Conservativism/liberialism = Socialism

[Bearster]

I think it is a mistake to look at it as religion vs. non-religion. I think that Environmentalism (which encompasses tree-hugging, class-warfare socialism, pacifisim, animal "rights", racism, multiculturalism, feminism, etc.) should be regarded as a religion, just as Christianity is. Then the question is: which of these religions is more vicious?

Environmentalism, by a long margin.

To say that doesn't make one an ally of Christianity any more than Rand was an ally of Nixon.

[CanuckCapitalista]

I agree that conservatism leads directly to socialism - conservatism is the gateway drug to socialism. Notwithstanding the religious associations, conservatism is based on the same organic-coporativist structure that socialists support. It is fundamentally opposed to individual freedom, whether or not it provides a structure for property rights. Conservative governments can't last more than a few years without morphing into quasi socialist institutions.

[Areactor]

I think it was Milton Friedman who said we should let modern day Liberals have the term Liberal or even Radical. Todays liberals and conservatives who advocate tradition and religion advocare Reactionary plain and simply. Capitalists and Objectivists are the true liberals and radicals.

I say we start refering them as Reactionaries.

[Capitalism Forever]

I agree that conservatism leads directly to socialism [...] It is fundamentally opposed to individual freedom

What you are talking about is 19th century conservatism. Today, the ideas of 19th century conservatism are advocated by liberals.

[AshRyan]

I think it is a mistake to look at it as religion vs. non-religion.  I think that Environmentalism (which encompasses tree-hugging, class-warfare socialism, pacifisim, animal "rights", racism, multiculturalism, feminism, etc.) should be regarded as a religion, just as Christianity is...

I agree with you that environmentalism is a religion to its serious advocates, as are many other collectivist ideologies. But why do you take environmentalism to be the broader concept that encompasses all of those other ideologies? I do not see the CCD.

[Yes]

That's what the word originally used to mean. But then, "liberalism" used to mean laissez-faire. The meanings of both words have changed so much over the past century that they have absolutely nothing to do with their original meanings anymore.

Class distinction?? I have never heard an American conservative talk about class distinction.

What do you mean by "civil rights" ?

and a woman's right to an abortion, the Conservatives show their true colors- that they do not hold individual rights as a tradition.

As far as abortion is concerned, most conservatives simply think that the human-to-be in the woman's womb is already a human, and therefore has rights. Thus, when they oppose abortion, they think that they are actually defending individual rights.

American conservatives talk about class distinction all the time. They discuss religion, the superiority of Christians over Jews, for example, the power of politicians and executives vs. the working man, the superiority of blacks over whites, among other things.

Shall I direct you to the many Christian fundie/white supremacist sites that are on the Internet, for example?

Regarding the conservative view on abortion, they may think themselves righteous, but the main issue here is their denial of a woman's right to her body.

And what is that based upon?

Mysticism, pure and simple.

In the backbone of the conservative movement, is the very traditionalist-based, faith-based belief that morality is derived from God, from the ten commandments.

The meaning of conservatism remains the same despite Bush's best efforts.

[Betsy]

American conservatives talk about class distinction all the time.  They discuss religion, the superiority of Christians over Jews, for example, the power of politicians and executives vs. the working man, the superiority of blacks over whites, among other things.

Shall I direct you to the many Christian fundie/white supremacist sites that are on the Internet, for example?

WHICH conservatives? The ones you cite are a distinct minority among conservatives. Observe the mainstream popular conservatives on talk radio. You will never see anything like the above views expressed by Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity or Larry Elder. Many, like Michael Medved and Dennis Prager ARE Jewish and some, like Larry Elder, are pro-choice.

[Capitalism Forever]

American conservatives talk about class distinction all the time.  They discuss religion, the superiority of Christians over Jews, for example, the power of politicians and executives vs. the working man, the superiority of blacks over whites, among other things.

Shall I direct you to the many Christian fundie/white supremacist sites that are on the Internet, for example?

No, direct me to a conservative site where they talk about class distinction all the time.