Neo-liberalism

[Bert Davis]

I am at times puzzled, confused, dismayed and outraged by the uses of the term
Neo-liberalism.
In my youth Liberal Democrats believed in unions, safety nets and progressive
taxation.  Conservative Republicans were against unions, safety nets and wanted
none or regressive taxation.
To label today's corporate drive for world domination as Neo-liberalism is like
saying that black is white.
Please enlighten me as to the origin, history, meaning and purpose of
Neo-liberalism.
Shouldn't it be called Neo-conservatism?    TIA.
Bert