what does being Liberal means in the US?

Answer 1

JFK said it best...


"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."'


John F. Kennedy
September 14, 1960

Answer 2

A liberal is a lazy way for a right-wing nutcase (not all right-wingers are necessarily nutcases) to generalize anyone with beliefs that contradict their own.

A liberal in the U.S. can mean a whole lot of things depending on who you are talking to. Liberals tend to have views that coincide with the Democratic Party, but not necessarilly.

Answer 3

Being a Liberal in the US means open or broad minded people who extends democracy, distribute wealth more evenly and protect personal freedom of the individuals.

Answer 4

It is the belief that we, acting collectively and through the government, can make things better -- education, environment, working conditions, social justice, health care, poverty, discrimination, etc. As Robert Kennedy said: "There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?"

We dream about a better world and think about the ways to get there. Many of us believe in God or a higher power and the teachings of the great religions that speak to peace, love, forgiveness and the strength of such beliefs to move mountains.

Because of our faith, we are not persuaded by those who preach fear and want to build walls.

Unlike conservatives who are happy with the status quo or wish to turn the clock backward -- we are always looking to create a better, brighter future.

Answer 5

It means, loving this country enough to be involved in its growth and positive direction. It means actively pursuing the Rights of the People, for the People, By the People. It means supporting the Constitutional Laws, and adhering to them. It means - being a good American, and... taking America ahead in a direction which is beneficial to all Americans - NoT for just the wealthiest.
Liberal = People base. Conservative = Corporate base.

Answer 6

Broadly speaking, 'liberal' means supporting lax restriction and fast progress.
In America, "liberal" means lax social restriction and fast progress, however when it comes to economics they are largely the conservatives. And in America 'conservatives' are tight on social restrction and social progress, and are the 'liberals' when it comes to economy.
Also, it politics its a smear term. Roughly calling your opponent a liberal means 'tax crazy' 'idealistic' or 'impractical'.

Answer 7

To tell you the truth both liberals and conservatives are fooled by few rich ppl who govern the country show me a poor president please.

Answer 8

Hey lets look up the definition, i know since some of you dont agree, you define it as you want it to be defined. Your party tells you that grass is purple and you swear by it, we know the routine. Anyway definition time....

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.

Answer 9

Being a Liberal means..

...you preach tolerance but condemn any view not in line with your own.


...you seek to include diverse views, except for conservatives, pro-
lifers, the homophobic, male driven organizations, the views of the wealthy, etc.

...you get rich from preaching wealth-hate to the poor.

...you want affirmative action (forcing businesses to hire minorities to equalize the rate of minorities with national percentages) in
business but deny the same for NFL or NBA sports teams.


...you want to make Tobacco illegal for health reasons but legalize drugs ignoring health reasons.

you increase property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, death
taxes, etc and then condemn "the rich white man" for poverty.

You heap new environmental and corporate taxes on fuel companies
and complain when the gas prices go up a buck.

...You clock many air miles in your 747 private jet campaigning on the
damaging effects of pollution on global warming.

...You militantly oppose war but blame the government when terrorists
slam jets into our public buildings killing thousands.

...You sue any prayer in public schools but celebrate meditation and
yoga being used there.

...You see no problem publically funding NPR, even after a McDonalds
heir leaves them 200 million dollars in a will (the budget of NPR is
less than a Million a year).

...You celebrate NPR and PBS as counters to Rush Limbaugh but deny
using public funds to push a particular point of view

Answer 10

Nothing.

"liberal" and "conservative" are namecalling used in place of actually discussing issues.