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Because they got offended when they were called socialist and progressive didn't stick *NM* random thoughts Send a noteboard - 09/02/2010 02:09:10 PM
Just a little something that I have been wondering about for years. In Europe (and as far as I can tell also in Japan with the Liberal Democratic Party and probably other Asian countries as well), the term "liberal" (as a political term) denotes a party or politician that specifically starts with the freedom of individuals making their own choices. It started with the ideas of John Locke in the 17th century and the name "liberal" is derived from the Latin Liberalis or "free" (as far as I can tell, my Latin is a bit rusty - please feel free to improve my language skills).
It usually denotes political views propagating free trade, individual freedom and taking away barriers for individuals to grow (smaller government bodies, lower taxes, etc), but also a strict separation of church and state.
Liberal is usually considered (central-)right.

In The US however, "liberal" is more or less equated with left-wing politics. I have seen it equated with big government, big spending and anti-freedom.

How did that distinction start? Where does it originate?
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Why does the American interpretation of "liberal" differ from the European? Artsapat - 09/02/2010 09:15:39 AM 723 Views
For the last century or so liberal has meant the same in the UK as in the US. Liam - 09/02/2010 09:30:07 AM 638 Views
Especially from the more outspoken Republicans... Artsapat - 09/02/2010 09:45:35 AM 443 Views
Because the US started off with the idea of freedom of individuals... MightyYT - 09/02/2010 09:40:59 AM 493 Views
Using that word "marxist" really undermines the credibility of your post. *NM* Legolas - 09/02/2010 10:25:42 AM 170 Views
Only to people who don't understand Marxism in the slightest! *NM* MightyYT - 09/02/2010 02:32:39 PM 168 Views
Eh, obviously you can point to elements of Marxist influence in the Democratic Party... Legolas - 09/02/2010 02:52:34 PM 453 Views
True... MightyYT - 09/02/2010 08:50:21 PM 437 Views
The Democratic Party. People in the party are Democrats. Ghavrel - 09/02/2010 09:22:00 PM 434 Views
Anytime the people who object to an ideology are permitted to define it... Dannymac - 09/02/2010 10:56:46 PM 406 Views
To some extent I agree with you. PhotoJim - 09/02/2010 12:36:28 PM 445 Views
If the term Big Business MightyYT - 09/02/2010 02:38:33 PM 438 Views
John Locke! OMFG Lost! ironclad - 09/02/2010 10:06:16 AM 461 Views
I think it's because in America it means "socially liberal" Tom - 09/02/2010 01:44:48 PM 472 Views
I'm with Tom, here. *NM* lord-of-shadow - 09/02/2010 07:34:46 PM 219 Views
Because they got offended when they were called socialist and progressive didn't stick *NM* random thoughts - 09/02/2010 02:09:10 PM 178 Views
Hah. Progressive wasn't dirty-sounding enough for the other side to go along with it *NM* lord-of-shadow - 09/02/2010 07:35:35 PM 207 Views
no were just not willing to let them soil another word random thoughts - 09/02/2010 08:18:58 PM 410 Views
And to think, the antonym to Pro is Con... MightyYT - 09/02/2010 08:52:30 PM 459 Views
1988. george bush vs. michael dukakis moondog - 10/02/2010 03:37:13 AM 445 Views
Sorta like "racist" is used by the left. *NM* beckstcw - 14/02/2010 06:31:50 PM 180 Views
no. not even close. moondog - 14/02/2010 08:19:33 PM 396 Views
In America we typically now refer to true liberals (i.e. Locke) as "classical liberal(ism)" Cannoli - 12/02/2010 05:06:38 AM 514 Views
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