Ahem!TV Episode 11: Conservative Left, Liberal Right

Visit the official Ahem!TV website to watch this week's episode!

With the recent announcement of Representative Tom DeLay of Texas that he will be resigning, Jeff talks about the tendency of power to corrupt. The power that a few on the political right have wielded for almost two decades has had a negative influence on two of the most powerful words in our political lexicon--conservative and liberal.

Each politician takes many stances. If the true meaning of the words conservative and liberal are applied to each politician--and not the adulterated meanings marketed by the ultra right--it is clear that there is no such thing as a pure, 100% conservative or liberal. For instance, President Bush is a social conservative, a fiscal liberal, and an environmental liberal. Contrast that with President Clinton who was a social liberal, a fiscal conservative, and an environmental conservative.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the words liberal or conservative. It is time for the true patriots on the right and left to take back the meaning of these two words from the religious fundamentalists who have corrupted the usage of these words thereby damaging our democracy.

We want your comments. Please join in the discussion and please be civil!