I posted a thread like this one quite some time ago, but, since we now have some new members, here's a repeat. let's see if there is a generally agreed upon definition this time around.
I'm posting in the US politics forum, since we need to focus on the term as it applies to the US. A pol who is considered to be a liberal here might not be in Europe or Asia.
My contention is that there is no meaning to the word "liberal", or, perhaps it is better said that there are so many different definitions that the term has become meaningless.
Further, it is my contention that there are many people who consider themselves "conservatives", another vague term, and lump all liberals into one group. The real working definition of the term, then, is "anyone who disagrees with my point of view."
Are the terms "liberal" and "statist" synonymous? Is liberalism the same as authoritarianism? Are foreign dictators like Stalin and Mao really the same as our home grown liberals? Does one have to be pro life to be a non liberal, and if so, how does that relate to authoritarianism? What about same sex marriage, is it liberal to want to limit marriage to one's own view of the matter, or is it liberal to recognize gay rights as valid? Which point of view is authoritarian?
I'm really wanting to invite clarification rather than debate, here.
I'm posting in the US politics forum, since we need to focus on the term as it applies to the US. A pol who is considered to be a liberal here might not be in Europe or Asia.
My contention is that there is no meaning to the word "liberal", or, perhaps it is better said that there are so many different definitions that the term has become meaningless.
Further, it is my contention that there are many people who consider themselves "conservatives", another vague term, and lump all liberals into one group. The real working definition of the term, then, is "anyone who disagrees with my point of view."
Are the terms "liberal" and "statist" synonymous? Is liberalism the same as authoritarianism? Are foreign dictators like Stalin and Mao really the same as our home grown liberals? Does one have to be pro life to be a non liberal, and if so, how does that relate to authoritarianism? What about same sex marriage, is it liberal to want to limit marriage to one's own view of the matter, or is it liberal to recognize gay rights as valid? Which point of view is authoritarian?
I'm really wanting to invite clarification rather than debate, here.