What does it mean to be "left wing" or "right wing" has anyone got a non satirical explanation.
I keep hearing these terms and because I am non-political have no idea what they mean?
{A sincere attempt to be objective}
I believe the terms hearken back to when the two party system emerged in England. The parties sat together to the left and to the right of the lectern.
The parties themselves use the labels Liberal and Conservative. Neither party label matches the dictionary definition of the words.
The Left == Liberal == Democrat are largely associated with ideals and causes. Being ideals, they tend to encompass the young, college campuses, urban centers and workers groups, where societal problems are more visible or where they are perceived to be more solvable. The drawbacks tend to be the source of funding for the causes or societal solutions. Usually socialism is considered to be "left". QUIP: The democrats want to be everyones mother.
The Right == Conservative == Republican are largely associated with markets and the freedom to act within them. This tends to draw established professionals, businessmen, investors and those who try to move within the financial social strata (upward) through entrapenurial activities. The primary concern here is the growth of markets and keeping funds in the markets to help them grow. There are problems with taking funds (taxes) out of the markets because that slows down growth. Other potential problems are significant changes in societal patterning. Many religions fall withing this camp. The drawbacks are that markets tend to be unforgiving things. People get hurt and there is no recourse. QUIP: The republicans want to be everyones father.
These are more traditional definitions but I think that part of them is still largely accurate. These are also greatly simplified and do not cover any depth or nuance that we have seen in the "discussions" on the list. As an example: The left now uses the terms religious (as applied to christianity) or christian as an assault to discredit a persons actions or views. I am not sure if this is an honest attempt to keep the mainstream religion out of society or a pragmatic way to marginalize those who are traditional opponents (or a combination of both). In any case, the thoughts and principles behind these schools of action are living and changing to adapt to our society's growth. My personal observation is that the conservatives are adapting better to society in this generation in America.
My personal bias is that while I love my mother and father, I feel I am grown up and want to make my own way in the world. As always, fodder for comments.
-- Alma _______________________________________________ [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub/Pause/Etc : http://mail.linux-sxs.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/general
