What's wrong with being called liberal?

Question

When did "liberal" become a pejorative term?What's wrong with being open minded, and willing to change? Isn't that how progress is made?
Some people on this board make it sound like it's the worst offense ever.

Answer 1

It became a slur when the conservative party became dominant the last time (about a decade or so ago).

Some people on this board, on both ends of the spectrum, are so wrapped up in hatred for anyone who is different than them that they can't think straight. So, they bash the opposition just to score cheap points, using this forum (and others) to spread their hatred.

Yes, progress and liberty, tolerance and change are necessary for a healthy society. Just as stability, caution and respect for tradition (conservative values) are necessary. Too far to either end of the spectrum and the country becomes out of balance.

It's sad that more people don't realize that, and try to respect the wisdom that moderates on both sides are offering.

Answer 2

In the 1960s, when I was a student, it was a sin and a crime not to be a liberal, conservatism was that unpopular. William Buckley, the conservative author of "God and Man at Yale," was a voice crying in the wilderness. Things have changed since then: the conservatives are far more powerful in America, raising more money, winning more seats in Congress, and capturing the White House, where Buckley's 80th birthday was celebrated not so long ago. There are many conservative churches, which sense danger in Darwin and the theory of evolution. 2008 may see liberals triumphing once again in Congress and in politics more generally. These things often go in cycles.
Liberalism can mean many things: free markets in economics (though liberals these days are likely to favor Federal oversight of the economy and even intervention in it); in religion an interpretation of the Bible which takes into account its historical and cultural context rather than reading it at all points as the Word of God, which is to be understood literally; in personal and social life as tolerance toward a variety of personalities and choices about life.
Somebody once said that it is good to be a liberal until you are 40 and not so good to be one afterwards. I don't know about that but I know people who have been liberals all their lives, people who started out as liberals and became conservative as they got older, and people who were born conservative and stayed that way.
I think you have every right to feel comfortable being a liberal, even if conservatives think that an untenable position. That is what your reading of life, society, and politics seem to have led you to. Liberalism has by now a long and distinguished history, and has frequently been an engine of the change and progress you refer to. You make your own choice, and stick to your guns. I myself think conservatives and liberals need each other, for one can point out the flaws and weaknesses of the other.
I wiil end with the remark that William Buckley and John Kenneth Galbraith, the quintessential liberal who died recently, got along well and became friends, despite major ideological differences.

Answer 3

The word liberal is supposed to mean open-minded - it is just that in general, people that proclaim themselves as liberal aren't really open-minded if you disagree with them. That is pretty offensive, especially when you CLAIM to be willing to change. Take KooKoo Bananas for example - find me ONE question of his that is not a direct attack on viewpoints that are not his own - yet he's a "liberal?" Think about it.

Answer 4

About the same time "conservative" became a pejorative term. What's wrong with being sensible, logical, and doing what needs to be done even when it's hard? And, believe it or not, some conservatives are open-minded and willing to make changes. We just don't do it without thought behind it first.

Answer 5

I am a rightwinger and I have no problem with the word Liberal. It is a term used to describe a political group with Socialist leanings and the view that government is the answer. Rightwing, NeoCon or Republican is just a term used to describe Capitalists.

Answer 6

It is brought to you by the same folks that are all for corporate tax breaks at the expense of the working people. The same ones who brought us the Shrub. The same ones who are against a National Health care plan for the working people.

The term liberal has been demonized because it is their competition, it is their fear, it is going to be their undoing in upcoming elections. Remember to vote.

For all of you who are termed liberal, just don't forget to be registered to vote in the upcoming elections.

Darryl S.

Answer 7

"Liberal" is not a bad word at all. Being in conflict with a two party system, it is the right wing of America that is trying to break down the image of what we really stand for because they don't want to lose their power over others. I am proud to be a liberal and I use the word freely......because freedom is what it stands for in my book!

Answer 8

There is nothing wrong with being Liberal....unless you are one of those on the for left fringe.......then you are socialist.....and want a socialist state...and that, we just won't do.....unfortunately, and I do this too, you can be a Lieberman Lib.....which is good, or a Clinton/Kennedy/Kerry Lib...which is bad, and we put you all together.....and that is not bad or good....it is just wrong

Answer 9

Its a misperception and negative conotation by the opposition (the conservatives). Liberal means free and open-minded.. nothing wrong with that at all.

Answer 10

That's THEIR problem. Liberal is a good thing, but many "conservatives" (reactionaries) are consumed by hatred.

Our Founding Fathers were Liberals. If they were conservative, they would have been pro-Monarchy.