George Bush (the Elder) and Michael Dukakis, Liberals, and Me

[iwillalwayswonderwhy]

He's a card-carrying member of the ACLU. ~George H.W. Bush about Michael Dukakis
He's a card-carrying member of the communist party. ~common expression, originating in 1948

You see what he did there?

I'm not just a member of the Democratic Party, I am a liberal. I don't believe anyone in this country should have to go to bed hungry, live on the street, or be denied medical care. Not even drug addicts. Not even lazy people. Not even my worst enemies. Not even conservative republicans that would laugh at people going to bed hungry on the street.

Somehow, someway, George Herbert Walker Bush managed to make liberals a dirty word. Dirty. Evil. Perverted. Godless. Communists. Weak. Goofball. Disorganized. And Michael Dukakis didn't ever seem to push back. I so wanted him to say "Hell yes, I am a member of the ACLU, George. Which amendment in the bill of rights do you not think is worth defending because THAT'S what the ACLU is all about?"

The whole reason I am writing this is because I heard on the news someone speculating that the rally today attracted moderates. Really? How do they know? Why would they say that?

I think that it's time to be proud of being a liberal. It's time to say it out loud. To not be embarrassed about it.

I am a liberal. I don't wet the bed or wring my hands. I am a liberal and I am strong.

[tblue]

1. I think 'conservative' should be the bad word

since it means rejecting the values that are supposed to be so American: diversity, embracing the 'tired, poor huddled masses, equality, things like that. I like to ask conservatives what it is they're trying to conserve.

I remember when that remark was made during that debate. Dukakis really should have obliterated GHWB with a zinger like what you suggest or even the one JFK made about being a liberal. From that debate moment on, 'liberal' did become a bad word and is still to this day. But, like you, I am proud of being a liberal and I find self-described conservatives a real drag on the whole nation.

[madinmaryland]

2. Sorry, but "liberal" has been a "bad" word since back in the 60's.

Dick Nixon was the first to really go after those dirty stinking liberals. Reagan then perfected it.

:mad:

GWHB just rode in on the coat-tails and used it to sort-of perfection. It was KKKarl Rove that actually perfected it.