The "liberal" tag: if you can't beat them, join them!

[wildflower]

The * team (along with conservatives in general over the last many years) uses the word "liberal" as if it is equivalent to "evil."

The result has been to put liberals on the defensive, and increase public perception that "liberal" is a bad word and must not be applied to them.

I believe, as some of you have posted, that there is only one way to approach this line of attack, particularly in the debates:

Embrace the word "liberal"! Point out what liberals - such as FDR - have done for this country.

For Kerry to do otherwise in his campaign for election is to be put on the defensive, which is a bad position to be in. The winning strategy is to put the focus on *'s failed policies.

In addition, trying to prove one is really not "liberal" is - for all of us - participating in the subtle shift to the right that continues to creep onward in this country.

I hope Kerry does say, "What's wrong with the word liberal?" and gives specific examples, naming the great liberal presidents. Because it appears the * team will not let up on this theme. It needs to be neutralized, rather than turned into a decision of whether or not Kerry is that horrible, unmentionable L-word.

-wildflower

P.S. This is IMO of course! I'm interested in your thoughts.

[NMDemDist2]

1. we need to define the term

what do RWer's mean when they say it?

i don't mind the liberal label, it's the "most liberal" that gets me

[katusha]

2. george bush is more liberal...

than osama bin laden. shocking but true.

[demokatgurrl]

3. No one could EVER insult me by

calling me "liberal". It's something I strive for but fear I come up short.
We should take that label, love it and own it.

[wildflower]

6. What you said. :)

I think that's the attitude we should have. When people use the word accusatorily, they expect us to draw back in horror and stutter, "No, of course I'm not a liberal! I just feel that...."

I've noticed a similar phenomenon with words such as "socialist" and "communist" (and even "feminist").*

They are labels used to stop an argument; to put someone on the defensive. Often, those on the receiving end reflexively go on the defense without stopping to ask if the accuser knows what these words really mean.

-wildflower

*And there are many other examples

[Democrat 4 Ever]

9. Yes, I want Kerry to take ownership of the title Liberal

Everyone runs from the title of Liberal. Liberals gave us FDR, JFK, Carter, Clinton, Social Security, Women's rights, Civil Rights, Medicare, GI bill, Title IX, the list is endless. Americans lives are better because of these people and programs. We no longer have senior citizens ending their final years in abject poverty, sick and dying because of inadequate health care, the greatest generation were rewarded for their sacrifice by making sure they had affordable housing, an education benefits so soldiers could lift an entire generation to provide for their children. Liberals created the middle class, they gave a whole segment of society a vote, an education, a place on the bus anywhere they want. For years the GOP has equated liberal = chicken = dove = love taxes = waster = spend MY money = evil. Liberals are evil, evil, evil.

I am proud to be a liberal - I stand for all Americans having a decent chance to succeed, for all Americans to be heard, for all Americans' votes to count. For every citizen to pay their fair share into the government - not more, not less, but fair. I believe in the "Veil of Innocence" tax computations, I am for a country that gets ahead by allowing all citizens the same opportunities, I am one who does not let our democracy, the republic, to be sold to the highest corporate bidder. I am against unwarranted wars but I am devoutly committed to protecting ourselves when if need be. I understand the need to fight and understand the responsibility to not let one bully beat up on another. But I do not go and seek fights, but will come down on you with the wrath of all that is good and holy will you attack my country. I respect our soldiers enough to know they will go and fight wherever they are asked but value their lives enough not to expect their sacrifice unless absolutely necessary.

Damn right I am Liberal.

[Blue_Roses]

4. they use the term liberal in the context of being "loose and without

morals" when actually Websters defines it as: 1) belonging to the people, free 2) suitable for a freeman; not restricted 3)TOLERANT OF VIEWS DIFFERING FROM ONE'S OWN; BROAD-MINDED 4) favoring reform or progress, as in religion or education.

[NJmaverick]

5. I agree sick repuke game

Conservatives are evil hate filled self serving creatures. Liberals are good people that try to protect everyone's rights, not just their own.

[Nimble_Idea]

7. there ya go

:)

[Demos]

8. Getting back to our roots!

I agree we have to take back the word liberal. Even James Carvill is afraid to use the word and refers to himself as a “progressive” in his book about fighting back! We need to inform the general public that the Revolution, the Constitution, the Jeffersonian and Jacksonian democracy movements, the abolition of slavery, the woman’s right to vote, the anti-trust movement, the conservation movement were all the products of liberal thought. We are being portrayed as espousing some sinister foreign ideology when in fact we represent the guts of the American experience. we need to connect with our roots in order to get public support.