Webster’s dictionary defines liberal as “Befitting a man of free birth; not restricted; as, a liberal manner or education; bestowing in a large and noble way; generous; bounteous; ample; not narrow or contracted in mind; broad-minded, etc”. Liberalism is defined in one example as a movement in contemporary Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity.
So I ask, since when did liberal become a dirty word?
I consider myself a liberal and yet when I say it out loud, I feel I need to add that I have high moral standards, strong feelings about right and wrong, attend and tithe to church, vote in every election, don’t drive in the carpool lane when I’m by myself and am a single mom who raised a college-educated young man who has been a successful and good person.
Roget’s II Thesaurus says to be liberal is to be not conservative in thought, expression, or conduct; favoring civil liberties and social progress; progressive.
Do I wish to give away the farm? No. Do I feel a moral obligation toward providing for those less fortunate than myself? Absolutely. I wish to share the abundance that can be inherent in the American dream and yet shy away from claiming it as the right way or the only way.
If my ideology and dialogue labels me liberal and something less than worthwhile, then I am sorry you will miss out on the conversation.
If being liberal means to you I may be un-American, then you are not worthy of my vote. I choose progress, openness to others, respect for differences and discussing your opinion and sharing mine.
I look forward to seeing you at the polling booth. I will be glad that in this place we are together, exercising our constitutional right to be heard. And yet, I’ll be in the liberal lane.
Lori White
Everett
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