Tuesday, September 07, 2004

A New Day for Liberalism

"Liberal". The word has been demonized, co-opted and corrupted by those who equate Liberalism with profligacy, idleness, wimpyness. Politicians bend over backwards to avoid being labeled "Liberal"; others go to great lengths to paint their opponents as "Liberals" and therefore automatically disqualified for high office. You almost can't call yourself a Liberal in public these days, and that's a shame.

Study if you will the definition of the word, "Liberal". Merriam-Webster's Online defines it (among other ways) as:
  • marked by generosity
  • not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
  • of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism
Merriam-Webster's defines political liberalism as "a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties."

That sounds like something I wouldn't mind being associated with.

So, as one small voice in the blogosphere, I set out to rehabilitate the image of liberalism. This blog will contain my political rants and ruminations, and links to stories I think important from the perspective of advancing and promoting liberalism in America. I am proud to call myself a liberal, and I hope anyone reading this blog will see why I think we need more liberalism, not less.