Liberalism and conservatism - Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.

[fabius]

Addressing the place of liberalism and conservatism as forces in American democracy.

“History doesn’t repeat itself, at best it rhymes” – Mark Twain

For you young Democrats (under 30 or so) it’s good to have a sense of perspective on things to see where we are right now. Many of the themes of our present struggle have been played out before. My parents lived through the Depression, the New Deal and WW2. My generation experienced the Cold War, the Civil Rights struggle, Vietnam, Watergate, the Reagan Reaction, the Roaring ‘90’s, and the Bushista Hegemony.

Here’s a great quote on the meaning of liberalism, from The Age of Jackson, Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., 1945:

The judgement of American liberalism has been that it was best for the whole society, including the capitalists, that their power be constantly checked and limited by the humble members of society.

<snip>

Moved typically by personal and class, and rarely by public, considerations, the business community has invariably brought national affairs to a state of crisis and exasperated the rest of society into dissatisfaction bordering on revolt.

It is this moment of crisis which can unite the weaker groups and frighten the business community sufficiently to bring “liberalism” into power. Every great crisis thus far in American history has produced a leader adequate to the occasion from the ranks of those who believe vigorously and seriously in liberty, democracy, and the common man.”

<snip>

“In the past, when liberalism has resolved the crisis and restored tranquillity, conservatism has recovered power by the laws of political gravity; then it makes a new botch of things, and liberalism again must take over in the name of the nation. But the object of liberalism has never been to destroy capitalism, as conservatism invariably claims – only to keep the capitalists from destroying it.”

I’ve never heard it said better.

Bushie response: So why did Mr. Schlesinger hate America?

[Josh]

1. Link to full article?

Cheers.

[fabius]

2. Sorry no article, but

I don't think the full text is available online, it's still under copyright.

It's a 523-page book. I just finished reading it, it's great. Although a lot of names and details can bog you down a bit, but it's about the birth of the Democratic party and liberalism, trade unions, abolitionism the movements that have advanced freedom in this country.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0316773433/102-5500027-8737743?v=glance

Available cheap at Amazon! I paid 15 bucks for mine at Powell's. There are some reviews too. Some like it, some hate it. Warning, the book is kinda partisan!