GOVERNMENT

When I was a youngster, the extent of my understanding of American politics was that politicians were either Democrats or Republicans.  In the 1960s, I progressed into the understanding that regardless of party there were Liberals and Conservatives.  In the 1970s, I progressed into the understanding that an individual politician could be liberal or conservative in regard to fiscal policy and also be either liberal or conservative on social policy.   In the 1980s, I realized a politician could be liberal or conservative in fiscal matters and at the same time be either liberal or conservative on domestic matters and at the same time be either liberal or conservative on foreign matters.  In the 1990s, I realized that politicians, both liberal and conservative, could be progressive or not.  What does this mean?  Progressives believe that big government can solve problems.  It is a modern form of liberalism that is sometimes even adopted by conservatives.  The antithesis of Progressivism is Libertarianism.  Libertarians believe in small government and personal liberty.  In the 2000s, I realized that progressive liberalism leads to socialism.  What will I learn in the next decade?  Who will teach it to me?
:-]