Thread: Liberal Defined: Are Democrats really Liberal?

Dictionary.com
Lib-er-al

1.favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2.(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.
3.of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.
4.favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5.favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
6.of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.
7.free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
8.open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.
9.characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.
10.given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.
11.not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.
12.of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.
13.of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman.
14.a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in politics or religion.
15.(often initial capital letter) a member of a liberal party in politics, esp. of the Liberal party in Great Britain.

Con:

In particular the ones I highlighted. I fail to see how the live up to the true ideal of being a "Liberal". They are close-minded to new ideas...such as education vouchers and Social Security reform. They are intolerant and bigoted towards religious persons and in particular Christianity.

Originally Posted by conservative

Dictionary.com
Lib-er-al

1.favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2.(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.
3.of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.
4.favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5.favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
6.of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.
7.free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
8.open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.
9.characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.
10.given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.
11.not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.
12.of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.
13.of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman.
14.a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in politics or religion.
15.(often initial capital letter) a member of a liberal party in politics, esp. of the Liberal party in Great Britain.

Con:

In particular the ones I highlighted. I fail to see how the live up to the true ideal of being a "Liberal". They are close-minded to new ideas...such as education vouchers and Social Security reform. They are intolerant and bigoted towards religious persons and in particular Christianity.

I'm going to have to disagree.

Liberals, at least the ones I associate with, have very open minds when it comes to others. We are tolerant of gay marriage, gays in the military, foreigners, and religions.

I really don't know what any of these groups stand for: Liberal, Democrat, the Left, Conservatives, Republicans, the Right, Far Right, Far Left, Moderate, various Independent parties.....

Originally Posted by Common Sense Craig

I really don't know what any of these groups stand for: Liberal, Democrat, the Left, Conservatives, Republicans, the Right, Far Right, Far Left, Moderate, various Independent parties.....

I'm with ya... but i was never into the team thing. That's for sheep... I'm a rightist. Definetly against all wrongs.

Originally Posted by Think for myself

I'm going to have to disagree.

Liberals, at least the ones I associate with, have very open minds when it comes to others. We are tolerant of gay marriage, gays in the military, foreigners, and religions.

In case no one told you, homosexuals care nothing for marriage. They feel that if they can get the state to recognize same-sex marriage, it is no longer a sin to be a homosexual. Homosexuality ceases to be a sin if the homo-sexual relationship is institutionalised. It's not even about equality. Homosexuals don't really want equality because equality is non-existant without conformity. They wish to Institutionalise homosexual marriage to hopefully prove to themselves they are not living an immoral life and are in no danger of judgement. Conscience...what a thing. And who ever said you had an opinion on gays in the military? Were you ever in the military? Cause I was and it will be over the Army's dead body to openly admit faggots into their army.

Originally Posted by Justinian

In case no one told you, homosexuals care nothing for marriage. They feel that if they can get the state to recognize same-sex marriage, it is no longer a sin to be a homosexual. Homosexuality ceases to be a sin if the homo-sexual relationship is institutionalised. It's not even about equality. Homosexuals don't really want equality because equality is non-existant without conformity. They wish to Institutionalise homosexual marriage to hopefully prove to themselves they are not living an immoral life and are in no danger of judgement. Conscience...what a thing. And who ever said you had an opinion on gays in the military? Were you ever in the military? Cause I was and it will be over the Army's dead body to openly admit faggots into their army.

Grew up hating people alot, did you........

**You're really TOO adament about this "problem," I see. Thou doth protest too much. Interesting. Hmmmmmmm.......

Originally Posted by Justinian

In case no one told you, homosexuals care nothing for marriage. They feel that if they can get the state to recognize same-sex marriage, it is no longer a sin to be a homosexual. Homosexuality ceases to be a sin if the homo-sexual relationship is institutionalised. It's not even about equality. Homosexuals don't really want equality because equality is non-existant without conformity. They wish to Institutionalise homosexual marriage to hopefully prove to themselves they are not living an immoral life and are in no danger of judgement. Conscience...what a thing. And who ever said you had an opinion on gays in the military? Were you ever in the military? Cause I was and it will be over the Army's dead body to openly admit faggots into their army.

Good morning. Homosexuals (or faggots as you call them) care nothing for marriage except being absolved of sin? This is news to me. All of the homosexuals I know don't consider it a sin. Very interesting viewpoint you have.

By the way, are you a spokesman for a homosexual group? How did you get so informed as to gay rights advocates true desires?

Originally Posted by Common Sense Craig

I really don't know what any of these groups stand for: Liberal, Democrat, the Left, Conservatives, Republicans, the Right, Far Right, Far Left, Moderate, various Independent parties.....

what about the Greenies, PETAs, Mensa, neocons, and various independent organizations that add to the mix?

I don't care either. but quality of life is important. does belonging to one of these groups enhance the quality of life in any way?

Originally Posted by Think for myself

Good morning. Homosexuals (or faggots as you call them)...

:chuckling aloud:


"Excuse me, I speak Rube."

Originally Posted by conservative

Con:

In particular the ones I highlighted. I fail to see how the live up to the true ideal of being a "Liberal". They are close-minded to new ideas...such as education vouchers and Social Security reform. They are intolerant and bigoted towards religious persons and in particular Christianity.

Are all new innovative ideas "good" ideas?

If you're speaking of US liberals, I think you're mistakng intolerance toward religious persons with a response to the implied oppressive--and sometimes anti-social--nature of vociferous zealots.