There are no conservatives in the United States. The United States does not have a conservative tradition. The people who call themselves conservatives, like the Heritage Foundation or Gingrich, are believers in -- are radical statists. They believe in a powerful state, but a welfare state for the rich.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that self-described conservatives in the US are actually radical statists who support a welfare state for the rich.
- In plain terms
- US conservatives are not traditional but support strong state power for wealthy people.
- What can you take from it?
- Political labels may not reflect actual policy positions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a conservative tradition?
- Who benefits from state power?
Another view
The definition of conservative used here is contested by many political scientists.
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