No, Hillary, "liberalism" is NOT what the GOP says

[themaguffin]

In U2’s Rattle & Hum, Bono announced in concert, “Charles Manson stole this from the Beatles and we’re taking it back…” then band performed the Beatles’ "Helter Skelter.”

Well, Hillary, yes the GOP did steal and destroy the word liberalism and yes progressive is a fine word to describe our ideals. However so is liberalism and the only way for it be true, is to take it back.

[Flarney]

1. Hell yes. I want my candidate to declare it loud and proud like JFK. n/t

[BigDDem]

13. When's the last time

a self proclamied liberal has been elected president?

[draft_mario_cuomo]

16. Even Nixon, ironically, called himself a "pragmatic liberal" at the beginning of his career

It is amazing how stigmatized the word "liberal" has become ever since the 1980's.

[UnrepentantUnitarian]

2. I agree completely!

It's a good word, with a noble, respectful ancestry. Just because the Neofascist club says it's something different is no reason to abandon it. Typical failure of the Democrats...allowing others to define us...even the language we use. Stand your ground...and shame on you, Hillary! Shame on you. Here's a guy who didn't have a problem with the word...

"The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."

(...from a letter from George Washington to the congregation of Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island, August, 1790)

-- By the way, I've posted a lot about the word "liberal" and why we should keep it, here in this thread (at a liberal-religious/Unitarian message board)...

http://faithofthefree.informe.com/viewtopic.php?t=415

and at...

http://faithofthefree.informe.com/viewtopic.php?t=474&highlight=word+liberal

Ron

[William769]

3. This is what she said if you have a problem with thats your problem not hers.

I completly agree, and it seems several other people do also.

CLINTON: You know, it is a word that originally meant that you were for freedom, that you were for the freedom to achieve, that you were willing to stand against big power and on behalf of the individual.

Unfortunately, in the last 30, 40 years, it has been turned up on its head and it's been made to seem as though it is a word that describes big government, totally contrary to what its meaning was in the 19th and early 20th century.

I prefer the word "progressive," which has a real American meaning, going back to the progressive era at the beginning of the 20th century.

I consider myself a modern progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms, who believes that we are better as a society when we're working together and when we find ways to help those who may not have all the advantages in life get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/23/debate.transcript/index.html

RIGHT ON HILLARY!

[wyldwolf]

5. William769, noticed this really odd habit of DUers...

... to claim Clinton is not the frontrunner but will jump her case for saying the something others say, too?

Why is that?

[William769]

6. The bullshit in here has been so deep lately, they can't discern fact from fantasy

They can't hate her for a good reason so they make shit up. :eyes:

[Captain_Nemo]

4. When you have a people that bash you for your voice, your husband , and your liberalism you

kinda have to tread carefully. Bill O'Reilly would have used that piece from th edebate (the hypothetical one of her saying I am a liberal) to the masses who watch his show over and over again.
and, that is all the masses would hear and see.

She made the right call. She's not president yet. She's running a campaign.

[David__77]

11. Right. I wish people appreciated pragmatic tactics more.

I don't support Clinton in the primaries, but I think her course was correct in this regard.

[David__77]

7. I think progressive is a broader, more inclusive term.

There are many progressives who may not be liberals. Further, we need altogether less liberalism and tolerance when dealing with the right-wing, in my opinion.

[UnrepentantUnitarian]

8. "The Statue of.....Progressivism?"

Maybe that's what Hillary wants to name it? We can't have anything that suggests liberty, can we?

[David__77]

10. Liberty and liberalism are two distinct concepts.

In most of the world, "liberalism" is a right-wing concept in any event. Liberal economics are those of Adam Smith, not FDR. It's a relatively recent thing specific to the US that "liberalism" is connoted with the left. Because of that alone, perhaps another term is called for. Conservatism is reactionary and clings to the old ways motivated by narrow self-interest; progressives seek to continuously renovate society for the better of all.

[bunnies]

9. Liberalism is a bad word over in DLC land my friend...

Dont be expecting HRC to cozy up to the word anytime soon.

[OHdem10]

12. Dhe knows how to keep the party divided.

I am sorry but she looked like she was squirmming to even
have to say the word Liberal.

I am glad to know all these Progressives believe in small
government just like Hilary and GOP.

The question was What is a Liberal?? Thinking like a Republican
one answers like a Republican.

I was so disappointed. I better stop here.

[Captain_Nemo]

14. She knows how to not alienate voters who are fed O'Reilly-isms and a steady diet of FOX.

[OHdem10]

15. Those people will never vote for her --so it okay to

diss her own base.

Southerners and Fundies see this as lacking a moral core of beliefs.

How often do you hear them say. We just want to know you believe
something. This was the Mantra during Clinton Administration.
C-Span Daily. Some GOPer was yelling the Clinton's have no core
valurd.

[Captain_Nemo]

17. Her base is going to vote for her anyway - in a campaign you have to make sure the MSM doesn't get

fodder for use against a candidate.

[jmp]

18. Liberal is what the American people say it is.

No "liberal" is going to win the Presidency next year or any other year. She may as well label herself a socialist or a communist.