Basic Concepts of Right Wing and Left Wing

Today, I'll explain "right-wing" and "left-wing" political orientations. These terms describe a person's ideological position. In the United States, "conservative" and "progressive" are similar. Conservatives favor maintaining the status quo, while progressives seek change.

Defining Right Wing (Conservative) and Left Wing (Progressive)

The right wing (conservatism) favors maintaining the current state. The left wing (progressivism) seeks societal change. Conservative thinking preserves the status quo; progressive thinking seeks innovation.

Flexibility of Right and Left Wing Based on Context

Right and left are topic-dependent. A strong federal government was right-wing post-1787 (maintaining status quo) but left-wing around 1776 (innovative change). Context matters.

Origin of the Terms "Right Wing" and "Left Wing"

Originating from the French Revolution (1789), "right wing" and "left wing" reflect political divisions. In early America (1776), discontent with the British monarchy's absolute power led to calls for change.

Congressional Division and Political Polarization in America

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 saw conservative forces (later Republicans) favoring tradition/state autonomy and progressive forces (later Democrats) wanting a stronger central government. This evolved into right-wing = conservative, left-wing = progressive.

Right Wing and Left Wing in American Examples

Gun ownership: maintaining rights (right-wing), regulation (left-wing). Constitutional interpretation: strict interpretation (right-wing/Republican), reinterpretation (left-wing/Democrat).

Twisted Structure of Constitutional and Political Ideologies

Post-WWII, "strong military = anti-communism" was right-wing. After Vietnam, "reduce military = peace" became left-wing. Right/left can shift based on historical context (e.g., abortion bans from the right, maintaining Obamacare from the left).

New Conservatism and Progressivism After the War

Post-1945, emphasis on civil rights created traditional conservatism (maintaining pre-1945 freedom) and new conservatism (preserving post-1945 equality/welfare). New conservatism became left-wing (protecting existing systems), while the right sought change.

Opposition Between Right and Left Wing

Right and left wings oppose each other. Right-wing terms for the left: "liberals," "socialists," "far-left," "Trump supporters." Left-wing terms for the right: "leftists," "woke."

Claims of Right and Left Wing

Right-wing claims: "true patriotism belongs to the right," "the left criticizes America," "if you don't like America, leave." Left-wing perspective: "America has areas for improvement," "we want a more ideal country."

The Left's Will for Improvement

Left-wing examples: advocating for technological innovation, climate change response (electric vehicles, renewable energy by 2035), addressing healthcare inefficiency and educational inequality to improve America.