How do you define liberal?

This is a scary article. Again, one more example of how the liberals and democrats have allowed the right to define them.

"For many decades, conservative citizens and like-minded political leaders (starting with President Calvin Coolidge) have been denigrated by the vilest of lies and characterizations from hordes of liberals who now won't even admit that they are liberals--because the word connotes such moral stink and political silliness. As a class, liberals no longer are merely the vigorous opponents of the Right; they are spiteful enemies of civilization's core decency and traditions."

The thrust of this article is that the red states should expel the blue states, whose moral character is not reflective of middle America. That would certainly make the secession to Canada a little easier.

I think it is about time that we take back the term "liberal." Our values, fair labor laws, keeping Americans employed, taking care of the elderly, feeding, housing and clothling the disadvantaged are moral values and they are worth fighting for.

So, I'm going to start defining how I see Liberalism and the values of the Democratic party.

Here are some some definitions that I looked up on-line to help give me direction:

According to Miriam-webster online:
Main Entry: lib·er·al·ism Pronunciation: 'li-b(&-)r&-"li-z&m
Function: noun1 : the quality or state of being liberal
2 a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : 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 d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party.

According to Wordsmyth.net:
Liberal:
1. freely giving; generous.
2. respectful of individual differences; tolerant.
3. favoring progressive political change.
4. relating to democratic forms of government rather than monarchies or aristocracies.
5. one who favors progressive political philosophy, including government promotion of social change and the primacy of individual liberty.

"The primacy of individual liberty." "Generous." "Respectful." "The spiritual and ethical content of Christianity." Wow, there are some concepts I can embrace. And I believe most Americans can embrace these concepts as well.

What really is at issue here is the part of the definition that favors "progressive political change." Let us be very clear about that. The people who are against liberals, liberalism and liberty are against progressive political change. Therefore they spend their political clout and limited "moral values" to restrict the liberty of individuals with whom they don't agree. This is clear from the rhetoric of hate and division that they frequently spew. And since they cannot argue against the true definition of liberal, because that true definition embodies Christian ethics and the belief in individual liberty, they have redefined the word to suit their own purposes.

So, I say, Let's take it back and be proud of who we are!