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Definitions of Political Terms
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Wyoming Constitution...Article 1, Section 1: All power is
inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their
authority, and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness; for the
advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and
indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish the government in such manner
as they may think proper.
January 11, 2005
Today is the big day! The day when the new legislators are sworn in and the games begin, but before we talk about that we need to have some kind of understanding of the political labels that are tossed around.
Most of the voters in Wyoming choose the label ‘conservative’ when asked to describe their political beliefs; naturally most of the candidates for elected office also prefer to have the same label applied to them. And the Republicans who dominate the Legislature are no different; the vast majority embraces the conservative label.
Just a minute Pilgrim! Accurate political life is not that simple. The reality is that true conservatives are rare in politics today. Think about what a conservative is supposed to believe.
Political conservative are supposed to believe that:
1…the government should stay out of the economy; let the capitalistic markets work their magic, the role of government should be limited; government should not compete with private enterprise.
2… the Federal government should not interfere in issues within the various states; each state should be an independent entity that charts its own course.
3…Constitutions should be respected and adhered to
4…local control is best, keep government close to the citizens
5…there should only be a limited number of government employees
6…the government should stay out of the lives of its citizens as much as possible
There are not very many elected officials today that can legitimately claim to follow these tenets of the conservative philosophy.
My dictionary defines ‘conservatism’ as….’the disposition in politics or culture to maintain the exiting order and to resist or oppose changes or innovation’.
It appears to me what we have in the legislature these days are elected representatives that are socially conservative, because they are very resistant to innovation or progressive ideas.
But fiscally the label does not apply, because there is a majority that does not oppose pumping large amounts of money into trying to manipulate the Wyoming economy; an area better left to the private marketplace.
Most legislators could more accurately described as fiscal moderates or even liberals. There really is not much allegiance to being fiscally conservative. But of course very few would admit that.
Constitutionally the conservative label does not apply either, because outside of the group of issues related to resource management, there is absolutely no fervor for standing up to the Federal government as the various dictates come down from on high.
Well!! That is enough label discussion for now. It is time to mosey up to La Capitol and see how the swearing at….errr…in is coming along.
Citizen Keith
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