The Name Game

During the Clinton era, they were called “neoliberals”. They also called themselves “New Democrats” – they were led by Clinton and the Democratic Leadership Council, and they wanted an aggressive foreign policy, claimed the preemptive right of the U.S. to invade any country that presented a perceived threat to us or anyone we deemed worthy of protection (the “Clinton Doctrine”). They rammed “free trade” down the throats of our neighbors to the north and south. Domestically, they wanted to privatize Social Security.

During the Bush era, they are called “neocons”. Because of 9/11, the shackles are off, and they run a really aggressive foreign policy, claiming the right to invade any country that presents a perceived threat to us. They are currently ramming “free trade” down the throats of our Central American neighbors. Domestically, they want to privatize Social Security.

Neoliberals are neither new nor liberal. Neocons are neither new nor conservative. Both bear a striking resemblance to one another – if they mated, they might produce an ugly offspring, like, say, Hillary.