Has the word "liberal" been rehabilitated?

[JAbuchan08]

A lot of people who would have never thought to call themselves liberal 5 years ago are proudly calling themselves liberal today. There's only so many times you can hear unbalanced people excoriate liberals before you think "maybe liberalism has something to it"

[bliss_eternal]

1. I'm not sure--I know that I am tired of the

repukes distastefully spitting it out as if the word were an obscenity. That bothers me--I know it shouldn't. It was actually surprising to me the first time I heard it used that way.

I would be interested to hear (read)other theories on whether it has or hadn't been rehabbed.

Personally, I wear the label proudly. I am not ashamed of what my beliefs are.

[JAbuchan08]

3. I used to think that I wasn't a "liberal" because I bought into the

BS spin attached to the word, but all politics aside the literal definition of the word liberal really appeals to me. The only liberal thing I don't like is the liberal use of mayonnaise.

[ClassWarrior]

2. Reknowned linguist George Lakoff says it'll take a good 30 years...

...to rehabilitate it, if at all.

That's why I'm a Progressive. Progressive times call for Progressive values.

NGU.

[JAbuchan08]

4. But if you called yourself a "liberal"

wouldn't you be participating in the rehabilitation of the word?

[ClassWarrior]

6. No, I'd be advancing something the Radical RW has turned into...

...one of their own frames. Believe me, I have more important battles to fight over the next 30 years than to save a word.

NGU.

[JAbuchan08]

8. I'm not too worried about the word I think it can take care of itself

but part of the problem with the perception of liberalism in America is that it is assumed to be a fringe position in America. If more people are willing to proudly call themselves liberal than it can't really be considered a "fringe" belief.

I'm sure you do have better things to do than save a word, but our understanding of words does a great deal to effect our perception, so take that how you will...

[TahitiNut]

5. I'm even more proud to call myself a liberal ...

... when I look at those who use the word sneeringly or disparagingly. I have NEVER been bothered by the enmity of sociopaths, criminals, fascists, or other hate-filled people. I've never thought that omelettes could be made without breaking a few eggs, or any moral stance could be taken without attracting the ire of those who benefited from the immorality.

If nobody's angry with you, you're not trying hard enough!

[bliss_eternal]

9. Well said.

:hi:

[heidler1]

7. It must be real tough to bad mouth Liberals while realizing that they

are the ones that thought this war was stupid from the get go and now the majority agrees with us LIBERALS. How sweet it is.

[The Backlash Cometh]

10. Not rehabilitated, really. Just that Republicans are so mired in

corruption and greed that pornography, drug legalization are secondary concerns right now. It also helps that this isn't an election year.