General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Contrary to popular opinion, DU is supposed to be for politically *liberal* people. Either that or [View all]Agnosticsherbet
(11,619 posts)Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and equality of opportunity. Liberalism support a number of key principles, including extensive freedom of thought, freedom of speech, limitations on the power of governments, rule of law, free exchange of ideas, a market or mixed economy (think Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations), and a transparent system of government. Liberals tend to support a liberal democracy, with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law. The exact policies of different liberal governments around the world vary. It should be noted for the edification of lurkers that liberalism and socialism are different in that economic freedom (the right to own a business/means of production) has classically been a part of liberalism. Many policies borrowed from socialism work perfectly within a liberal democracy, especially those that aid the poor and limit the power of the wealthy. Differences between liberals come down to differences in what policies will be best in enhancing individual liberty and furthering a liberal Democracy.
That is a definition based on political science, but liberals are not the only group we have here, we have Progressives, and Progressives are not liberals in the historic sense. A really good discussion on Liberalism and Progressivism can be found in the following "New Republic" article.
Another good link by the same author, "My short history of liberalism By Eric Rauchway."