Why don't neoliberals call themselves that?

[mmonk]

Last edited Tue Oct 13, 2015, 02:11 PM - Edit history (1)

Will we see that discussion in the primaries and what it means? I wonder why not? What would the average out to lunch American do if they understood it?

[NorthCarolina]

1. Probably because there is nothing truly "Liberal" in their policy positions..whether "neo" or not.

[Hortensis]

2. That's actually kinda it. The "liberal" part is just not applicable to most liberals.

Usage is all over the place. Scholars use it to refer back to laissez-faire beliefs well over a century ago. People who dislike liberals use it as an attempt to mischaracterize liberals. Just another version of calling us (enter slur of choice here).

In any case, we don't use it because we don't recognize ourselves in the ways it's used.

[mmonk]

4. Yes, the Third Way was created to run away from the label

as well as the old coalitions. Also, adopt the idea everything was to be run through corporations, deregulation, big stick militarism, and economic budget hawks in policy. Just be a more liberal form by being socially liberal on issues except rights of the citizens in corporate affairs such as real consumer and citizen protections in that area. They wanted their own Reagan and more presidential wins instead of control of Congress.

[MisterP]

6. maybe liberal in the 19th-century sense, like the ones who shot Archbishop Romero?

or married Athena and covered Guatemala with temples for a "modern" new faith?

[Doctor_J]

3. They don't want to be associated with the anti-war, pro-public education,

pro-healthcare, anti-fracking hippies (actual liberals).

[YabaDabaNoDinoNo]

5. Bottom line They are Republicans, embarrassed republicans but republicans

Non the less

Just cut to the chase and call the neoliberals what they are, Republicans.