How would you define 'Liberal'?

Question

JFK does it for me.....

"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 1

No problem with that at all. Notice that back then, we didn't have to deal with the problems that face us today.

Do you think that JFK wouldn't have promoted larger federal government control or would he have been more of a supporter for state and municipal control?

Would he have condoned the dumbing down of our schools?

Would we today have one program after the other that overlap each other and steal money from the tax payers, yet get nothing accomplished?

Would he condone encouraging people to live off of the public trough for generation after generation?

Don't compare the early 60's with what we have today. :)

Answer 2

I'm a Libertarian, so I have a particularly independent view. Conservatives most likely think in upholding older ethical perspectives, however so far as executive is involved, Republicans have expanded it is dimension, despite the fact that Republicans and conservatives are "in opposition to" exapanding executive. Conservatives are most likely suggestion of because the operating magnificence and the hicks within the sticks (men and women have that improper although, such a lot "rednecks" are democrat right here in Alabama besides, on account that they desire the entitlement systems). Liberals are suggestion of as worrying men and women and really open-minded (that is much less real than one would believe although, simply take a seem at one of the most liberal's solutions to this query). Liberals most likely desire massive entitlement systems. Both have their faults and in terms of politicians, they're all so screwed up it infrequently even concerns anymore. But simply on account that any individual labels themselves as liberal or conservative, it does not imply they believe the whole thing on their aspect of the fence. Personal enjoy can difference plenty of that.

Answer 3

I have always wanted to ask this question. I'm a conservative and have never understood liberals. I voted for Nixon, because I simply do not like the Kennedy agenda. I believe in civil rights and liberties. I do not believe in the welfare state. Every individual has a responsibilty to take care of themselves. It is not the responsibilty to take care of anyone. Yes this country gave me an opportunity to make a good living. I fought in Vietnam so I earned the right to disagree with you and your fellow liberals

Answer 4

Someone who wants the government to handle everything and give every thing to everybody. Its someone who is a tax an spend kind of person. One who thinks that the individual can't think for themselves and needs the help to the government. It's someone who is not fiscally responsible. It's some who wears their heart on their sleeve and is the first to apologize for this great nation. It's someone who is apposed to the two party system, in favor of Democrats only. It's someone who wants everyone in the world to love us. It's someone who doesn't see the evil in the world. It's someone who would rather turn the other check in the face of danger, than stand and fight. It's some one who is not proactive on the world stage. You get the picture?

Answer 5

I think we all want the same things in the end we just choose different paths to get there and being a liberal is just a path. Many believe the same results can be gained by being a Republican or Democrat.

Answer 6

Liberalism is a political ideology that referrs to a changing government that speaks new ideas. Liberalism emphasizes freedom of speech and equal right and opportunity

Answer 7

Who cares, people put to much on labels. You must vote for who is going to make decisions on what is best for the U.S and not how they think the lobbyists will feel. Bottom line, we need a common person to be elected to the presidency. Of the people , for the people.

Answer 8

yet he could not explain how to pay for " their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties " the money has to come from somewhere...aka unconcerned with the taxpayer's dollar

set the record str8

Answer 9

I agree. Liberal to me means looking toward the future not reminiscing about the past.

Answer 10

liberal- freedom of the press and freedom of thinking. antitorture, antibig government, states rights, proenvironment, antimultinational corporate domination, antiimperialism. PROGRESSIVE.