The term "Liberal""?

Question

What's the deal with everyone using this term to describe Democrats and slightly Left-leaning people?

It's moronic. If Republicans aren't Liberal, does that mean they're opposed to individual liberty, freedom of thought and the other values of a democratic nation?

Once again, the term "Liberal" is being used as an adjective, and incorrectly at that. It is not - I repeat - not the name of a party. Think of a better term... gosh, maybe even "Left-Wing"?

Answer 1

Yes, this is a valid point. I try to use the term leftwinger, lefty, socialist, etc when possible

However, the word has been corrputed from it's original meaning. It has become a popular colloquialism in the US to use liberal as a substitute for leftwinger

Also of note: Libertarians of a minarchist persuasion use the term "classical liberalism" almost interchangeably with the term "libertarianism", while the correctness of this usage is disputed. Nevertheless, if the two philosophies are not the same, classical liberalism does resemble modern libertarianism in many ways

Answer 2

No, Republicans are not opposed to individual liberty; most of them want to retain it by keeping the government small and not having an inane law tacked onto every action. In my experience, liberals favor group dynamics and conservatives favor individual dynamics. It's just a term, anyway. Most would agree that it's not a party, but a 'leaning', so to speak.

Answer 3

The left-wing neo-Marxist progressives hijacked the word "liberal," which used to just mean a proponent of liberty. If you were a liberal in the 19th century, you were pro-free market, pro-business, pro-industry, pro-progress, and pro-technology. Most Americans are philosophical descendants of the 'classical' liberals, even the neo-Marxists, but I agree that it's irritating that people who believe in so many ideas that are antithetical to liberty get to use the word that means liberty.

Answer 4

Your correct,one can be financially conservative and liberal politically, a good example is Ron Paul,and he's a republican !

Answer 5

Anytime I see something with the term "Liberal" attached to it, I check the Constitution to see if the 1st and 2nd amendments are still there and then my wallet to see if I have any money left.

Answer 6

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."

Answer 7

You got it. Very well said.

Answer 8

I believe you are right, and will henceforth, change my terminology from liberal to "moonbat" immediately. thanks for bringing that to my attention.