[DominikR]

I didn't mean it in the literal sense that she actually wants government to own and direct 100% of the economy, but she is in my view closer to a Socialist than to a right winger.

A right winger would not want to expand an already bloated government to direct even more of the economy, that just doesn't make sense.

[vidarh]

> A right winger would not want to expand an already bloated government to direct even more of the economy, that just doesn't make sense.

Bismarck, who was right wing under the original definition - as a monarchist, and loyal servant of of the Prussian crown - massively expanded the German government by creating the first part-public welfare state, so clearly it's not that clear cut.

Meanwhile the Tories under Theresa May are doing her best to tear down the UK welfare sector. I don't know from where you got the idea she wants to expand government.

[ionised]

Right wingers and conservatives wanting smaller government and fewer powers is a complete myth in my opinion, especially looking at the last few decades of western democracies and republics.

Abortion laws, vice laws, surveillance laws and increased law enforcement powers to name a few things. Just look at the Republicans in the US. They are the antithesis of 'small government'.

[DominikR]

> Bismarck, who was right wing under the original definition

No right winger alive today holds Bismarck or the original right wingers in French monarchy as his ideal. I see that people often cite this but I'm really mystified why they do as it adds nothing to the discussion.

Maybe you hope to convince others to like the welfare state because Bismarck did too?

> Meanwhile the Tories under Theresa May are doing her best to tear down the UK welfare sector.

Her attempts are very weak for a right winger.

> I don't know from where you got the idea she wants to expand government.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/10/05/no-prime-mini...