Birds of a statist feather

There's a basic philosophical split between people who think of government as the problem and liberty as the solution, and those who think of liberty as the problem and government as the solution. People who think of government as the solution are statists, and one of their left-wing subspecies is called "socialist." Their right-wing subspecies include paleo-or social conservatives. In reality, they're birds of a feather. Their policies may be diametrically opposed; their mindsets are near-identical.

All politicians (except Ron Paul) seeking election to Congress or the White House presume they can solve your problems by taxing you or fining you or imprisoning you. Few seek to solve your problems by liberating you.