23 Jun 2020 2:08 pm
Originally Posted By KiwiRoller
Difficult question, as with a lot of definitions it is open to a wide variety of interpretations, including differentiating 'liberal' from 'progressive'. In America it seems like Democratic Socialists, Social Democrats, and Free Market 'Liberals' that believe in a 'free market economy' and also support civil rights or human rights, are lumped together.
So, if I was to define what I believe is a true liberal/progressive, it would be: Support for human rights, and not distinguishing the right to healthcare, education, a living wage, or living conditions from that of being free from discrimination or persecution. That means always working towards a fairer and more compassionate society. Believe in a tax system that distributes from the top 1% and very wealthy corporations, down to the rest of the population through social services, infrastructure, and so on. Support Civil Liberties, even if at times this might conflict with economic, foreign policy, or national security.
This means if not opposing the TPP and Freedom Act, then really taking a critical eye to both. Be against corporate and government corruption, whether in politics or on the street, and support a cleaner political system and society as a whole. Support minorities and political dissidents, if they believe a group or individual are being unfairly treated or discriminated against. This can mean LGBT, Muslims, Blacks, Jews, Atheists/Agnostics, illegal/legal immigrants, whistleblowers, and so on. That's a brief list, but a meaningful one.
Difficult question, as with a lot of definitions it is open to a wide variety of interpretations, including differentiating 'liberal' from 'progressive'. In America it seems like Democratic Socialists, Social Democrats, and Free Market 'Liberals' that believe in a 'free market economy' and also support civil rights or human rights, are lumped together.
So, if I was to define what I believe is a true liberal/progressive, it would be: Support for human rights, and not distinguishing the right to healthcare, education, a living wage, or living conditions from that of being free from discrimination or persecution. That means always working towards a fairer and more compassionate society. Believe in a tax system that distributes from the top 1% and very wealthy corporations, down to the rest of the population through social services, infrastructure, and so on. Support Civil Liberties, even if at times this might conflict with economic, foreign policy, or national security.
This means if not opposing the TPP and Freedom Act, then really taking a critical eye to both. Be against corporate and government corruption, whether in politics or on the street, and support a cleaner political system and society as a whole. Support minorities and political dissidents, if they believe a group or individual are being unfairly treated or discriminated against. This can mean LGBT, Muslims, Blacks, Jews, Atheists/Agnostics, illegal/legal immigrants, whistleblowers, and so on. That's a brief list, but a meaningful one.