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<TITLE>RE: [Vision2020] Liberal Agenda?</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Greetings Visionaries:<BR>
<BR>
I'm on a futile crusade to bring everyone back to the original meaning of the word "liberal," from the Latin word "liberalis," meaning "pertaining to a free person," the "liberi" as opposed to the "servi," the "serfs" who were not free.<BR>
<BR>
The genius of the American and French Revolutions was the declaration that we are all free with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The "servi" no longer exist.<BR>
<BR>
For more read my column "We Are All Liberals--Well, Almost All." (www.class.uidaho.edu/ngier/liberalism.htm) The exceptions are people such as Doug Wilson and his sordid gang of Paleo-Conservatives.<BR>
<BR>
May you all have a very Liberal Thanksgiving,<BR>
<BR>
Nick Gier<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
-----Original Message-----<BR>
From: vision2020-bounces@moscow.com on behalf of Kenneth Marcy<BR>
Sent: Wed 11/25/2009 9:27 AM<BR>
To: vision2020@moscow.com<BR>
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Liberal Agenda?<BR>
<BR>
On Tuesday 24 November 2009 18:43:03 John Pool wrote:<BR>
> I'm confused. Just what *is* a liberal agenda? Is it something that<BR>
> all liberals have to agree on, or just some? Does it have to be a<BR>
> majority, or can it be less than that? What happens if a moderate<BR>
> or centrist seeks the same end? Does that make her/him a liberal<BR>
> automatically? I'd like some clarification here.<BR>
<BR>
When the phrase "liberal agenda" is used, usually it is a pejorative<BR>
reference by someone talking against whatever is perceived to be<BR>
undesirable about the matters to which they refer. The phrase has<BR>
developed into a shorthand ad hominem argument against whatever<BR>
policy the (conservative) speaker opposes.<BR>
<BR>
Liberal is a relative term that needs a reference points in time and<BR>
place, culture and subject, and policy status quo vis-à-vis someone<BR>
observing. To use it without such referents may be diversionary and<BR>
counterproductive toward effective discussion, which may be the<BR>
desired effect.<BR>
<BR>
I suspect actual liberals just dispense with using the term in favor<BR>
of something more specific, such as legislative agenda or party<BR>
platform. On the other hand, in the case of Thanksgiving, a well-set<BR>
table and congenial guests make the agenda and the event the same.<BR>
Happy Holiday.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Ken<BR>
<BR>
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