People have become supercharged about the word “liberal” not being a dirty word anymore.
One of the reasons is because the party in power has been chaotic, incompetent and cruel to say the least.
The word “liberal” has been demonized for decades and I can attest to that because I have been through that hateful period in American history when “liberal” was a dirty word.
I never flinched from calling myself a “liberal,” because I was proud to be a “liberal” for all the social reforms that “liberals” brought to America.
Examples: unemployment benefits, civil rights movement, affirmative action, economic and welfare reforms, Social Security benefits, labor rights, access to abortion, emphasized higher education, health care benefits, environmental protection, police and criminal justice reform,
These reforms reflect “a commitment to social equality, economic justice and the protection of individuals, shaping modern American society.” Source: Search Assist, History News Network.
“Liberal” Americans now self-identify themselves as “liberals,” feeling that they are for freedom, feeling that they can achieve, feeling that they are willing to stand against big power, and stand up on behalf of individuals who are in need of support.
The term “liberal” is no longer viewed negatively, especially within the Democratic Party.
It represents a commitment to social progress and individual rights.
The word “liberal” was described to mean big government in the last 30-40 years, which is totally contrary to what its meaning was in the 19th and early 20th century.
To quote Hillary Clinton: “‘Liberals’ believe strongly in individual rights and freedoms, also that they believe that we are better as a society when working together and when we find ways for those who may not have all the advantages in life as others.”
The “liberal” goal is to give disadvantaged people the tools to work with so that they can progress to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family.
In retrospect, all the above “liberal” social benefits are very positive for the American people, giving them a better way of life in America without chaos, fear, and with freedom and “justice for all.”
Lois Eisenberg
Valencia
