Quote:
Originally Posted by peter12
Sure enough, fiscal conservatism is not too popular these days and it was the Republicans who started this spending mess. No arguments. But I think it is fair to say that historically and philosophically, the Democrats have been very big spenders and supporters of special fiscal interests.
|
Well, we'll have to disagree there then. But I'm glad we're not arguing anymore.
I think the idea that Republicans are about less government waste and are against big government has proven very conclusively to be a myth. A hollow talking point. Reagan grew the government, and Bush grew the government. Tons of spending, tons of earmarks.
I'm not saying that on this issue the Republicans are any worse than the Democrats, I just think that the idea that Republicans are all about 'small government' and fiscal conservatism has been shown to be pretty false. At least over the last 30 years anyway.
It's the same here in Canada. All governments spend. All governments waste. Somehow the right wing parties have a stigma about them that they don't do it as much, but anyone who has lived in Alberta or follows Federal politics know that all parties do this pretty much the same way.
Probably goes back to very early days when discussions about how much government control there should be was an even bigger topic as the nation was still new and growing. Philosophies that would define a nation were put in place and great thinkers, whether we agree with them or not, first started defining the role of free market economics and their relation to politics and nation building.
But I have to disagree with the right wing ideal that their parties are generally more conservative financially when it comes to
modern examples/presidents, prime ministers and parties.
Government in general has become very wasteful on all sides.