liberal : of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
liberalism : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties.
Doesn't sound so bad does it? However, is today's politics, liberal/liberalism must have some other meaning. No one wants to bear that label and it is often used with negative connotations. "Liberal media", "bleeding heart liberals", etc. I have seen it used to argue which one didn't agree with. E.g. "You damn liberals just blah, blah!" Not to mention suggesting that someone's views are idiotic because they are 'liberal'. I've even seen perceived liberalism be used as the sole rebutal for an argumentive point. In my humble opinion, this is a practice that fosters divides between people and is for the polarization that gets in the way of true dialogue on many of our most important issues. I am so tired of people using this crutch when they don't to take the time or effort to just express their oppostion or disagreement. I thought we as Americans were tolerant, moral, and open-minded people who look at problems and issues from different perspectives to try to come up with the best solutions WITHOUT labeling each other idiots because of our individual beliefs. Thoughts?
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Comments: 12
Hope to see more from you.
Yes. There are to many things that happened that Bin Laden and his group could not have accomplished to make 9-11 possible in the 1st place.
What do our opponents mean when they apply to us the label "Liberal?" If by "Liberal" they mean, as they want people to believe, someone who is soft in his policies abroad, who is against local government, and who is unconcerned with the taxpayer's dollar, then the record of this party and its members demonstrate that we are not that kind of "Liberal." But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal." John F Kennedy
Just found your article and it is great! I've wondered how this "bad liberal" idea ever came to be. I'd like to see extremists the other way equally vilified!