The Political Spectrum in Modern America

I stated in my previous post that "the far right is... Statist," while "the far left is... Anarchist."  However, the right and left wings of modern American politics mix and match various elements from these two extremes. The distinction which I am drawing is that between the right and left of the general political spectrum and the right and left of modern American politics.  Modern American politics has a complex history, but I believe it is safe to say that, generally, the modern American political spectrum has its origins in what is a rather Leftist tradition - Liberalism.  Liberalism can be understood as a belief in the importance of liberty and equal rights.  Accordingly, Liberals tend to support such things as constitutional government, democratic representation, natural (or human) rights, and various other liberties including free trade, free speech and freedom of religion.

The American left wing tends to stress civil liberties, but they balk at what was a hallmark of early, or Classical, Liberalism - freedom in economic relations.  The American left argues for economic regulation (and sometimes outright governmental orchestration) in an effort to achieve economic equality and general freedom (liberty) from wants, i.e., food, shelter, clothing.  The American right wing, on the other hand, tends to emphasize freedom in economic relations, sometimes in neglect and to the detriment of the indigent, while arguing for greater social controls in the interest of order and stability.  Indeed, without law, order, or stability, people cannot enjoy liberties but, rather, are restricted in the actions which are practically open to them.  Is either side "correct?"  Probably not.  However, I take great comfort in the knowledge that, despite the sometimes vitriolic rhetoric, both sides in American politics are grounded in the same respect for liberty and are therefore both striving to create a freer society.