Reply #15: Basically doesn't every progressive, optimistic and forward-looking

[Meritaten1]

movement draw some roots from liberalism? From the New Deal to the Civil Rights movement to concern for the environment and human rights?

Liberalism=generosity

Liberalism=compassion for society's less fortunate

Liberalism=faith that an informed electorate can act on behalf of the public interest through government

The reason "compassionate conservatism" became such a buzzword for the Republicans is precisely because conservatism is not something one would normally associate with compassion. "Conservative" usually connotes holding back...conformity...an unwillngness to venture forward?