  In this paper we discuss the implication of the existence of a sliding
symmetry, equivalent to the absence of a shear modulus, on the low-energy
theory of the quantum hall smectic (QHS) state. We show, through
renormalization group calculations, that such a symmetry causes the naive
continuum approximation in the direction perpendicular to the stripes to break
down through infrared divergent contributions originating from naively
irrelevant operators. In particular, we show that the correct fixed point has
the form of an array of sliding Luttinger liquids which is free from
superficially "irrelevant operators". Similar considerations apply to all
theories with sliding symmetries.
