posted 12-19- 06:18 AM               

quote:

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Main Entry: 1lib·er·al
Pronunciation: 'li-b(&-)r&l

6 a : of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism b capitalized : of or
constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political
liberalism; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom
associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual
participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms
designed to secure these objectives

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and

quote:

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Main Entry: lib·er·al·ism
Pronunciation: 'li-b(&-)r&-"li-z&m
Function: noun
Date: 1819
1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual
liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics
emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition,
the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : 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 d
capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party

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Not being from the US I am somewhat confused as the term 'liberal' as used in the discussions here seems to suggest the exact opposite of what is the usually accepted definition.

Could anyone elaborate on the US definition of the term?

posted 12-19- 09:58 AM               

In America now, our two main ideologies are liberalism and conservatism; liberals and conservatives. No doubt these terms have meant many things to many people in the past, but today...

A conservative is one who wants to "conserve" our current values, or more clearly, "conserve" the US Constitution. Conservatives don't want to "go back" in time, but rather conserve the things that have made our nation great.

A liberal wants to be more "liberal" about our current value system, or more exactly, IMO, be liberal with the interpretation of the US Constitution. Liberals want to move forward into a better day, where we lose the bad values that tear this nation down.

Right now we are in a very even split tug-of-war, resulting in the close election you saw. What shakes me up is the new formation of the sides. It used to be that wealthy people and business people were more the conservatives, and middle-low class people and artisans were liberals. Also we have a long history of big-city folk being liberals while country farmers are conservative. Also environmental people are liberal while religious people are conservative.

Now, the new mix is interesting, more and more wealthy people are becoming liberals. It used to be that you could buy elections, but this is getting too damn hard now! There is almost more money in the democratic party now, sigh.

Also though, we see the democratic party catering more than ever to the poorest of the poor, and the racists who believe in strong affirmative action. This is scaring many democrats because their real base is in the middle class. IMO, the democrats need to breed dependency on the government, this way they gain popularity among the dependant people by promising more government money be spent on social programs for them.

Republicans tend to vote more than democrats, always have, that is key to the party's strength. Democrats always need to round up the riff-raff, but they have a voice that deserves to be heard too. One thing you will hear ALLOT about soon is voting, and making voting easier. Certainly, if voting becomes so easy that you can sign up for a lifetime of straight voting along party lines - no need to show up - then the republican party would be over, finished.

Right now, population wise, America could support a swing to full socialism. It is only that this movement is, for now, completely disorganized. That is why the sentiment of the American people, and the press is pro-liberal views, and yet Wall Street and the Government is still very conservative.

Also young people are liberals and old people are conservatives. These are all generalizations of course.

posted 12-19- 10:12 AM               

thanks for the extensive explanation, it was very helpful!

I see that the term 'liberal' mostly concerns the US value system, and not so much the economic aspect. I was confused, as the trends of the two (generalized) groups in the US are in one case towards a liberal system of values, yet more state funding in economical aspects, and in the other case towards conservative values and yet more liberal economy without much state intervention.

Basically it's about two aspects of liberalism, and the US use leans towards a different one than the aspect I am more used to associate with it. Thanks again for clearing that up!