What Exactly Is A Neoconservative? -- Part 2
Oddly enough, this blog has become a common destination for individuals
searching the web for a definition of "neoconservative." Unfortunately,
I posted
more questions than answers the last time I addressed the definition
(though Dave Pollard provided some more information in the comments --
thanks, Dave). In the meantime, I recalled some more information about
the origin of neoconservatism which I figured I should post for those who wander here in their search.
On an installment of Frontline several months ago, it was stated that neoconservatives
originally refered to themselves as "neo-Reaganites." For me, this
piece of information helps bring things into focus. These people begin
with Reagan's domestic and foreign policies, and take them forward (or
perhaps backward) to new and uncharted territory, reinterpreting them for the post-Cold War world. Iran-Contra becomes
ignoring al-Qaida while invading Iraq. Record deficit spending becomes
annual record tax cuts combined with military spending so massive they refuse to fess up to Congress about the reality of it.
Flirtations with the cultural right have become a torrid affair.
I still see many references to many neocon ringleaders being former
anti-Stalinist liberals and leftists (though they rarely seem to mention
who -- Wolfy? Rummy? Cheney? Kristol?) but this might fit in as
well. Didn't Reagan begin his political career as both a Democrat and
head of the actor's union, where he cooperated with the McCarthy
inquiries, suckered by the Senator's delusions of Communist infiltration?
10:02:24 AM 
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