The "L" word

[Sandpiper]

The L-Word

03/15/2004 @ 8:28pm

Why is it that liberals are so afraid to take their own side in an argument?

"Look, labels are so silly in American politics," Senator Kerry replied evasively when asked during the New York debate, "Are you a liberal?" I agree that labels are too simplistic. But why allow the L-word to be defined--and turned into a negative--by thugs at the Republican National Committee who don't know their own history? Isn't it time, after more than twenty years of conservative ascendancy, for liberals to take the offensive, stop biting their tongues and declare forcefully--I'm a liberal and proud of it!

So, next time you're asked, Senator, why not stand firm (you're already tall) and tell Americans, crisply, sharply and with conviction, how liberal values have shaped the greatness of this country. It won't lose you the election. It might just help you win it.

I'm sure you don't need this, but here's a short list of some of the great triumphs of 20th century liberalism--all vigorously opposed by conservatives at the time: Women's suffrage; Social Security; unemployment compensation; the minimum wage; child labor laws; Head Start, food stamps; Medicare; federal housing laws barring discrimination; the Voting Rights Act; the Civil Rights Act; anti-pollution statutes, guaranteed student loan programs and the forty-hour work week.

Senator, these victories made America a more just and open society. These programs embody the civilizing and mainstream values of the past decades and they show how liberals have repeatedly fought for ordinary Americans. A fighting liberal would take on rightwing extremists who are determined to rollback the hard-earned rights and liberties of the 20th century. Why not stand on liberalism's proud heritage? It sure beats running away from a winning legacy.

http://thenation.com/edcut/index.mhtml?bid=7

[boobooday]

1. Proud to be a LIBERAL!

From Eugene Debs Country.



http://www.wgoeshome.com

[patricia92243]

2. No Dean = no spine for Democrats

[Blue-Jay]

3. Capitol 'L' Liberal here!

And unashamed. Screw those idiots that wish to make "liberal" a curse word. I'm loud and proud, and I'm taking the word back.

[Q]

4. It's not just the RNC...

...that has made 'Liberal' a dirty word. The 'New" Democrats use the same demeaning language. It seems liberals are the common enemy of both the Right and Conservative Democrats.

- It seems to me that conservatives (on the right and the left) are more interested in getting a piece of the pie than fighting for the common good.

[bushclipper]

6. Really? I haven't seen that

Do you have examples?

[wyldwolf]

7. Well, it might help if those further left...

...wouldn't claim exclusive rights to the name "liberal."

Even Michael Moore, who no one can seriously claim isn't a liberal, speaks of "the professional left" with disdain and being on a high horse.

[calimary]

5. Proudly say "The human heart hangs to the LEFT."

To deny this, or condemn liberal ideals, is to deny your own humanity. To veer to the right is to be, in effect, heartLESS.

[seabeyond]

8. liberal feels lack of control

liberal feels like no boundary, not responsible. i like the word progressive better. i have been calling myself liberal and just doesnt feel right or good when after years, just recently finally saying it.

[K-W]

9. We can try and fight the language war, but Kerry has to play the cards

hes dealt, and those cards include the word liberal having negative connotations to alot of middle america.

[ComerPerro]

10. Because conservatives have made "liberal" a bad word

Personally, I cringe whenever someone is described as or describes themselves as a "conservative". I try to avoid them at all costs.

But every time some wingnut attacks Democratic policies, they throw "liberal" in with words like "slanderous" "treason" and "America-hating".

So, to the moderates (most of this fucking stupid country), "liberal" is a bad word