^^
Well American Conservatism during the 1920s was basically Libertarianism and on the Domestic Side was Libertarianism from 1896-1932 and maybe even 1876-1932.
I encourage you to read through this:
http://www.thegreenpapers.com/PCom/?20130714-0It is long I admit, but it is well worth the read.
I dont think you can say that America is worse off now than it was before the Neo-Liberal Era began.
Yes I can, it depends on which communities you are in and who you ask, but yes I most certainly can say that.
Also even during the Wilderness years American Conservatism was basically Libertarianism till around 1960 and then basically became Neo Liberalism after that.
So I dont think there ever was an era where Conservatism wasnt Libertarian or Neo Liberal
Yes there was.
The opposition to the classical liberalism of the 19th century Democratic Party, was the 19th century conservatism embodied in the Federalists, Whigs and early Republicans (aside from some who joined to just oppose slavery like Marx).
The American Constitution was written by 18th Century Conservatives who were aghast the anarchic tendencies springing up in the all too libertarian Articles of Confederation.
These same conservatives opposed the French Revolution because the French Revolution was mob rule, anarchy and here again "arbitrary law". Thomas Jefferson loved the French Revolution. Jefferson is not a Conservative, he was the father of "liberalism" in America. He had all the tropes of Classical Liberalism and his opponents all the tropes of classical conservatism.
18th and 19th century Conservatism
- Opposed to arbitrary law
- Hierarchical
- Religious
- Protectionist
- Skeptical of Immigration
- Horrified by extremists, revolutionaries, radicals and anarchists
Classical Liberalism
- In Favor of Chaotic Revolution
- Egalitarian
- Secular
- Free Trade
- Pro-Immigration
- Horrified by Aristocracy, elitism and and reactionaries
When Liberalism began to evolve in the late 19th century (with Populism and Progressivism in the US and New Liberalism in Britain) the right responded by making common cause with the classical liberals who did not hop on the government bandwagon.
Yes there are libertarian elements because Conservatism has to adapt to accept things like you know democracy and voting as part of its traditions. But there is a marked difference between conservatism and libertarianism.
Conservatism in a sensible world for instance would not be in favor of abolishing public education, because they would see it as a method of instilling values and skills necessary to make society cohesive and allow people to engage in civic institutions and you know live. They would seek to reform it though, to make sure it was effective and worked.
Libertarians would favor abolishing public education in favor of alternatives like vouchers.
Conservatism would never accept unrestrained immigration or trade
Libertarians are for unrestrained movement of people and goods.
But don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with libertarians, I fully agree with them on some points as my previous effort post should indicate. The problem is not that we have libertarians as allies on the right, the problem is the spokes of the wheel extending out too far and being too out of touch with reality on the ground.
