Fiscally Conservative - socially liberal (what does this mean?) (1 Viewer)

[Aunt Spiker]

I used these two terms today in a discussion and the person I was having a conversation with (an accounting professor) said those were an oxymoron.

I had to explain what I meant by them:

My use of these terms:
Fiscally Conservative (how I've used it I thought this was obvious - being conservative with spending - continual fiscal restraint over all financial issues.
Socially Liberal: on moral issues (everything from gay marriage to abortion) - taking a more liberal or unrestrained stance.

He and I were on the same page with 'fiscally conservative' but his view of being 'socially liberal' was, also, in thought of finances as in: pro-social programs and so on (in this sense he considered it to be an oxymoron)

So - which definition of socially-liberal do you think of when someone uses this term? Fiscal or moral issues?

 

[digsbe]

When it comes to socially-liberal, I think it pertains more to moral issues, not so much social programs.

 

[Deuce]

When someone calls themselves a "fiscal conservative," ask them what spending they would want to cut.

If they don't say some combination of medicare, social security, and defense, what they really mean is "I don't want to spend money on lazy poors and minorities."

 

[CriticalThought]

I would say that fiscally liberal refers to social programs and socially liberal refers moral issues.

 

[spud_meister]

I would say that fiscally liberal refers to social programs and socially liberal refers moral issues.

Well, fiscally liberal would be for spending in any sector, not just social programs, it would be for using government money to boost the economy, at least that's my read of it.

 

[Patria Antiqua]

It means that you're a libertarian that doesn't like the word "libertarian."

 

[digsbe]

It means that you're a libertarian that doesn't like the word "libertarian."

I wouldn't say that. Not all libertarians are socially liberal, they merely want government out of certain areas of the social sector. Not the government defining morality. Also, there are other aspects behind libertarianism. I believe the core aspect of libertarianism is less government and more personal freedom. I think Aunt Spiker's current lean as a Moderate is accurate. I would also say an Independent label would be logical as well.

 

[Mach]

He and I were on the same page with 'fiscally conservative' but his view of being 'socially liberal' was, also, in thought of finances as in: pro-social programs and so on (in this sense he considered it to be an oxymoron)

He's wrong, you're correct. The common usage of "fiscally XX" refers to, surprisingly, all things fiscal. Social refers to things that primarily effect us socially, not financially such as gay rights, abortion, end of life rights, etc.

It would make no sense to say fiscally you're in such-and-such camp. And you're also in this other camp on fiscal issues. You'd have used a more specific categorization like "on taxes and business regulation I'm fiscally conservative, on welfare and entitlements I'm fiscally liberal".

It may mean on a spectrum you lean libertarian, but I don't think it means you're necessarily "libertarian".

 

[haymarket]

it means you are a right wing libertarian who likes to smoke dope and get laid.

 

[Arcana XV]

I used these two terms today in a discussion and the person I was having a conversation with (an accounting professor) said those were an oxymoron.

I had to explain what I meant by them:

My use of these terms:
Fiscally Conservative (how I've used it I thought this was obvious - being conservative with spending - continual fiscal restraint over all financial issues.
Socially Liberal: on moral issues (everything from gay marriage to abortion) - taking a more liberal or unrestrained stance.

He and I were on the same page with 'fiscally conservative' but his view of being 'socially liberal' was, also, in thought of finances as in: pro-social programs and so on (in this sense he considered it to be an oxymoron)

So - which definition of socially-liberal do you think of when someone uses this term? Fiscal or moral issues?

I agree with you. I refer to myself as a fiscal conservative/social liberal and that to me means conservative on financial issues and liberal on social issues.

 

[MaggieD]

Fiscally conservative is how you want to spend your money.

Socially liberal is how you want to spend mine.

 

[VanceMack]

I used these two terms today in a discussion and the person I was having a conversation with (an accounting professor) said those were an oxymoron.

I had to explain what I meant by them:

My use of these terms:
Fiscally Conservative (how I've used it I thought this was obvious - being conservative with spending - continual fiscal restraint over all financial issues.
Socially Liberal: on moral issues (everything from gay marriage to abortion) - taking a more liberal or unrestrained stance.

He and I were on the same page with 'fiscally conservative' but his view of being 'socially liberal' was, also, in thought of finances as in: pro-social programs and so on (in this sense he considered it to be an oxymoron)

So - which definition of socially-liberal do you think of when someone uses this term? Fiscal or moral issues?

Well...start with the INDIVIDUAL. Do they mean "I care about social causes and give of my resources to those who I know will apply them to causes I believe in and apply responsible. I also am careful to manage my budget so I can provide for myself and family first." That person is what I would call a 'fiscal conservative.' If that person says "I believe the government should take care of X, Y, or Z without regard to cost" that person is what I would call "Fiscally liberal." Liberal with other peoples money is kinda chicken**** from my perspective. However I dont think it is inconsistent to do as states with balanced Budget amendments do...which is provide RESPONSIBLY for social services provided that those services are voted on and taxes are levied appropriately and the money is spent effectively.

I think you can be socially liberal and still fiscally conservative.

 

[mpg]

I used these two terms today in a discussion and the person I was having a conversation with (an accounting professor) said those were an oxymoron.

I had to explain what I meant by them:

My use of these terms:
Fiscally Conservative (how I've used it I thought this was obvious - being conservative with spending - continual fiscal restraint over all financial issues.
Socially Liberal: on moral issues (everything from gay marriage to abortion) - taking a more liberal or unrestrained stance.

He and I were on the same page with 'fiscally conservative' but his view of being 'socially liberal' was, also, in thought of finances as in: pro-social programs and so on (in this sense he considered it to be an oxymoron)

So - which definition of socially-liberal do you think of when someone uses this term? Fiscal or moral issues?

You're right, he's wrong.