Discussion 2

Clearly there are differences between the Harding/Coolidge era and their approach (in the
traditional era) and the Nixon/Reagan/Bush era (the modern era) despite efforts at labeling them
conservatives. Comment upon the differences as mentioned in the readings.
Make certain that you define conservative so that everyone knows what you are talking about
when you use the term.

The words Liberal and Conservative can be misleading if it is not well understood. Over the
century their meaning continued to evolve over time. Both are distinct political philosophies
often refer to as schools of thoughts. Each has basic qualities of democracy and the language
values that distinguish them in meaning. A Republican can be ideological labeled as a liberal
and so also a Democrat can be referred to as conservative based on their political views
respectively.

First, let’s identify the basic democratic values, they includes:

• Family values – heritage’s value, hard work, integrity, self reliance

• Individual freedom – from fear, “freedom from want”, from speech
• The role of government – law and order, economic affairs, social affairs
• Religion – freedom of worship

The meaning of Liberalism:

It is the political orientation that believes in the doctrine that the government should be strong in
providing economic security be powerful involved in social relations of individuals and for
protection of individual civil rights.

Conservatism Defined:
It is a political concept that bases its orientation on limited government regulatory activity,
preservation of heritages with strong emphasizes on morality conducts in the society combine
with adequate enforcement of the rules of law and order.
A close analysis of the above definition should present us with two bipolar groups. At one
extreme from the center is the left and the opposite extreme is the right. The group at the right in
American political spectrum is referred to as the conservatives. While the group at the extreme
left is refer to as the liberals. The moderates are the groups that are either from the extreme left
that lean right or from the extreme right that lean left who prefer to be at the center, meaning
they are flexible in embracing combination of the certain qualities the democratic concept of
liberalism and conservatism.
Of course many people tend to perceive the Democratic Party as liberal in contrast, many
people perceive the conservatives as the Republican. For these two parties to make themselves
appeal better to the voters they need inspiring slogans to sell themselves and win the heart of the
electorate such inspired slogan as compassion conservatism – (George Bush, 43rd), Limited
government, tax cut and investments in defense – (Ronald Reagan)
Change you can believe – (Barak Obama 2008), have been used at different times based on the
changes and expectations of the electorates.

Can we have a little intellectual reflection on below stated questions for illustration purpose?
The questions are:
1. Will you consider George Herbert Bush, the 41s t United States President as a liberal?
2. Is Bill Clinton a conservative for turning the “perceived weakness of liberalism into
strengths” for the democratic future advantages?
3. Will you consider Richard Nixon a republican president as a liberal
4. What is welfare state?
According to scholars, “Clinton’s presidential successes were attributed his “third way”
position (centralist) between Republican conservatism and Democratic liberalism” [2]
“The concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion
of the economic and social well-being of its citizens is termed a Welfare State. It is based on the
principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility
for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. The general term
may cover a variety of forms of economic and social organization.” Wrote Encyclopedia Britannica
[10

To prevent discrimination against the disabled populations, George WalkerBush the 41st
president passed legislation in this regard, so also LB Johnson passed a lot of legislations to
prevent racial discrimination against minorities.
Bill Clinton successfully passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
There is no question that the doctrine of liberalism and conservatism differ on the means to
justify the ends. The democratic and republican parties are quite different and not identical in
their guiding principles and ideology.
Both schools of thoughts share a common objective to preserve freedom and enhance prosperity
for individuals. However, their difference lies on how to achieve these shared objectives of
governing. By analysis, Liberals hold to the conviction of equal opportunity for all through
government intervention. Likewise, the liberals believe in civil liberties and human rights
protection.
On the other hand, the conservative’s conviction is of equal opportunity for all with
corresponding personal prosperity with limited government intervention. National security and
preservation of heritage values – honor, prides etc are core characteristic of the conservative
minded elites.
It is of equal importance to make this clarification before hand in an effort to provide insights to
how these differences of doctrines shaped their presidency and have profound impact on
America political history.
As Thomas Dye and Harmon Zeigler, Late remarked “Although both parties draw their support
from all social groups in the United States, the social bases of the parties are somewhat
different. Democratic voters are drawn disproportionately from labor union members and their
families, big city dwellers, Jews, Catholics, and African Americans.
The core activities in the Democratic Party are often drawn from labor and teachers’ unions,
government employees, and feminist, civil rights and environmental organizations. Republican
voters are drawn disproportionately from rural small town, and suburban Protestants and
business and professional people. The core Republican activists are drawn from small business
and business organization, religious and church groups, and civic and service organizations.”[1]
Clearly there are differences between the Harding / Coolidge era and their approach in the
traditional era and the Nixon / Reagan/Bush era due to prevailing political environment, the
changing in public expectations of the roles of the government, generational shifts in
socioeconomic needs and the globalization trends. Afterward, the business of politics is about
bridging leadership of reconciling conflicting interest with the public needs.

In my conclusion, there are tremendous differences between the Harding / Coolidge era and the
Nixon / Reagan /Bush era in their approaches despite of the political philosophy of
conservatism.

The political environment during the traditional era was quite different from the prevailing
political conditions in the modern era.

The scope of the evolution can be traced, among others, to changes in electoral landscape and
the necessity to respond accordingly to the political aspiration of the time. Applying the thought
of Saint Simon which rightly pointed out that religion can not be destroyed but can only
transform itself so also is true that application of political ideologies can continue to evolve with
changing trends. The business of politics is about positioning by using the available tools of
persuasion to create appealing messages and visible presence in the heart and soul of the
electorates.

The guiding principles of the conservative doctrine within the federalism system of government
never change despite the generational shifts of thoughts and needs.

Notes:
1. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/639266/welfare-state
2. Stephen Skowroneck, The politics Presidents Make: Leadership from John Adams to
Bill Clinton, page 447 -464