Inkwell Institute
Subject: Governance/Liberalism/Political Theory
Paper #16
When DID “Liberal” become a dirty word? As far as I can tell it began back in the 80’s and it kept morphing through the 90’s and until today when it is a vile attack on a person who may have an opposing view of government than a conserv. No longer is there any toleration for opposing ideology, instead it is to attack and demonize. I am sure that in the past that opposites did mumbling insults…but it was just that a mumble and in the end they could still be civil to each other and respect each others ideology….those day are gone! Now it is easier to throw insults than to have a substantive debate or exchange…this is so sad on so many levels….the most important it spits in the face of the Founders….and secondly, it is so much crap!
Modern liberalism was become a dirty word to most conservatives, especially those on the extreme Right that spend their time demonizing their fellow Americans to gain some minor political advantage…and then you have those who try to reduce ideas to catch phrases and simplistic mind games, instead of having a realistic exchange of ideas……personally, I think that they are the most useless of individuals and definitely un-American, to use one of the INSULTS the pea brains throw around. Yes, I have NO use for these demented little pricks.
With my anger out of the way….let us look at modern liberalism…..
Modern Liberalism is basically defined by a set of beliefs. These being individuality, positive freedom, social liberalism and economic management Individuality means that the individual is promoted to refine their intellect, their skills and knowledge, and their sensibilities. Positive Freedom is the ability to develop and attain individuality through the realization of his/her potential and achieve personal fulfillment. The state cannot force people to act in a good way, but it can provide the conditions for reasonable moral decisions. Now, social liberalism……where the government or state seeks to help society overcome poverty, disease and ignorance. In the 20th century governments sought to achieve national efficiency, a healthier work force and stronger standing armies. Finally there is economic management…..the modern liberal does NOT believe in a self-regulating market or laissez faire capitalism. They believe that unregulated capitalism will bring about low investment, and social fragmentation or a complete breakdown.
In conclusion, the modern liberal embraces the tenants of social liberalism, personal growth, enabling state, managed economy, social responsibility, the welfare state and the desire to eliminate poverty.
This is a stark polar opposite of the conservative, which will be described in my next lesson…