On Sun, 16 May 2004 14:25:05 -0700, John Ings
wrote:

Btw...I forgot to address your comment on Gladstones usage of the term
Conservative

In talks with UCLAlumni magazine, Bruin professors and legislators
explain the uses and misuses, the past, present and future of the
terms liberal and conservative in the American political lexicon. That
"liberal" and "conservative" are fluid terms is nothing new. Classical
liberalism, dating to the 18th century, is associated with
laissez-faire economics and minimal government intrusion in the
marketplace - a position now associated with conservativism, notes
UCLA political science professor Matthew Baum '87, Ph.D. '00. UCLA
history professor Joan Waugh '80, M.A. '82, Ph.D. '92 says that in the
19th century, the Democratic Party was the party of limited government
- which today would be a conservative stance but then made it the
liberal party. In contrast, Waugh says, the Republican Party was the
"can-do" party of the time - the party of emancipation and government
support for business.

"Republicans thought of themselves as progressive," not conservative,
Waugh says. In the 19th-century version of social welfare, Republicans
argued for government action to stimulate the economy, which would, in
turn, create jobs. Democrats, on the other hand, argued against
government interference in the economy. But, she adds, "a very
interesting reversal took place in the 20th century," exemplified by
the actions of two presidents. First, Republican President Teddy
Roosevelt promoted a government role in curbing the corporate excesses
of the Gilded Age - a change in emphasis from earlier Republican
policies designed to boost economic growth. Second, Democratic
President Franklin Roosevelt launched the New Deal, which included
Social Security and massive public works programs and remade the
Democratic Party as the party of big government.

Today, the term "liberal" is associated with a more active government
role in social and economic matters, and, says Baum, "the conservative
mantra is less government." In essence, today's fiscal conservatives
are classical liberals, while liberals are progressive. However, Baum
notes, the matter is further complicated because "there are at least
two different strains of conservatism in this country" - social and
fiscal. "


Classical Liberalism, and Classical Conservativsm have indeed reversed
roles. But..apparently not in your own tiny little bit of reality.
Mores the pity. When doing historical research..you really really
should keep that in mind...chuckle.

Gunner



That rifle hanging on the wall of the working-class flat or labourer's
cottage is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays
there.
- George Orwell