Changes

A '''Liberal''' is a believer in many of the following political positions:

A '''Liberal''' is a believer in many of the following political positions:

* belief in an inherent link between increased socio-economic equality and practical freedom

* denial of inherent [[gender differences]] and wanting men and women to have the same jobs in the [[military]]

* the equal value of all human beings

* taxpayer-funded [[abortion]]

* that individuals have a moral responsibility for the welfare of all members of their society

* taxpayer-funded healthcare

* belief that a 'small state' results in impoverishment and increased inequality, reducing freedom and preventing social mobility

* universal, free provision of healthcare and education for all, regardless of ability to pay

* [[same-sex marriage]]

* [[same-sex marriage]]

* support of [[affirmative action]]

* support of [[affirmative action]]

* support for labour unions, aiming to redress the imbalance in power between workers and employers

* support of [[political correctness]] <ref>[http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/27429.html Politically Correct Terrorism] ''The Conservative Voice'', August 21, 2007</ref>

* [[censorship]] of [[prayer]] in classrooms from any religion

* elimination of [[abstinence]]-only program funding <ref> [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,286671,00.html Democrats Aim To Kill Abstinence-Only Program Funding], [[Fox News]], Monday, June 25, 2007</ref>

* elimination of [[abstinence]]-only program funding <ref> [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,286671,00.html Democrats Aim To Kill Abstinence-Only Program Funding], [[Fox News]], Monday, June 25, 2007</ref>

* redistribution of income from the rich to the poor, with the aim of increased freedom

* [[income redistribution]], usually through progressive taxation

* a "[[living Constitution]]" that is reinterpreted rather than an unchanging Constitution as written

* a "[[living Constitution]]" that is reinterpreted rather than an unchanging Constitution as written

* support for [[gun control]]

* support for [[gun control]]

*[[environmentalism]] <ref> [[Greenpeace]] engages in environmentalism.</ref>

*[[environmentalism]] <ref> [[Greenpeace]] engages in environmentalism.</ref>

* [[disarmament treaties]]

* [[disarmament treaties]]

* opposition to an aggressive American foreign policy <ref>Stefaan Walgrave and Joris Verhulst, [http://nicomedia.math.upatras.gr/conf/CAWM2003/Papers/Verhulst.pdf The February 15 Worldwide Protests against a War in Iraq: An Empirical Test of Transnational Opportunities. Outline of a Research Programme](PDF).</ref>

* opposition to a strong American foreign policy <ref>Stefaan Walgrave and Joris Verhulst, [http://nicomedia.math.upatras.gr/conf/CAWM2003/Papers/Verhulst.pdf The February 15 Worldwide Protests against a War in Iraq: An Empirical Test of Transnational Opportunities. Outline of a Research Programme](PDF).</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>

* firm belief in a strong public morality of deceny, fraternity and concern for others' wellbeing, preferring co-operation over competition

* limit [[conservative]] talk radio by reinstating the [[Fairness Doctrine]]

==Liberalism in Europe today==

==Liberalism in Europe today==

In fact, the US meaning of liberal is more similar to the politics of European [[socialist]] or [[social democracy | social democratic]] parties.<ref>[http://www.pes.org]</ref>.

In fact, the US meaning of liberal is more similar to the politics of European [[socialist]] or [[social democracy | social democratic]] parties.<ref>[http://www.pes.org]</ref>.

Liberalism is a political philosophy with freedom as its core value. The term was originally applied to supporters of individual liberties and equal rights, but the term has come to represent a movement of social change that often conflicts with [[conservative]] values such as self-interest and rejection of moral responsibility for society's problems. [[Democrats]] and many media outlets in the [[U.S.]] often have [[liberal bias]].

is a political philosophy with freedom as its core value. The term was originally applied to supporters of individual liberties and equal rights, but the term has come to represent a movement of social change that often conflicts with [[conservative]] values such as moral values and tradition. [[Democrats]] and many media outlets in the [[U.S.]] often have [[liberal bias]].

==Historical Liberalism ==

==Historical Liberalism ==