Liberals who call themselves Liberal for their own reasons.

[The Backlash Cometh]

What, exactly, is a Liberal? Is it open for interpretation? The broadest definition is someone with an open mind. But what would you say if there is a species of Liberal out there who is interpreting this to mean that a Liberal is someone who is open to listen to everyone's opinions even the opinions of self-interested conservatives? And that these Liberals believe they're showing their tolerance when they compromise with these self-interested parties who are only capable of thinking in the short-term? And who are not hindered by the laws.

I think you all know these soi disant Liberals exist, and this is at the core of why our country is continually being steered into the rocks. These kind of Liberals make poor leaders when they are motivated by money.

[KittyWampus]

1. 1st- Liberal means unregulated as in "apply salt liberally". In Europe, Liberal designates

unregulated economic players.

Only in America does liberal mean unregulated individuals in the social arena.

Now, I am a Liberal and fairly Left at that. I prefer a more Socialistic approach to some areas of life. Energy, for instance.

That said, politics involves opposition.

The only way to make progress with opposition is compromise.

Like sailing into a headwind. The only way to go forward when you face a stiff wind is to tack to the side.

Ideologues aren't as interested in making real progress facing real life situations. They just expect the world to conform to their vision.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. "unregulated economic players"

I think the first two of you have hit it on the nail. There are Social Liberals and there are Economic Liberals. Economic Liberals can turn out to be extremely corrupt individuals.

[Deep13]

2. Well to answer your question...

...it mean "generous." Politically, it is a generousity to the poor, sick and oppressed.

[zipplewrath]

3. Philosophical versus governing

There is the political philosophy of liberalism. Then there is the desire to "govern" liberally. The second form is going to have much more variation. Philosophically, people can tend to agree about the ideals. The problem always comes in the form of how to "execute" those philosophies in an imperfect world/system. Then you start to get the conflict between the incrementalists and the absolutists.

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. In the end, though, shouldn't the safety net for society be when these

"Liberals" or conservatives break the law, they should be held accountable? Are we having a crisis of leadership because neither philosophy can resist the lure of money? And neither is being held accountable when they do get caught?

[OHdem10]

6. Conservative Democrats are not Liberal and for the most part shy

away from the word.

[socialist_n_TN]

7. I've always had a little problem with the word

even back in the 60s and 70s. Liberal just seems to imply "wishy-washy" and knee jerk responses. I never minded leftist, Socialist (although I'm more of a socialist) or even Marxist, but liberal just kind of put me off.

I think with the resurgence of the left in this country, the more RW of the Democratic Party will embrace the word with more fervor than will the more left side of the spectrum.

[Captain Hilts]

8. Liberals who call other people liberals for their own reasons. Few liberals actually in power

positions.

[Green_Lantern]

9. liberalism is about protecting the individual liberty and dignity

Of every person. That's the connection between the classical liberal laissez faire and the modern liberals who support govt. intervention.

In the classical liberal past govt. power was the biggest threat to liberty and dignity because private property was more equittable and not as powerful(that's why they opposed the national bank because it changed that). Now private property confers alot of power over individuals so it's regulated so everyone is a bit more equitable. That's a liberal goal I mean.