One definition:
*Communism:
n 1: a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership 2: a political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society *
None of my Liberal friends advocate the abolishment of personal property-- far from it. In fact, they’re happy Capitalists who, like most Americans, want to own a lot of stuff.
Second, most of my Liberal friends are college-educated, and anyone who’s ever taken a Sociology course knows that a “classless society” is an utter impossibility. It goes against everything in human nature.
A second definition:
*com·mu·nism
n.
A theoretical economic system characterized by the collective ownership of property and by the organization of labor for the common advantage of all members.
Communism
A system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy and a single, often authoritarian party holds power, claiming to make progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the people.
The Marxist-Leninist version of Communist doctrine that advocates the overthrow of capitalism by the revolution of the proletariat. *
Again, I’ve never seen any of my friends advocating for any of the above. They support our Capatalist system, abhor the idea of a single party being in power, and have no interest in overthrowing the government.
*lib·er·al
adj.
Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded. *
I somewhat agree with this definition of Liberalism: favoring reform, and not limited to the status quo. I have known a few Liberals who aren’t necessarily all that tolerantt, but I think that the basic premis of Liberalism is to tolerate other’s religious, moral and political views. I’ve never considered Liberalism to be advocates of censorship, or of resrticting freedom.
These are just my opinion, and a few definitions from Dictionary.com. Some Liberals may dissagree.