Where do we stand?
Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism describes a market-driven<1> approach to economic and social policy based on neoclassical theories of economics that stresses the efficiency of private enterprise, liberalized trade and relatively open markets, and therefore seeks to maximize the role of the private sector in determining the political and economic priorities of the state.
The term "neoliberalism" has also come into wide use in cultural studies to describe an internationally prevailing ideological paradigm that leads to social, cultural, and political practices and policies that use the language of markets, efficiency, consumer choice, transactional thinking and individual autonomy to shift risk from governments and corporations onto individuals and to extend this kind of market logic into the realm of social and affective relationships..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NeoliberalismThe purpose of this post is to foster discussion among "centrist" (Moderates, Blue Dogs, Third way, DLC) and "traditional" (Liberal, Progressive) Democrats, with the goal of gaining more understanding of the beliefs held by these two differing factions within the Democratic Party, in the hopes of finding more common ground ideologically.
It appears to me that the fundamental difference between modern centrist Democrats and modern traditional liberal Democrats is primarily in the realm of economic policy.
Centrist Democrats seem to generally support neoliberal policies such as defined above; a policy of allowing and supporting corporate influence and control over the affairs of the state. Centrist Democrats seem to adamantly support legislators that most often legislate in this direction.
Traditional Democrats seem to support very minimal and highly regulated or absolutely no corporate influence in the affairs of state whatsoever, and adamantly support Democrats that espouse this ideology.
Other than this, it seems that in many instances we all basically commonly agree on social issues with regard ideology as well as policy.
As a traditional Democrat, I adhere to the belief that wealthy private interests and/or corporations should have the barest of minimums but preferably absolutely no influence whatsoever in, or on, a democratic government. I believe that corporations should be regulated to the extreme, and be prevented as much as is humanly possible from having any influence whatsoever in the affairs of state. I believe that this is the majority opinion among most traditional Democrats.Do traditional Dems here generally share this belief with me?
In contrast, it appears to me that centrist Democrats support neoliberal economic policy, at least to some degree, and advocate for politicians and the policies of these politicians that, apparently, primarily legislate from a neoliberal position.
Am I correct in my assessment that this is the primary and fundamental difference in ideology that distinguishes centrist Democrats from traditional Democrats? If not, then what is the fundamental difference?
I believe most traditional Democrats here at DU are not real clear about where centrist Democrats stand on the issue of corporate influence in and on affairs of state. Some detailed posts by centrist Democrats outlining their ideological beliefs on this issue would be most welcome and appreciated.
Thanks,
peace!
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