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==Liberalism in the US today==

==Liberalism in the US today==

===Liberal Views===

Modern liberalism in the US is typically associated with the left of the political spectrum. The word "Liberal" can mean different things at different times, but is often used as synonym for "Democrat". In the postwar period, "Liberals" advocated equal rights between races and sexes, and also for sexual freedom. At the same time they supported government intervention in the economy and welfare state policies, as well as peaceful coexistence with the communist block, which are not liberal policies in the sense of classical liberalism. After the end of the cold war, with the demise of socialism and communism, many Liberals embraced some idea from economic neo-liberalism, and coined it the "Third Way". In the area of national security and foreign policy Liberals in the US failed to define a consistent stance, even after the events of 9/11 and the beginning of the war in Iraq.  Liberals still support socially liberal position when it comes to affirmative action, gay marriage, and abortion. 

 

Many of the following views are held by Americans who consider themselves 'liberals':

Many of the following views are held by Americans who consider themselves 'liberals':

* support of obscenity and pornography as a [[First Amendment]] right<ref>The [[Warren Court]], led by [[liberal]] Justices [[William O. Douglas]], [[Hugo Black]], [[Abe Fortas]], [[William Brennan]] and Chief Justice [[Earl Warren]] issued 36 decisions granting [[First Amendment]] rights to obscenity and pornography.  These decisions remain fully supported by liberals today.</ref>

* support of obscenity and pornography as a [[First Amendment]] right<ref>The [[Warren Court]], led by [[liberal]] Justices [[William O. Douglas]], [[Hugo Black]], [[Abe Fortas]], [[William Brennan]] and Chief Justice [[Earl Warren]] issued 36 decisions granting [[First Amendment]] rights to obscenity and pornography.  These decisions remain fully supported by liberals today.</ref>

* opposition to full private property rights<ref>For example, the liberal wing of the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] issued the 5-4 [[Kelo v. City of New London]] decision authorizing the taking of private property by government in order to give the property to another private entity rather than convert it to a public use.</ref>

* opposition to full private property rights<ref>For example, the liberal wing of the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] issued the 5-4 [[Kelo v. City of New London]] decision authorizing the taking of private property by government in order to give the property to another private entity rather than convert it to a public use.</ref>

==Liberalism in Europe today==

==Liberalism in Europe today==

One definition of liberal is anything that is not conservative.  For example, the American Heritage Dictionary includes this definition of "liberal":<ref>Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal</ref>   

One definition of liberal is anything that is not conservative.  For example, the American Heritage Dictionary includes this definition of "liberal":<ref>Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal</ref>   

* Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas ...

* Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas ...

==See Also==

==See Also==