Liberal Principles

If the essence of liberalism could be summed up in one basic principle, it could be that liberals operate from the recognition that "we're all in this together,"  as opposed to the basic principle implied by conservatism being that "everyone is on their own, out to get what they can and what they deserve."

George W. Bush's handlers coined the phrase "compassionate conservative," which on the surface sounds catchy and appealing.  But the phrase is catchy or memorable largely because it is an oxymoron - there is no such thing in principle.  Not that Republicans or conservatives don't show genuine compassion at times, but that when they do they are departing from conservative political principles.  That's why "compassionate conservative" is such an odd term.

Liberals believe government has a fundamental responsibility to help those who are less fortunate.  Liberals have supported and continue to support government programs to improve health care, education, social security, job training and welfare for the neediest members of society.  Liberals maintain that a national community is like a family and that government exists in part to "promote the general welfare."

Liberals also believe that "free market" capitalism should not be left unchecked for its own sake.  Consumers and workers throughout our industrial history have benefitted from government intervention and government regulation of free market business practices, with regulations requiring safe and fair working conditions, consumer safety guidelines, and environmental protection laws.  Free market capitalism is an effective economic model, but should not be held as the supreme good or a virtue in itself, and is not inherently beyond reproach or restriction for the benefit of the common good of society.

These are just a couple general principles or beliefs that in my opinion are a key part of what it means to be politically liberal.  Undoubtedly, not all liberals will embrace this or any list of principle propositions, and many conservatives will embrace at least some of them.  It's hard to deny, though, that liberals have failed to define themselves adequately and to state clearly what they believe.  As a liberal, I find that disturbing.