| Miguel_Zorro said: This is largely semantics. Everybody knows that the definition of "conservative", "liberal" and "libertarian" have evolved quite a bit over time. Many people who call themselves libertarians or conservatives today are classical liberals in the historic sense of the word. The current meaning of the words is also very different from country to country. The words "Conservative" and "Liberal" in Canada mean something very different than they do in the United States. |
How conservative and liberal are expressed would depend on what are considered traditional values for a nation. WAY back when, as in pre-America, there was classic conservative which was all about defending the KIng, and the state being utmost. The value preserving what is. Liberal, as you had stated "classic liberal" ended up being very much minimal government and setting individuals free. But, as you go about, you will see both people who are liberal and conservative calling for more government involvement in different places, in order to accomplish their end. In this, in America, individuals with Libertarian bent are all out less government period, while individuals that are conservative are for trying to restrict things in the moral realm. And Liberals would be on the other end. If it was all about smaller government (or the size), then Libertarian would equal conservative, but it is not. You can see the Nolan Chart for details on what I am talking about:
