Yes, I read the article, it is a nice resource, actually. I think I'll bookmark it.
I happen to agree with your assessment of Kerry, the Republicans and the state of socialism in the US.
It's hard to tell what principles Kerry has, if any. It would seem that they are leftist, but he is coy. The history that you've assembled gives an indication at least.
My definition of socialism is pretty standard, I think: a democratic political system in which everyone works for the common good of the community, this goal being achieved through an egalitarianism which not only seeks equality among men, but seeks common ownership of the means of production, in other words, collectivism. The fact that such a system is by definition totalitarian seems to escape most liberals, but, IMO, is appreciated by many politicians on the left, if not the right.
Many liberals that I talk to will tell me that their guiding principles are the same as mine, individual freedom!
But they always vote left, no matter what, "by the issues," as they say. The fact that liberals are tricked into voting, in the service of various causes, for giving arbitrary and increasing power to central government has led me to the recent conclusion that "liberals" actually do not have any political principles at all.
Of course here I am drawing a distinction between "liberals" and true socialists or leftists who do actually have political principles, the principles of socialism.
supposedly if you ask the question, What is liberty? And make people choose A) the freedom to do what you want or B) freedom from restraints
Conservatives generalyl choose B and Liberals generally choose A. Because that is how they define it in their minds.
"Of course here I am drawing a distinction between "liberals" and true socialists or leftists who do actually have political principles, the principles of socialism."
- as your tag line says, many Democrats are heard animals. Most of them know not what they do.
The absolute worst kind are those that know the results of liberalims/socialism but still politik in it for political gain. These people are scum.
And your conclusion abotu political prinicpals is interesting. I'll have to think about that one.