06-09-2013, 09:38 PM
Trooper Wrote:The left has done a great job in confusing labels. By the left's definition, Leftwing is hardcore communism, rightwing is fascism and the middle is socialism or progressivism (regressivism?). It leaves no place for conservatives who believe in freedom nor does it allow for libertarians (who the left sees as mentally ill).
A better model would be total control at the far left and total individualism to the far right (near anarchy). In the middle would be progressivism (a form a fascism mixed neo paganism) to the left center and conservativism (firm belief in individual rights with a some social control) to the right center.
The best model measures in three axis. But is too complex for most people.
I know there are Beck haters on this board, but he did a very, very good blackboard presentation on this dynamic back when he was working on his "Overton Window" book. Took me a bit of research on the parties involved, but it looks to be about right and covers all of the axes.
As for where we are in the cycle, I'd say pretty far down, and a good halfway to the right. Somewhere around Italy, say, 1923ish. They haven't yet started murdering the opposition, only destroying their reputations and lives.