The term liberal has been hijacked in the United States. In virtually every part of the world the term “liberal” refers to what is now called a “classic liberal” in the United States. We have it backward now.
Classically it referred to a belief in limited government, political freedom, civil and economic freedom, and the rule of law. We refer to this today as the “right” in the political spectrum.
Today it seems to imply a vigorous government that acts to control the economy, redistribute wealth, and actively manage inequalities. Today this is the “left” politically.
So why the change from “right” to “left”? Liberal sounds giving, it is nice. Conservative sounds stingy, we think of that as bad.
None other than the republican Theodore Roosevelt started the shift when he branded his opponent William Howard Taft as being “too conservative” while he was “liberal” enough to lead the nation.
Stealing the term also provided confusion for the electorate. The value of that is obvious.
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.
Cato
elpasospeak 