian and conservatism in the literal sense are so far removed, with all the flavours of libertarianism possible these are the least likely bed fellows. Many folk are very stuck on binary systems, so they tend to see everything in left/right terms.
The connection between Liberalism and Toryism, is down to William Peel borrowing some of the idea to create New Toryism.
Old Toryism has virtually nothing to do with Classical liberal ideals. In fact is also about establishment, protectionism, cronyism and big government. Old Toryism is still remnant even though Peelite ideas have made an impression.
Gladstone was elected 4 times the only Prime Minster to do so. He was also chancellor four times. Liberalism prevailed even if the party broke up (there is still a Liberal party distinct form the Lib Dems, but it is tiny).
11 Jul 2015, 7:38 am
