Okay it’s time to put an end to it; I'm speaking of using the word Liberal like it's absolutely the worst label one can be pinned with. For those of us who call ourselves progressives, let’s vow to wear the word Liberal proudly on our lapels, the way we once did. Remember, it was John F. Kennedy who said:

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 ... 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." [September 14, 1960]

According to the Collins Concise English Dictionary Liberal is defined as

1. Relating to or having social and political views that favor progress and reform.

2. Relating to or having policies or views advocating individual freedom.

3. Giving and generous in temperament or behavior.

4. Tolerant of other people.

It was the Republicans who turned Liberal into a dirty word. Now, they are at it again. Their target this time is Barack Obama.

According to this Bloomberg article <link> :

Republicans plan to paint Obama as a liberal who is out of step with mainstream Americans on abortion, crime and health care, the same label used against failed Democratic candidates George McGovern and John Kerry.

Pardon me, but most Americans believe in a woman’s right to choose and national health care. They are also in favor of an immediate end to U.S. involvement in Iraq. Quite the contrary, it is John McCain who is out of step with mainstream Americans. Of course, this is a perfect smear opportunity the Swiftboaters find hard to resist.

"For someone who's been in office as little as Barack Obama, the guy has a record that defines the word liberal," said Chris LaCivita, a Republican media adviser to the Swift Boat veterans who assailed Kerry's Vietnam War record during the Massachusetts senator's 2004 presidential bid.

Now, hear this loudly: 'I am a Liberal and I'm damn proud of it.'

My, oh, my! Another liberal who can say he is a liberal wincing or without stuttering. Speak right up. I do.

Liberal is a word that the conservatives tried their level best to fall into the profane catagory years ago -- like back when Roosevelt introduced a liberal agenda. And it worked so well for them that they just keep right on mis-using the term and trying to keep liberals on a defensive. Well, I'm a liberal and I won't apologize for it. It is nothing for which I should be ashamed but is, rather, a label I wear with pride.

Gramps

As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality.

-- George Washington

Unfortunately, there are groups and individuals on both sides of the political divide who give their "affiliation" a bad name. The mistake we make is to stereotype those with whom we disagree as possessing the worst characteristics of those within that group. In fact, most people are at neither extreme but reside more near the middle of the spectrum. We do, in fact, share more ideals in common and only differ by "degree".

d;-)

BRAVO, Denny. Excellent response.

Gramps

that we spend so much time trying to criticize each other for our minor differences rather than looking for ways in which we can agree and work together. That's what I hate about politics and politicians - they are always looking for the "wedge issues" which can drive us apart so that they can gain a political advantage.

d;-)

denny:

that we spend so much time trying to criticize each other for our minor differences rather than looking for ways in which we can agree and work together. That's what I hate about politics and politicians - they are always looking for the "wedge issues" which can drive us apart so that they can gain a political advantage.

d;-)

I couldn't agree with you more, Denny. Two of my grown children are Conservatives. We all have to find a way to celebrate our commonality rather than our differences.

I happen to live in a very liberal area - so I call myself a "conservative" in contast to many around me. In some parts of the country I'd likely be considered a liberal for many of my views.

But this is a country of ALL the people - not just those who are conservative or liberal. It is a matter of finding ways to accommodate everyones feelings and perspectives and still manage to make progress. It may be slower than some want, and too fast for others, but that is the price we pay for democracy.

d;-)