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Let us not use the word "liberal" as a cuss word.
Some dictionary definitions of "liberal":
1) Having, expressing, or following social or political views that favor non-revolutionary progress or reform;
2) Having, expressing, or following views or policies that favor the freedom of individuals to act or express themselves in a manner of their own choosing.
What's so bad about that?
Going back historically, the term "liberal" was originally applied to those who stood for as little government regulation as possible. Over time, in popular usage, it has come to be used to designate those who allegedly want a maximum of government control.
Similarly, the term "conservative" was applied to those who wanted to preserve, or conserve, the status quo. It is now applied, more frequently, to those who want to change the status quo, or to change it back to what it supposedly once was (i.e., to "reactionaries").
I propose we get rid of both terms, which generate more heat than light.
jbe
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