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In reply to the discussion: Confession of a former Rush Limbaugh fan [View all]CrispyQ
(36,478 posts)143. And finally, the article that brought me to DU.
It's a little dated, but still relevant today.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/articles/02/11/23_liberal.html
When Did "Liberal" Become a Dirty Word?
November 23, 2002
By F. Johnson
Liberal: adj. 1. relating to or having social and political views that favor progress and reform. 2. relating to or having policies or views advocating individual freedom. 3. giving and generous in temperament or behavior. 4. tolerant of other people. (Collins Concise English Dictionary)
snip...
Now a "new patriotism" is afoot. Political debate on important issues is drying up leaving the microphones to self-styled "new patriots" - Rush Limbaugh, Cal Thomas, Don Imus, and many, many "hate-talk" radio hosts. Liberals are not getting equal time because of the popular misconception (purveyed by hate talk radio) that the press represents only the liberal eastern establishment. Liberals expressing views differing from those of the right are being labeled un-American and unpatriotic by right wing conservatives. It is a dangerous trend - a trend that some might argue parallels the right wing movement in Germany during the Thirties when the Fascists excoriated socialists and other liberals, burned books, and murdered opponents to gain complete and dictatorial control of the government.
snip...
most liberals I have met are by definition very interested in equality and fairness, the welfare of all Americans, health care for all Americans, a free public higher education for all Americans, protecting the environment and our wilderness areas, tolerance and respect for individual freedoms (including women's), and more equitable income distribution in America.
snip...
...certain radio talk shows are really "hate talk" shows that are extremely dangerous to the free exchange of differing points of view. That certain radio hosts use mean-spirited and hateful language in a way that incites their listeners. Language that might inflame and motivate those who would shoot a President Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy or Martin Luther King, or even blow up a Federal Building in Oklahoma. Why must such political disagreement be aired in such a rude and insulting way?
snip...
If we as human beings must judge others, it is important that we clearly understand what others are trying to say and accurately label those viewpoints and not slander the speaker. The word "civil" is the root of the word "civilization." We must all become more civil to one another if collectively we are to become a civilized nation.
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Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it right wing radio/internet and Fox news
SomethingFishy
Jan 2014
#20
The problem is that he had to go through so much pain to get to the point of having
bluestate10
Jan 2014
#36
I absolutely agree with these posts. Where is these people's empathy when they were riding high.
olegramps
Jan 2014
#128
go through so much pain to get to the point of having empathy for unfortunate people
AlbertCat
Jan 2014
#153
Personally, I wish you all the luck in the world and your future is much better than your recent
world wide wally
Jan 2014
#17
You would be doing a greater service to all of us if you posted this on right wing websites
Maynar
Jan 2014
#23
The poster would be attacked unmercifully if he posted that on Free Republic.
Enthusiast
Jan 2014
#100
You are one of many who has voted against their best interest. Sorry for your
Thinkingabout
Jan 2014
#22
Good. So what would have opened the window into your mind, or otherwise helped you
jtuck004
Jan 2014
#40
Best wishes and don't forget to 'pay it forward.' Let compassion flow through you now. n/t
freshwest
Jan 2014
#41
The fact is that unless the OP inherits a lot of money or wins a big lottery prize, he is of
bluestate10
Jan 2014
#66
And I also note that the OP lacks any confessions, any apologies, and any sign of contrition.
Egalitarian Thug
Jan 2014
#88
Completely agreed. Want to make any bet on the likelihood of this one doing anything
Egalitarian Thug
Jan 2014
#111
Actually, he said that he now realizes that he was wrong to have believed that
StevieM
Jan 2014
#158
Yes. He should wear a sack cloth and ashes, and a large "R" on his clothing!
Tommy_Carcetti
Jan 2014
#112
What is it about this country where people constantly demand repudiation and recompense?
Tommy_Carcetti
Jan 2014
#117
welcome honey. I am sorry for the hardship but love your company. You are most welcome here.
roguevalley
Jan 2014
#48
Most people can't or don't empathize with another until shit happens to them. nt
kelliekat44
Jan 2014
#54
Unfortunately you've experienced the full impact of living in a right-wing-soused society, as have
indepat
Jan 2014
#53
What's truely disturbing is the negativity and meaness that comes from the right wing.
mountain grammy
Jan 2014
#60
Gerogie, what are your thoughts on changing the minds of those who haven't been through what you hav
reformist2
Jan 2014
#68
America's new Middle Class: "One paycheck or health crisis away from living in the gutter."
philly_bob
Jan 2014
#133
some tree-hugging liberal fought for water-quality standardS, wasnt that nixon who signed the clean
leftyohiolib
Jan 2014
#152
welcome to DU--looking forward to your responses to the serious questions posed to you.
niyad
Jan 2014
#150