On Liberal Becoming a Bad Word

I have noticed over the last 5-7 years how much 'liberal' has become a bad word. An insult even. I have to admit that even I have shied away from it in the last couple of years when I describe my political views, opting instead for the as of yet relatively untainted title of "progressive."

There are definately aspects to this title that I think accurately describe my views. After all, I am most interested in seeing society in a state of constant re-evaluation and progress, always working toward what Barack Obama recently described as "a more perfect union."

However, in forsaking the term liberal I worry that we might forsake the values that are inherent within it. I have been listening to Sunday sermons from Seattle's University Unitarian Church lately. The head minister at UUC is a profoundly thoughtful man by the name of Reverend Jon Luopa. In an excellent sermon from last Sunday he brought to the attention of his listeners that the translation of the hebrew liberal means magnanimus. This caused me to reflect (something a public leader should do) more on the subject. Should I be embarrassed of the title liberal? Is not magnanimity a value that I proudly aspire towards? A value that I hold dearly?

Now labels are just labels and all too often they artificially disect us into conflicting parties, create false dichotomies, or paint us into boxes in which no individual could exclusively reside. But I am not entirely against labels because they help describe and allow us to make some initial, although superficial, determinations. They provide a starting point.

Unfortunately, I think liberals/progressives have been far too willing to allow others to define the terms by which we identify ourselves. I think magnanimity is not something from which I should shy away.