I am coming to the conclusion that these things are mutually exclusive.
As we saw this week with Limbaugh, these people have no problem denying rights to people they disagree with. Whether it’s the 1st or 2nd amendment or any of the others, our rights will be denied unless we vigorously defend them.
Yes, they are mutually exclusive.
I know some might read that previous post of mine and think I am slow coming to the game, but I think I have not given enough critical thought to whether one CAN be both of those things at the same time.
I never took the time to examine that basic premise.
I think the basic premise is false. But even more, I don’t believe I have defined those components of the premise.
What is “socially liberal”, and what is “fiscally conservative”?
As in the old saw about defining pornography, on the surface I had not defined them, though I was certain I would know each if I saw them.
And I have found that is true, I can tell it when I see it, though defining those categories is much stickier.
The more I thought about defining those terms, the more variables began to get introduced as I thought them through, until it was a swamp of ideas.
And then it became clear all at once: there was ONE thing that makes “socially liberal” and “fiscally conservative” completely unable to inhabit the same space in a normal person. I think it is a cleavage point. (no, not that kind)
It is Personal Responsibility.
That is the cleavage point that separated the two cleanly. If one phrase defines it, the other is its antithesis.
By its very nature, “socially liberal” demands you must surrender your personal responsibility.
And the obverse is true: “fiscally conservative” demands personal responsibility.
Being fiscally conservative means you aren’t depending on someone else to provide for you...and “socially liberal” encompasses everything else from fiscal to emotional.
Exactly. She says she’s fiscally conservative. I don’t believe it for a minute.