Define "fiscally conservative, but socially progressive"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would describe myself this way. Another term would be "Rockefeller republican", with the idea being that one needs to invest in U.S. infrastructure writ large (i.e., actual roads, public transportation, telecoms, environmental protection, work with labor, education, schools, etc.) and protect U.S. interests overseas - to include business ones (i.e., level playing field, protection of trade routes, etc.). But then, with appropriate regulation and investment, let the market work. And, as pp pointed out, not concerned about who is sleeping with whom and so forth.

This is me, although I am more actively encouraging the social changes I think need to happen in our world. For me it also means heeding Eisenhower's warning about the military complex.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would describe myself this way. Another term would be "Rockefeller republican", with the idea being that one needs to invest in U.S. infrastructure writ large (i.e., actual roads, public transportation, telecoms, environmental protection, work with labor, education, schools, etc.) and protect U.S. interests overseas - to include business ones (i.e., level playing field, protection of trade routes, etc.). But then, with appropriate regulation and investment, let the market work. And, as pp pointed out, not concerned about who is sleeping with whom and so forth.

This is me, although I am more actively encouraging the social changes I think need to happen in our world. For me it also means heeding Eisenhower's warning about the military complex.

I will add that it also means that I haven't voted for a Republican in decades.

[Anonymous]

Its completely opposite form Trump.

Fiscally conservative traditionally meant lowering the deficit (deficit hawks) through cutting both programs and military and deregulation. Fiscal conservatism is not always pro-corporate. For example Trump offering contracts and tax breaks to Carrier is giving fiscal conservatives heartburn. One of the core principles behind fiscal conservatism is that the government should let the market decide - no bail outs or meddling. Social security, medicare, and agriculture entitlements are another area where modern republican voters diverge from fiscally conservative positions since many come from rural states and are represented more highly in older populations dependent on SS and Medicare. Trump's plans to explode the deficit through large infrastructure projects and isolationist policies in world trade are 100% against fiscally conservative positions.

The reality is that the modern republican party has built a base of voters that honestly don't give a crap about fiscally conservative policies and positions. The social agenda and fear of insert whomever is different is driving the base. This is why Trump in the primaries to the shock of many actual conservatives. Trump voters didn't care that he was a NY democrat they voted on the social agenda attacking the minority groups.

Socially progressive is traditionally a focus on protecting civil liberties -the concept that laws and the constitution are designed to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. A social progressive would view LGTB individuals as equal human beings who deserve the same rights as non-LGTB individuals. Enacting laws to restrict, discriminate or punish LGTB would be viewed as against the core democratic principles of the country. Many voters outside religious activists will not admit that they don't support these principles but many social conservatives feel that any government action to protect minority groups is forcing their culture on them. The understated position is that minority groups should be ignored.

Social progressives would favor programs that address institutional racism and programs that incentivize increased opportunities for in need populations. This is where Trump and the alt right has been able to whip up racism, sexism, and xenophobia. The alt right's focus along with Trump is to play off fears in the white population that if you aren't doing as well as you think you are its because a minority, women, or immigrant has taken the job that you were entitled to have. There is a strong desire for the privileged class to protect itself and any socially progressive movement threatens this position.