I agree with both your statements. But I was asking about the way we conservatives get that message across. I believe calling someone a liberal has lost its punch.
It's been 15 years since our success in the Dukakis campaign, turning liberal into a slur. A whole new generation wasn't around when we taught that lesson so well. And there are a lot of people who weren't politically attuned back then, but now are. Whether because of the internet or 9/11, a lot of new people are paying attention.
I think we need to find a way of making those newcomers as leary of the liberal mindset as their predecessors were...and remain. Just saying "liberal, liberal, liberal" (ala Bob Dole) doesn't work anymore.
You are right on the liberal thing.