liberal

Main Entry: 1lib·er·al Pronunciation: \'li-b(?-)r?l\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, from liber free; perhaps akin to Old English leodan to grow, Greek eleutheros free Date: 14th century
1 a: of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts <liberal education> barchaic : of or befitting a man of free birth
2 a: marked by generosity : openhanded <a liberal giver> b: given or provided in a generous and openhanded way <a liberal meal> c: ample , full
3 obsolete : lacking moral restraint : licentious
4: not literal or strict : loose <a liberal translation>
5: broad-minded ; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms
6 a: of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism bcapitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism ; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives —

Liberalism
Main Entry: lib·er·al·ism
Pronunciation: \'li-b(?-)r?-?li-z?m\
Function: noun
Date: 1819
1: the quality or state of being liberal
2a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
b: a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
c: a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties
d. capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party

Conservative
Main Entry: 1con·ser·va·tive
Pronunciation: \k?n-'s?r-v?-tiv\
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1: preservative
2 a: of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism
B capitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as (1): of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions (2): progressive conservative
3 a: tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional
b: marked by moderation or caution <a conservative estimate>
c: marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
4: of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism

conservatism
Main Entry: con·ser·va·tism
Pronunciation: \k?n-'s?r-v?-?ti-z?m\
Function: noun
Date: 1832

1.capitalized a: the principles and policies of a Conservative party b: the Conservative party
2. a: disposition in politics to preserve what is established b: a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change ; specifically : such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (as retirement income or health-care coverage)
3. the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change



These labels are being thrown around with such condescension and animosity. Although I had an idea of what the words meant, I had a need to look further and deeper into their true meanings. So yes, I looked them up on Webster Online and was a bit surprised to say the least.

Conservatives don’t mind change as long as it’s gradual, and liberals seem to embrace change.

I really don’t care if you’re a liberal or a conservative. What I care about is how people treat one another, and throwing these labels around has caused a lot of hurt feelings. Which is sad in itself.

I am not asking ANYONE to choose or admit to which one you may be. So please leave the bashing on another thread.

It can be easy to get agitated by some of the comments, but I have to remember everyone is entitled to their opinions.

I believe in treating others the way I expect to be treated, and that’s with respect.
You may not like what I say, but at least respect my right to say it.

Also, I know everyone is entitled to their opinions and this is mine.

Thanks for your time.

I think I am a hybrid. Possibly alien.

I hear what you are saying. Hateful words, comments and etc. are never fun.

In my experiences with politics, liberal and conservative are fluid terms that mean something different for each person who decides to identify themselves with one or the other. A Conservative in English government for example would probably be a member of the U.S. Democratic Party simply because their political spectrum is more left than ours. The two terms cover a broad spectrum of ideals and political ideas.

So I guess what I am trying to say is that though people reserve the right to call themselves liberals and conservative much the same as people can call themselves "Christian", "American", and even "Caring". Its is not my place or anyone else to identify anyone as one or the other. If you think you are a conservative, you may be. If you call yourself a liberal, go ahead. Simply because we don't agree on every issue doesn't mean its not true.