What does a liberal nowadays believe? [View All]

[Sapphocrat]

This isn't my question, but one put to my most-evil alter ago, doublethink.

I've been giving the question considerable thought, and, naturally, the best answer I can offer is that I can only explain what I believe, as the "liberal" faction of American is hardly definable.

Of course, there are the stock answers -- liberals generally believe in a fair shake for everyone, social equality, honesty in government, yada yada yada -- but those answers are neither specific, nor good enough.

And no single person would be able to cover all bases accurately, or fairly.

Thus, I am turning to you, DUers. I would very much appreciate it if you could take a moment and post your idea of "what a liberal believes" here.

What I'll do, after leaving this post up for a day or so, is compile (and contrast) your responses and post them in doublethink for the benefit of the fellow who asked this question.

I know nothing about this fellow -- but my gut tells me he is either a RWer or a true undecided, and he's giving me (and us) a great opportunity to explain ourselves as we want to be heard.

And I would like opposing views expressed here (just PLEASE DO NOT hijack this thread, start a flame war, or get this thread locked!), so the guy can see that we're not all cut from the same cloth -- yet our lesser differences ultimately do not detract from our shared goals (and, speaking of which, what do you think our shared goals really are?).

I'll give you some areas to kick-start your thinking (but feel free to go off on your own tangent): abortion, AIDS, crime/death penalty, defense, drugs, education, energy, the environment, foreign policy, free trade/globalization, gun control, healthcare, immigration, LGBT rights, marriage equality, religious freedom, Social Security, taxes, wages/unions/price controls, welfare...

I'm not asking you to comment on all of these issues -- they're just fodder for the thought-mill. Don't think too hard about it (I want your first reactions), and don't spend a lot of time composing your thoughts.

I'd really like it if you would form your reponse by beginning with the phrase "This liberal believes..."

Thanks, kids -- I really appreciate your help and insight. I think I see an opportunity to set somebody "straight" about liberalism, and I believe your input is exactly what's needed.

Muchas gracias!

S.

P.S. If this starts to sink like a rock, couldja keep it kicked overnight and through Monday? Thx!