Philosophies of government predict policy

Shame on us. In our political discourse, we throw the “isms” around willy-nilly, without really discussing — or understanding — what they actually mean. Liberalism, socialism, Marxism, fascism, conservatism, libertarianism. At election time, we employ these labels to blast or to boast about a given candidate.    

But words have meaning beyond being political hand grenades. Fundamental philosophies of government pace the course of human history, and cast the die of our destiny, for good or evil.  We fight over government policies and practices, and that’s important. But even more important is understanding the basic philosophies of parties and candidates. Why? Because it is those fundamental principles and ideologies that underlie all public policy. 

Here is a short tour through the overarching political philosophies of the major parties: (Democrats: liberal/socialist, and a majority (maybe) of Republicans: conservative/libertarian.)  Come to understand these foundational ideas and beliefs, and politics will begin to make more sense to you. Then decide where you stand.