Alright, this is just a question regarding terminology on the board, with no real factual answer, so I’m not posting it in GQ. Though I haven’t spent much time in GD or the Pit, I have noticed that a lot of people seem to use the term “liberal” to describe a left-leaning person. But… I was taught that “liberal” was in the middle of the spectrum, with differences from both the right and the left.
Am I incorrect, or what?
I think “liberal= leftie” is an Americanism. In the 1800’s Liberals were people who believed in laissez-faire economics and opposed protectionism - esentially what we call “fiscal conservatives” here today.
Around the Great Depression, it became associated in the United States with the “New Deal” of Roosevelt, and Keynesian economics. “Conservative” came to represent the older laissez-faire politics. Sometimes, to add to the confusion, they are called “neoliberals”.
Over time “liberalism” in the US became less identified with fiscal policy and more identified with social programs. In 1988, Michael Dukakis’ past ACLU membership led him to be tagged a “card carrying liberal” for instance. “Liberal” has practically degenarated into a generic term of abuse by some right wingers for anyone who thinks differently.
Then again, a lot of American “liberals” of the Clinton and Gore persuasion really are between the right and what I would call true “left wing” politics (the left of Europe especially).
Democrats = left= liberal
Republicans= right= conservative
When people start complaining about “right wingers” or “liberals” they’re often talking about more about people more to extreme left and right than moderates within the parties. Funny how things that should sound innocent have interesting conotations when someone is ranting…