Well, I certainly admire your audacity in coming into the Lion's Den to chat with the lions. (Any kamakazes in your family tree?) Bear in mind some lions are more civil than others and you should have a good time and perhaps learn somethings around here - we might learn something, too.
I think that the liberalism most people around these parts detest is actually socialism. No body will argue for moment that we should provide our children the best possible education - most of the debate around here begins when schools are used as political indoctrination camps versus imparting the knowledge that makes a productive future citizen? There's nothing wrong with a social safety net - but, when it breeds a generation of people who make it a profession in and of itself, something has gone haywire? When society wants to pick my pocket to redistribute the fruits of my labors to folks too poorly prepared (the schools again?) or unmotivated to get off their duffs -- I have a problem with that - particularly the part where it is given as a handout, not preparation to get ahead in the world?
Excuses, slogans, and eyewash programs that only serve to employ legions of bureaucrats are not the answer - only treating a symptom and propagating the problem. This is the socialist utopia I fear some would saddle us with if left unchecked.
Perhaps we should begin by defining terms - are we talking about liberalism or socialism?
Are there still any government-run schools that actually manage to impart knowledge needed to become a productive future citizen? Wow!