Yes, most Jews are liberals. Most Neocons started out anywhere from Cold War liberal to Anti- communist democratic socialist. They began to become a distinctive group when reacting against anti- anti- communism, and particularly the ascendency of McGovernism, which was really warmed over Wallacism (McGovern had been a big supporter of Henry Wallace).
Also, in the wake of the Great Society, Neocons began to observe that social problems were much more recalcitrant than liberals had acknowledged, and that there was often a law of unintended consequences in operation. Notably, for example, there was evidence that social pathologies among blacks had accelerated with the advent of "easy welfare". This did not mean that social programs never had a purpose, but it meant that they should be designed more judiciously, that they should often depend on pilot programs, to enhance knowledge, and that they should be careful not to be too disruptive of the social ecology, especially when the knowledge- base was thin.
These two breaks lead to the designation "Neoconservative", which was first applied by their rivals in the Democratic Party, and only embraced by most of them as they jumped ship in support of Reagan after the Carter fiasco.
A couple of other things solidified the alliance and gradual assimilation with the right: a renewed appreciation of the culture shaping role of religion, and, in some instances, a real revival of belief, and a concern with the moral foundation of society, and the sense that the "counter- culture" had been responsible for a good deal of damage to the nation, especially among vulnerable populations.
Anyway, yes, Neocons are very interested in making the world a better place. Some of them rationalize it as a matter of self- interest, since a more democratic world would likely be a more moderate, less dangerous world, but all have a sense of American destiny. The may be mistaken, but they are not venal.
I have been off and on, but I am glad to be back right at this moment, and glad to see you......... |
