In the last two decades, we have gone a long way from the liberal concepts of individual freedom, limited government, equality under the law and the rule of law as contrasted with the rule of men.
Traditional liberalism regards government as a necessary evil.
It fears government and seeks to impose restraints upon its power. Today's neo-liberals believe in increasing the authority of the state at the expense of individual liberty. Communists look upon the centralization of all power in the state as a necessary prelude to the police state which is their goal. But, many neo-liberals abhor the police state. They merely want to do good and improve the lot of mankind.