Online Contest: What does liberalism stand for - in one sentence of no more than 30 words

Anybody who's ever had to raise money knows the meaning of the phrase "elevator pitch": You're in an elevator with a potential moneybags, and you have, say, seven floors to tell him why he should write you a check.

Well, we all know the basic outline of conservatism's elevator pitch: "We believe in freedom and liberty, and we're for low taxes, less government, traditional values, and a strong national defense." But what is liberalism's? We at the Prospect have, among us, attended or sat on about eleventy hundred panels since the election at which someone invariably says something like the following: "We know what conservatives stand for. But what do we stand for?"

No one in Washington seems to know. So we turn to you. Give us liberalism's elevator pitch.

We want you to submit a single sentence of no more than 30 words; click here to send an email to our editors. Please include your name and hometown (or, if you'd prefer that we withhold your name if we post your entry, let us know that instead). We’ll post some of our favorite entries as they come in, so bookmark this page and check back regularly. The Prospect staff will choose a winner by February 11, and he or she will receive a free one-year subscription to the Prospect, a copy of Arthur Schlesinger Jr.'s The Vital Center, an invitation to join our staff for a night out at our favorite haunt, and Robert Reich's voice on the home answering machine.

From the website -

* * *
Liberals stand for freedom of belief; opportunity and accountability; keeping faith with veterans, the elderly and less fortunate; prudent use of America’s bounty; a safer, better future for our children. --K.D., Mellenville, NY

Demand a fair shake from the big boys and give the breaks to the little guy. --M.G., San Luis Obispo, CA

Liberals do not believe that government is separate from society; government is part of society, a reflection of our highest ideals that promote the common good while protecting the individual. --N.M., Durham, NC

We defend democracy at home and abroad, hold our leaders accountable, and foster prosperity, opportunity and responsibility--the gatekeepers of our liberty and the moral obligation of us all. --J.P.

Americans seek responsible, democratic government charged with honoring the promises we made to ourselves in 1776: secure lives, robust opportunities, and the liberty to create and preserve satisfying communities. --M.M., Seattle, WA

We believe in the Bill of Rights. We believe in balanced budgets, strong defense, affordable health care, education, retirement security, a clean environment, moral responsibility and the right to privacy. --M.S., Fayetteville, NC

A liberal believes that the purpose of government is to improve the life of its citizens. --M.B., Wheatley Heights, NY

Liberalism embodies the ideals which founded our nation: inalienable human rights, government by the people, limited executive power, freedom of expression, and a social contract for all citizens. --T.B., Gardiner, ME

We're for a government that watches out for you, respects you and defends your freedoms and liberties, including freedoms from poverty, prejudice, fear, and want. --J.R., Lawrence, KS

Liberalism strives for a government that establishes justice, provides for the common defense, promotes the general welfare, and ensures the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. --G.N., Durango, CO

Liberalism stands for the inclination to look at things from the perspective of the poor, the disenfranchised, the oppressed - in other words, from the perspective of the world's majority. --R.A., Islamabad, Pakistan

Liberalism is big-hearted yet tough-minded. It means defending freedom while reducing inequality, delivering justice while promoting tolerance, and fostering prosperity while preserving our planet. --R.R., Los Angeles, CA

Liberals believe our common humanity endows each of us, individually, with the right to freedom, self-government, and opportunity; and binds all of us, together, in responsibility for securing those rights. --T.W., Brookline, MA

Liberals believe that every American deserves a fighting chance, and a fair chance. We passionately believe that America's strength flows from excellent education, strong businesses, quality healthcare, and justice. --K.W., Bellevue, WA

We stand for a moral society, a sound government, cost-effective national defense, compassionate taxes for the poor and the middle class and liberty unfettered by government intrusions. --Anonymous

Liberalism stands for long-term improvement in the basic condition of people here and abroad so they can participate fully in democracy. --J.E., Madison, WI

We believe in freedom and liberty, and we're for low taxes, less government, traditional values, and a strong national defense. Only we mean it. --J.P.

Liberalism is the recognition that good government is necessary to promote security, prosperity, equal opportunity, and personal freedom. --C.M., Washington, DC

Liberalism is the philosophy that the government should leave people alone, and should expend a substantial portion of our national income on the common good. --G.A., Santa Barbara, CA

We believe in freedom and equal opportunity for all, we believe government is the instrument of the people's will to make life better for all Americans, particularly the most needy. --D.M.

We believe that all people, not corporations, are equal under the law and that the interests of our country are promoted by the goverment helping the least of our citizens. --M.C., Detroit, MI

We believe in freedom, justice, tolerance and compassion, and we re for working families, good government, equal opportunity for all, and a world that respects our shared human dignity. --A.K., Chicago, IL

Liberals see health, education, and defense as needs too precious for market vagaries, because public commitments and personal freedom require each other the same way balanced government branches protect democracy. --Anonymous

We believe in balancing competition with cooperation, balancing strength with wisdom, balancing personal responsibility with responsibility towards others, balancing individuality with community, and that we are stronger united than divided. --C.U.

We liberals believe in expanding opportunity for all, protecting our health and environment, defending our nation with confidence, and treating other peoples and nations with respect. --E.W.

We believe in personal freedom and responsibility; in accountable, unintrusive government; in protecting our children's health and prosperity; and for standing strong with allies against terror and tyranny. --A.C., Chicago, IL

We seek justice, peace, and prosperity for all by championing human rights and civic virtues, for from these wellsprings, we believe, flows the true power of our beloved Democracy. --J.W., Clifton, VA

We're for a strong military that we use wisely to defend our freedom; we want good jobs, good schools, equal rights, and a fair playing field for all American families. --J.P., San Diego, CA

We're for government that stays out of bedrooms, keeps an eye on boardrooms, and protects our poorest from disease and hunger so they can focus on building a better life. --K., New York, NY

Liberalism means unwavering concern for our poorest and sickest, robust care of our youngest and oldest, fair taxation, fiscally responsible governments, socially responsible markets, and worldwide respect for the U.S.A. --A.G., Murphy, TX

Liberals believe in a secure homeland, political equality, economic fairness, and cultural pluralism at home and abroad. --W.C., Notre Dame, IN

Liberalism is the revolutionary idea that freedom, justice, security and peace are inextricable, at home and abroad. --S.A., Washington, DC

Liberalism stands for the use of government to help those who can't help themselves, the restraint of government in private matters, and the spread of democracy and peace abroad. --D.M.

We are strongest when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, all partners in the American Dream. --J.G., Los Angeles, CA

Liberalism walks the tightrope between its foundation in personal liberties and the acknowledgment that some government intrusion in our daily lives is necessary to ameliorate the worst excesses of capitalism. --J.S.

Liberalism is responsible and accountable government, balanced budgets, human rights, and world leadership in health, education, and democracy. --D.L., Logan, UT

We believe that government can and should keep the playing fields level, assist those harmed by fate, and encourage freedom, democracy, and the rule of law around the world. --H.L., Seattle, WA

We believe that free belief and expression, government accountability, and the rule of law are central to our civilization, and that government can bring equality into an unfair world. --M.S., San Diego, CA

Liberalism stands for democratic capitalism: the systematic use of the democratic political process to assure that those who lack power in the economy are still assured of dignity, equality and opportunity. --J.S., Rochester, NY

The liberal agenda celebrates the right to life (affordable health care), liberty (privacy, freedom of religion) and the pursuit of happiness (education, equality between genders, races and creeds). --R.L.

I am my brother's/sister's keeper but not his/her judge. --C.M.

We believe in personal freedom, democracy, security, and shared responsibility, and we're for responsible government, a clean, healthy environment, progressive taxes, caring for the less fortunate, civil rights, equal opportunity, and positive international relations. --D.A., Damascus, OR

Liberalism upholds the notion that societies can rise above a free-for-all, enter-at-your-own-risk, caveat emptor culture. --M.S.

Democratic government should protect individuals from the tyranny of private or corporate interest, promote the welfare of all, defend the nation, and make it a good citizen of the world. --D.C.

We are a nation of immigrants with an enduring faith in hard work, committed to sacrificing for our families, who realize the Good Life is possible if we work together. --M.G., San Francisco, CA

Liberals believe in providing economic opportunity and security for all Americans, protecting the freedom and dignity of all people, and using America’s power to make the world a better place. --M.R., Chicago, IL

We’re for civil rights, economic justice, and a strong, moral foreign policy that promotes international security. We believe in the values of community, tolerance, and responsibility. --E.L., Brooklyn, NY

Equality for all, privilege for none. --M.O.

Democrats stand for national and individual security, government accountability, honesty in dealing with the American people and with other nations, and equality for all persons, regardless of their social position. --D.M., Marysville, CA

We believe in the fundamental equality of all; the right to a fair wage, affordable medical care, a safe environment, and a strong defense coupled with a compassionate foreign policy. --M.D., West Bloomfield, MI

We believe an excellent school is every child's birthright, a fair wage is the price of hard work, and American might must neither be questioned nor used for questionable means. --I.M.

We believe in individual freedom, mutual responsibility and equity. We’re for broad prosperity, tangible family supports, healthy citizens, government accountability, and leading by moral example. --C.S., St. Charles, IL

Democrats stand for a level playing field: opportunity and education; good health and good jobs; personal safety and financial security; tolerance and freedom; and a government accountable to the people. --S.P, Hudson, NY

Liberals believe in creating an efficient government and a fair economy so that we can expand opportunity to all and protect the dignity of all. --J.G., Boston, MA

Liberals stand for opportunity for the little guy and gal; for investing in America's future and demanding a return on our common investment. --M.A., Kenosha, WI

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.