Question about Liberalism...

[Meshuga]

I read in diferent places that originally Liberalism was the political philosophy popular in the 17th and 18th centuries (specially in the latter) which believed that more power should be given to the individual, that government should be small, that the government should not regulate the economy, that the state should not interfere in social issues and leave it to the private sector, etc. That definition of liberalism is not what we call liberalism today obviously.

As far as labels go, what are the connections between the "original" definition of liberalism (which sounds libertariam) and what we call liberalism today?

Thanks!

[bluestateguy]

1. You are correct. What you refer to is classical liberalism

Today's liberalism still has roots in the opposition to state control of personal liberties (though gun control makes little sense, in my view) and an opposition to divine and/or aristocratic rule. Like the liberals of 200-300 years ago, we also believe in the principles of the Enlightment and Reason (we believe in science) rather than reliance on the Church to make government decisions.

[cruadin]

2. I think an important consideration raised by your question...

is *who* gets to define the terms in a political discussion. I would guess that most people on this board who consider themselves to be on the liberal/progressive end of the political spectrum are concerned with social justice, the dignity of the individual, a respect for the environment, and and the security of a peaceful society organized under a government that is both accountable and representative.

The reality is that the term "liberal", as it is used by the MSM and the conservative side of the political spectrum, has become an epithet, denoting anarchy, hedonism and depravity.

We can't win the debate if we continue to let the other side define the terms that will be used. Perhaps we should focus some of our energy on reclaiming the terms of the debate.

[radwriter0555]

3. Today liberals stand for PEOPLE, for progress within society, for equal

rights for all, for civil rights for all; for the advancement of intellectualism and for general emotional and societal progress... It IS today that is important. Our historical roots, however allegorical they might be, aren't as important as how we define our path for the future.

What we leave behind and what we must prevent are the New Americanazis rising fast like bloated bodies... spreading their filth, repression and disease of ignorance.