Is California more Leftist/Socialist or Libertarian/Neoliberal? (sales, to buy)

[spicymeatball]

Americans have this idea that California is super left wing, almost communist even, ignoring the fact there is tons of wealth and powerful corporations headquartered there and that the state has the death penalty and extreme income inequality. I think calling California left wing is like calling Singapore left wing, ie there's not much basis for it even though both places do have some elements of socialism overall they're primarily neoliberal bastions.

I don't think being tolerant of weed or homosexuality alone makes a place left-wing and California has many residents who are opposed to both. What do you think?

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by spicymeatball

Gun Nutters have this idea that California is super left wing, almost communist even, ignoring the fact there is tons of wealth and powerful corporations headquartered there and that the state has the death penalty and extreme income inequality. I think calling California left wing is like calling Singapore left wing, ie there's not much basis for it even though both places do have some elements of socialism overall they're primarily neoliberal bastions.

I don't think being tolerant of weed or homosexuality alone makes a place left-wing and California has many residents who are opposed to both. What do you think?

Fixed your post. They'll blow in here and blow hard, T-minus 3...2...1...

[spicymeatball]

Originally Posted by bigdumbgod

Fixed your post. They'll blow in here and blow hard, T-minus 3...2...1...

Lol yep. Basically since Cali is left of Hitler, it's commie to them.

[Count David]

Fiscally liberal, socially moderate.

[Bluefox]

It's a difficult question. By American standards, certainly very left-wing. By global standards, at least compared to the rest of the Western world, no. It is still part of the US and California can only be so far removed from federal policy when it comes to fiscal and social issues (though I would posit it has the ability to be far more removed on social issues generally speaking). Either way I certainly wouldn't characterize it as libertarian by any stretch of the imagination.

[pch1013]

In California, I can ride my motorcycle between lanes of stopped traffic on my way to Safeway to buy a bottle of vodka on Sunday evening, but I have to wear a helmet.

I have to pay sales and income tax, but highway tolls are rare.

I see drunk guys loitering on sidewalks and park benches, which can be annoying -- but if I should ever decide to get drunk and hang out on a park bench, the cops won't bother me as long as I'm not a danger to anyone.

Liberal or libertarian? Why not both?

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by pch1013

In California, I can ride my motorcycle between lanes of stopped traffic on my way to Safeway to buy a bottle of vodka on Sunday evening, but I have to wear a helmet.

I have to pay sales and income tax, but highway tolls are rare.

I see drunk guys loitering on sidewalks and park benches, which can be annoying -- but if I should ever decide to get drunk and hang out on a park bench, the cops won't bother me as long as I'm not a danger to anyone.

Liberal or libertarian? Why not both?

Liberaltarian! Let us ponder the possibilities with a fifth of Thunderbird on a nearby bench. Or maybe a joint, if they ever legalize.

[NoMoreSnowForMe]

Can I have more options?

I seriously don't know the difference between the choices you listed.

Hard tacks, though: This is the state that voted AGAINST gay marriage in the last election that gave Californians that option. Other states have said yes. This took both Democrats and Republicans to do.

This is the state that voted out a Democratic Governor (impeached him) and put a Republican Governor in his place (Schwartzenneger), which also took both Democrats and Republicans to do.

But, please spread the word. California is a crazy neo-whatever, liberal, socialist, communist - you-name-it place that loves homosexuals and all things insane. Ignore the facts. They are placed there to trick you.

The traffic is bad enough without anyone else moving to this neo-insane place, anyway. So, whatever you do, readers of this post who are thinking of moving to California - resist the palm trees, the great weather, the limit on property taxes (Prop 13), the unlimited fresh produce and seafood - it's not worth it! You will soon be brainwashed into becoming a neo-liberal-socialist-communist who loves all things weird. Resist! Resist! Resist!

Whew. I hope that worked.

[FabianS]

Originally Posted by spicymeatball

Americans have this idea that California is super left wing, almost communist even, ignoring the fact there is tons of wealth and powerful corporations headquartered there and that the state has the death penalty and extreme income inequality. I think calling California left wing is like calling Singapore left wing, ie there's not much basis for it even though both places do have some elements of socialism overall they're primarily neoliberal bastions.

I don't think being tolerant of weed or homosexuality alone makes a place left-wing and California has many residents who are opposed to both. What do you think?

I never get why leftists think giant corporations are automatically somehow "neoliberal" or right-wing.

Is communist China a "neoliberal" country because it has so many giant corporations?

Small and medium sized companies that make due without excessive government connections could arguably be called neoliberal. Giant corps are crony-capitalist.

And the reason left wing areas of the country have the most income inequity is because left-wing policies destroy the middle class while leaving the ultra rich and their giant corporations largely unaffected.

[Global CitiZen X]

I think California is still quite loyal to the Democratic party, and is a liberal state (but by American standards of liberalism, not like Europe). Much like states like Massachusetts or Vermont that are pretty much blue only states (similar as to how Mississippi and Oklahoma are fully red states).

The only place in America that has crossed the Rubicon into European style socialism, IMHO, is Washington state. And that is only because of the all-mighty Seattle and it's long history of embracing socialism-esque European type of politics.

Just my observation.

However I consider myself a liberal Democrat open to the idea of certain socialist principles (yet VERY suspicious of it as well).