Quote Originally Posted by Devastatin Dave View Post
Really, so lefties like Mao, Stalin, Che, Ho Chi Min, Castro, Kim Jung Il are really conservatives?
Well, Dave, yes indeed. But then I use the word "conservative" not as a battle flag, but in its intended meaning - one who conserves the status quo, is interested in traditional values and is cautious of change or innovation.

Of your list, only Che would not have fitted the description once they had imposed their revolutions (and no doubt, had he lived, he would have ended up a conservative too). The dark soul of conservatives I was describing is the urge to rely on law to control, not to trust people to behave, to impose the (often nostalgic and fantastical) tried and trusted, and restrict freedoms. Just as the dark soul of the liberal is too much trust, carelessness of people's fears, and a wanton disregard for the law and precedent if the law is perceived not to fit their current needs.

Each of the men noted by you created deeply conservative regimes, terrified of thought and change and characterised by rigid controls, false patriotism and the demonisation of an "Other".

I compare none of them to President Bush, save in noting the continuum. I also note that each of them started their political careers as revolutionary liberals - showing in the most extreme form, that we are all liberals when young, and all conservative when old.

To provide you with further LOLs, I consider myself a conservative, and recognise the dark soul of which I speak in my own political reactions. Not only am I quite a traditionalist, I am keen on fiscal responsibility. I am a strong advocate of the rule of law - which is why I devote myself to the cause of human rights and the respect for a system of international law.

I also whip hippies from my land and have been known to eat a baby or two with my kedgeree.