Posted on 02/18/2005 2:52:25 PM PST by loe joe
Some of my friends, family members, and co-workers wonder how I could be a political liberal in the midst of this new swell of conservatism the United States. The answers to that are all too simple.
I am a liberal because the system originated by liberals called Social Security has made my parents' retirement more possible and comfortable than it would otherwise have been.
I am a liberal because the system originated by liberals called Medicare paid for my mother to have two knees and a hip replaced at a cost that otherwise could not have been born by all of her children together.
I am a liberal because Medicare paid for my father's operation to remove a cancerous kidney at a cost that would otherwise certainly have forced my parents to liquidate their assets.
I am a liberal because that system originated by liberals called WIC gives my daughter food stamps for cheese and milk and other necessities she needs to feed her children.
I am a liberal because that system demanded by liberals called company-paid employee medical insurance helps pay doctor bills for me and my wife and my daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren and sister and most of my other close relatives.
I am a liberal because the idea of autonomy of the individual is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the idea of political liberty is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because government by the consent of the governed is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the Bill of Rights is a set of liberal ideas which protect us all. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, freedom of the press, due process of law, freedom from torture, the right to face our accusers, the writ of habeas corpus, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure are all liberal ideas. Most people in the world do not have those rights.
I am a liberal because those liberal ideas in our Constitution give us control of our representatives from the school board to the Senate and President of the United States, give us the liberal idea of checks and balances, and the liberal idea of no taxation without representation.
I am a liberal because the idea of public education is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the idea of a five day work week is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the idea of a strong, well funded and disciplined military under civilian control is a liberal idea, as is the notion of Veteran's benefits and military retirement.
I am a liberal because the Geneva Conventions are a liberal idea. The conventions protect American prisoners and all prisoners of signees from torture and abuse.
I am a liberal because the idea of the public maintenance of roads is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because civil rights, children's rights, women's rights, and labor rights, are all liberal ideas.
I am a liberal because almost all the progressive ideas of the last four centuries have been liberal ideas resisted by the conservatives of their times. Those liberal ideas make this a better place to live for me, my family, my friends, my community, my country, and my world.
I ask people who insist on repudiating liberalism to please check off the liberal ideas above they are ready to do without.
I see those children's rights do not apply to unborn ones.
Please see my tagline. You can substitute "liberalism" for "socialism"...food for thought.
That's a great photo!
Well said!!
You are a liberal because both you and your family cannot make it on your own and NEED the government to take care of you (at somebody else's expense of course).
Just "food for though" you say? Sounds more to me like government sponsored "food to keep you alive".
"We were created to make our own way, provide for ourselves and our families, and be compassionate enough to give others a hand up on occasion."
Your story is very inspiring, and one that hits home with me.
Though I had never been on welfare, I live in a community where it's way of life. People casually collect food stamps, checks, etc., and even hide their earnings so they can claim eligibility. I was considered a "sucker" for not wanting to do this.
You might say I'm a moderate, rather than a liberal or a conservative. There is no shame in asking for help, when bad luck strikes -- as in your case. What happened to you -- I'm grateful you overcame it & no one should ever know from it -- was the original reason for welfare. Sometimes things come out of left field {loss of job, accident, etc.) that may warrant need for government assistance. But the feeling of dependence -- or worse, uselessness -- is painful & humiliating.
Me? I am working 2 jobs (my regular one that pays health insurance) & freelance. Sure, it's tough. But the feeling of self-sufficiency is worth it. What's more, I am able to tithe my earnings for charity, to help family members or others in greater need. And knowing I am a viable economic unit who can give back to society, rather than just take from it, makes me doubly grateful.
You aren't a liberal. You are an idiot. Oh I forgot thet is the same thing. Rights are a Constitutional Idea. Social programs suck and I can do without any of them.
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