[eusebioCBR]

Quote: (Originally Posted by RalphyS)

Just to pick up on this, first of all I never understood the negative connotation that Americans have given the word "liberal", mostly pre-empted by "bleeding heart". When I learned about liberalism in history class on school, I was totally for it and if you read the definition on wikipedia, I don't see what anyone could have against that:



I do find individual liberty one of the most important things we achieved as humans throughout history. I do consider myself a liberal as defined above.

Than on a second note, the disparagement with which you name the "uneducated unwashed masses". I suppose it's allright for you yourself to have a life of fortune, while others may starve. I am not a communist, not even a socialist, but I do feel every human being has the responsibility to try and decrease suffering in the world to a bare minimum. Ofcourse everybody able is also responsible to work for his living etcetera, but there are those less fortunate in the world or in our own countries, who may have not the earning capacity, physically or mentally, to live minimally decent life and I do feel that the government should look out for these weakest elements in our society. I am willing to pay taxes for that and also for the possibility that I some day may not be able to fend for myself, due to circumstances, god forbid (manor of speaking as you know I'm atheist).

This is what grosses me out mostly about conservatives/republicans, it's always me, me, me and let the rest of the world rot. And it's not only economically, abortion and gay marriage should be forbidden, because they (or if you like it better their idea of a god) forbids it, it doesn't matter what others think about it. The idea of "you are for or against us", I always think there are more colours than black and white, I could go on, but I've rambled enough.

I grew up in a home with a combined income of about fifteen thousand dollars a year. That's not a whole lot of money in America during the seventies and eighties. Actually my first home was trailer or a caravan. Both of my parents dropped out of school and spent most of their lives as seasonal agriculture laborers. I have been the recipient of government assistance and I have experienced the sort of redicule and prejudice from others who had the "life of fortune" you suggest I speak from. I do understand need so there is no need imply that not being liberal is equal to having no sympathy and believing in no assistance for anyone.

I believe the main difference between both ideals in America is the qeustion of more or less government. I see it as the choice between the Democrats and European democracy or the Republicans being the most electable party that will represent and defend my CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC. There's a whole lot more but time isn't on my side.