Replies to post #19264 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[sarai]

mlsoft,

Interesting that you should mention those other two liberal presidents, LBJ and Nixon.

How do you define "liberal" v. "conservative"?... While one could argue that Bush is "conservative" on social issues, it could also be argued that he is not "conservative" on fiscal issues.

Personally, I think there has to be fiscal responsibility in gov. It's the lack of fiscal responsibility that has gotten us to where we are today. On "social" or personal matters, I don't believe the gov has any business in the bedroooms or doctor's office's of the American people. I don't believe gov has the right to intrude into the lives of law abiding Americans, and to that extent, I fail to see how the issue of homosexuality, abortion or "feminism" are "political" issues, at all... Maybe both parties should stay focused on good gov, or more responsible gov, and take a more "back to basics" approach...

This country was founded on the idea of equality and freedom for all, including freedom from oppressive gov. But somehow I think we've lost that ideal in both social and fiscal issues. We need smaller gov, and we certainly do not need the gov intruding in the lives a law abiding Americans.

[sarai]

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien: "Liberal" or "Conservative" on fiscal issues, social issues?...

Soaring deficits damage world economy: PM
Last Updated Thu, 29 May 2003 20:03:42

ATHENS - The world's eight leading industrialized nations should follow Canada's lead and eliminate deficits, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said Thursday.

The prime minister told business leaders in Athens that growing budget shortfalls are a threat to the world's economic stability.


Jean Chrétien

"Money oriented to pay the deficits of all the nations will be money not available for investment in the private sector," Chrétien said, adding that it wasn't easy to achieve Canada's five consecutive budget surpluses, but it was rewarding.

"This creates a business climate that encourages growth," he said.

As leader of the economic discussions at next week's G-8 summit in France, Chrétien said delegates will discuss how to boost the world's most important economies – the U.S., Japan and Europe.

European Commission President Romano Prodi agreed with the PM's assessment.

"The three so-called locomotives are on a standstill, so we have to put them on track with a joint, co-ordinated action," said Prodi.


FROM MAY 27, 2003: U.S. reacts to Chrétien's tough talk

Chrétien drew fire Wednesday after he criticized the $500-billion American deficit in an impromptu chat with reporters Tuesday.

The White House responded by saying the U.S. had to rebuild from terrorist attacks and helped lead the war in Iraq.


Copyright © CBC 2003