According to Dictionary.com the word "Liberal" means:
1. favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2. (often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.
3. of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.
4. favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
5. favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
6. of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.
7. free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
8. open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.
9. characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.
10. given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.
11. not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.
12. of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.
13. of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman. –noun
14. a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in politics or religion.
15. (often initial capital letter) a member of a liberal party in politics, esp. of the Liberal party in Great Britain.
[Origin: 1325–75; ME < class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">liberals of freedom, befitting the free, equiv. to līber free + -ālis -al1] —Related forms
—Synonyms 1. progressive. 7. broad-minded, unprejudiced. 9. beneficent, charitable, openhanded, munificent, unstinting, lavish. See generous. 10. See ample.
When did this word take on a negative connotation? Many of the political changes that have improved America came from liberals, Democrat, Republican, or any other party. Using this term to be derogatory to Democrats is just plain stupid. I know many Democrats who are not only gun owners but are ardent supports of the 2nd Amendment. Berating these people is shooting our own brothers in the foot.
Why is the term Liberal so well established in the Pro-2nd as a term of dis-endearment? Let's be real. They are the Anti's, we are the pro. Not all gun owners are Republicans and not all Republicans are pro-guns. The Democrats are not all Anti-2nd and many are gun owners.
Stop flaming our others.
