Reply #29: Labels [View All]

[Armstead]

Technially I agree with you. Left and right would be better descriptive terms.


However, that dynamic still applies, because to many peope "left" will still equate with liberal or "radical. ("Progressive" is another one, although that is depending on how one defines "progress.")

Also, I believe people are both conservative and liberal by nature. Conservative does mean cautious and in favor of stability over anarchy and chaos. However, "liberal" means being open to new ideas, tolerant and caring of others. I think most people also see those as positive qualities.

Although I am a lefty, I also see myself as a conservative. But I'm also probably radical, because I believe we need major changes in the direction of the country....However my liberalism and radicalism is also rooted in conservatism. I want to conserve the best qualities of the country -- which the present system under the pseudo-conservatives is being thrown out. And we need to be radical to even bring about reasonable reform in the present climate.

It all gets confusing. But -- at least in the current meanings of the term -- we're kind of stuck with liberal as a catchall term for our general set of beliefs in an agenda that is in contrast to the Darwinian bleakness of current conservatism.

Loberalism is also reflective of the progressive tradition, which we shold embrace and be proud of, rather than reject.