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Newbury Today Forum _ Random Rants _ What is liberalisim?
Posted by: On the edge Feb 4 2012, 03:29 PM
Nick Clegg referred to the 'cause of liberalism' in his recent exchange of letters with Chris Hune. He seemed to be suggesting that the LibDems were the standard bearers. I thought 'liberalism' was all to do with free markets, abolition of national tariff barriers, Messrs Cobden and Bright. small Government and so on. In modern terms, Mrs Thatcher big time. Have I got that wrong, if not what do they stand for today? Perhaps I'm more confused than usual, but I'd really like to know what the second biggest party in West Berkshire actually believes in.
Posted by: Biker1 Feb 4 2012, 03:36 PM
http://www.libdems.org.uk/home.aspx if you've got a few hours!!
As a regular rail user the "Transport" section under "What we stand for" should be of interest!
Posted by: NWNREADER Feb 4 2012, 03:50 PM
Asking a political party what Liberalism/Socialism/Conservativism is would be like asking a thief what honesty is.....
Posted by: Andy Capp Feb 5 2012, 10:00 AM
"Liberalism
Liberalism (from the Latin liberalis, "of freedom") is the belief in the importance of liberty and equality. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but most liberals support such fundamental ideas as constitutions, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, capitalism, free trade, and the separation of church and state. These ideas are widely accepted, even by political groups that do not openly profess a liberal ideological orientation. Liberalism encompasses several intellectual trends and traditions, but the dominant variants are classical liberalism, which became popular in the 18th century, and social liberalism, which became popular in the 20th century."
Interestingly, I find Liberals can be every bit as opinionated and "anti-whatever" as any other party. These days, you could say Liberalism is an anachronism in this country.
Posted by: blackdog Feb 5 2012, 10:26 AM
I suggest that the first point is that, when Clegg uses the word it should be capitalised 'Liberalism' - and means the cause of his party, not the wider concept of liberalism.
Posted by: On the edge Feb 5 2012, 02:41 PM
Yes I'd go with that. So what is Liberalism? Looks very much like 'Labour Lite' to me, Socialism with its face washed. 'We' know best, so not the bosses, not the workers, but us with the big egos!
Biker - thanks for the link - loved the 'Transport bit'. Owes much to the American influence - Walt Disney!!!
Posted by: blackdog Feb 5 2012, 04:11 PM
All three parties (and the rest) know best.
The Lib-Dems seemed more socialist than New Labour - until they decided to join a coalition with the Tories.
Posted by: NWNREADER Feb 5 2012, 04:30 PM
The Lib-Dems seemed more socialist than New Labour - until they decided to join a coalition with the Tories.
The Conservatives are more socialist than New Labour!
Posted by: On the edge Feb 5 2012, 04:51 PM
Yes that seems to be so - are we going back to the days of Grocer Ted, best socialist PM ever,
Posted by: Biker1 Feb 6 2012, 03:32 PM
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