Why I am a Liberal.

[flamin lib]

In the widest sense Liberals believe in individual rights: the freedom of thought and speech, a free exchange of ideas, the right to be left alone, and equal opportunity; all protected by the rule of law. All other tenants of Liberalism hinge on these beliefs.

The free exchange of ideas. For a citizenry to remain free it must remain informed. The founding fathers put a free press and freedom of speech first among rights. Without access to information there can be no informed consent and without informed consent there can be no freedom.

Your rights end at my nose. No right is universal and unlimited. When the exercise of a perceived right impinges on the lives of others it is the duty and responsibility of law to limit that right. You may shout “FIRE” in a crowded theater, but only if there is a fire.

Freedom for the thought we hate. Every thought, however hateful and base, should be tolerated if for no other reason than to illuminate the ignorance of those who hold it. However, when that thought, given voice, endangers the rights and well being of others it is the duty and responsibility of society to discourage it.

That all men are created equal. Those words are more true today than they were in 1776. No human being should be denied equal opportunity and equal protection under the law for any reason; not by government or business or other individuals. There are no special rights, only Human Rights.

To promote the general welfare. Liberals believe these words are as important today as they were in 1787 when the Founding Fathers penned them to the preamble to the Constitution. Their meaning is no different today than it was then. Those things which we can do for the betterment of our fellow citizens and the strength of our nation we must do.

The common defense. Liberty only exists if we are free from threats within and without. To this end Liberals believe in a strong defense lead by diplomacy from strength and backed by the most powerful military in the world. The power of many is greater than the power of one and it is through ties with close allies that war is averted, but should diplomacy fail let no nation or foe doubt the awful outcome of war with this free nation.

A fair and just society. To whom much is given much will be asked and to whom much is entrusted much more will be expected. This is the basis of fairness and justice. The powerful protect the weak; the wealthy help the poor and the well fed feed the hungry. Not from force but from the basic goodness of the human spirit.

These things I believe and they are why I am proud to say that I am a Liberal.

[polichick]

1. k&r...

LIBERAL: open-minded, tolerant, free from prejudice or bigotry.
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[Yogi]

2. Outstanding!

k&r

[ellenfl]

3. kick for later eom