What does it mean to be fiscally conservative?

[ladybrettashley]

After reading the intro posts, I noticed a lot of people identified as being socially liberal but fiscally conservative.

For those of you who responded this way, what does "fiscally conservative" mean for you? Does it have to do with tax rates, balancing the budget, what the government spends its money on, or something else?

And if you don't mind sharing, in your opinion does Barack Obama or Mitt Romney fit better with your fiscally conservative position and why?

I consider myself to be a responsible liberal, but I am genuinely curious about other people's views.

[y4m]

When I say it, I mean federal taxes should be relatively low, and the federal government should be small and not doing very much. It doesn't necessarily mean we would never run a deficit over a fiscal year, but it does mean spending should be closer to a sustainable 18% of GDP, versus the 24-25% we're aimed toward currently.

[Deleted]

I could be on the fiscally conservative band wagon, I think we need tax reform. I'd be willing to do a blend of progressive tax rates with a flat tax (essentially I think we should lower rates across the board, but get rid of credits and deductions).

However, as I get older I feel like you can be truly socially liberal if you are fiscally conservative.

[emilyj]

I am one of the people that falls in line with being fiscally conservative. I support cutting government spending, running a smaller federal government and keeping a low deficit. Honestly, I believe in a lot of the Clintonomic principles.

With respect to being socially liberal, I mean that with respect to things like abortion, gay marriage - I don't want my morals legislated. I don't mean with respect to social programs.

[Deleted]

It means you are a liberal, but a little bit confused.


j/k

[crazytalk]

May 21, 2012 14:01:53 GMT -5 @reeve said:

It means you are a liberal, but a little bit confused.


j/k

Nope. It just means that what the government wants to spend money on is wrong, but I want to spend money on is ok. HTH.

[druidp]

It means operating the budget of our nation with more responsibility and accountability, and not just cowtowing to elderly voters because they'll revolt if they don't get their Social Security checks. It means not sacrificing our future viability as a nation for the here and the now. It means every fucking time we come around to increasing our national debt limit, I start buying cases of liquor to distract me from impending doom and recklessness.

[wrathofkuus]

I don't think either of those candidates are particularly fiscally responsible. Their main differences lie in social issues.

[heyjude]

No government cheese for poor people. Just banks and the rich.

ETA: Oh but the gays can marry!

[emmybean]

May 21, 2012 14:24:28 GMT -5 druidp said:

It means operating the budget of our nation with more responsibility and accountability, and not just cowtowing to elderly voters because they'll revolt if they don't get their Social Security checks. It means not sacrificing our future viability as a nation for the here and the now. It means every fucking time we come around to increasing our national debt limit, I start buying cases of liquor to distract me from impending doom and recklessness.

Basically this.

Only I buy boxed wine. Cuz it's cheaper.

[druidp]

May 21, 2012 14:37:35 GMT -5 emmybean said:

Only I buy boxed wine. Cuz it's cheaper.

I am all about cheaper wine - I don't care one whit about packaging, as long as it tastes decent and gives me a buzz. Besides, they're easier to open!