To follow up on yesterday’s offhand comment about political labels being relative… I am not one of those people who sneer at labeling. In general I do think it matters whether one is liberal or conservative, left or right, because differences in underlying assumptions translate into difference ideas of what the polity should do.
But there is, famously, a relative aspect to “liberal” or “conservative” - different countries, for example, have different conceptions of the political spectrum and ours changes over time. So, what does one make of the following Jon Keller’s claim?
As for Patrick, his biggest strength is also his most profound potential weakness. Giving drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants, defending the use of race as a layoff criteria on legalistic grounds, dismissing the voters’ demand for a five percent tax rate as “irresponsible” — these are all defensible positions, even principled in a way. But they’re also ultra-liberal. And maybe I’m just getting old, but I can’t seem to recall the last time an ultra-liberal Democratic candidate for governor got to pass “go.”
I actually find most of Keller’s observations on the debate to be spot on. And I can see how Patrick’s policy stances make him solidly liberal. But ultra-liberal? Deval Patrick is arguing that the status quo of 5.3% income tax rate is necessary to fund an adequate provision of public service that people expect. Whatever desire people might have for lower taxes, is that really beyond the pale?
In the interests of shifting the guideposts, I’ll offer an ultra-liberal platform:
- Constitutional amendment to allow progressive income state tax; raise in capital gains tax to 8 percent
- Nationalization of the commonwealth’s health care industry.
- A special public transit capital fund to be established through a one-time levy.
- Relegalization of rent control.
- Decriminalization of common controlled substances.
And that’s stopping short of outright socialist policies, save for #2, which isn’t that far outside the consensus of the Democratic party.
Would readers care to submit their own ideas? We clearly need more triangulation… where’s Jill Stein when you need her?
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