I posted the original Liberal Edition in the midst (June 29) of last years Election Year politics, I thought we could discuss it outside of the context of an election. I'll start by saying loudly and proudly; I AM A LIBERAL!
If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.”
John F. Kennedy's acceptance speech of the New York Liberal Party nomination (14 September 1960)
I'm with that guy! I've never shied away from the label or the term Liberal. Or for that matter Democrat, Progressive. I'm the son of a Teamster (and for a short time a Shop Steward). I was even fired once for organizing activities. On this site this background is more of the norm than the exception that's part of the reason I love it here.
I was recently PM'd on FB where the sender called Obama a "socialist" as tho' it was some sort of condemnation. Here's my reply;
If you think Obama's a socialist I suggest you learn what a socialist is. Let me ask you this, do your parents receive Social Security and Medicare? Would they give it up? Do you want to take it away from them and other seniors?
If your parents receive SS and Medicare and don't want to give it up, then they're bigger socialist than Obama. Jesus is a bigger socialist than Obama.
Btw, I don't consider calling someone a socialist a slur. Quite the opposite, I consider them humane. Meaning they put the care of others ahead of their selfish wants.
And if you want to call me brainwashed, then I was brainwashed by the Christian Church I grew up in. The one that taught me to care for those who are less fortunate than I. The one that taught me to love my brother as myself and not hate and despise him for being different from me (whatever that difference may be). The one that taught me it is better to give than receive.
I wish Obama was a socialist, but he's not and since you don't know the difference, it tells me you're the one who's been brainwashed. Brainwashed by the hate filled bleating from the likes of Fox News and conservative talk radio.
She replied that she would pray for me.
Now there is some conflict when you mention Teamsters and the Kennedys, but that doesn't mean they either didn't have the best interest of the people in mind. My Dad loved Jimmy Hoffa, Bobby Kennedy didn't. I also love the Kennedys. And because of that love and respect I'm going to post a few of President Kennedy's comments. To me, they help define what being a Liberal is.
Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty is always in vain.
A man does what he must — in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers, and pressures — and that is the basis of all human morality.
And here's one that sounds like it would be addressing today's GOP (in vain);
If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.
Running out of time.
On with the games!!
Mojo Friday Guidelines
1) If you comment you have to recommend all comments. (in order to receive mojo you have to give mojo. It's only good mojo manners.)
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7) Mojo mojo mojo mojo, mojo mojo mojo.
8) TexDem (that's me) is not bound by the guidelines. Heh
Mojo Friday Goals
A. At least 300 different commenters and 1000 comments by 1:30 PM EST and 1500 by 5:00 PM EST Friday Night that it's posted.
B. 100 recommends for each comment, at least.
C. Stay on Recommend List at least five hours (this requires some strategic planning by you guys, refer to guideline #3)
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E. And always, fun fun fun.
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H. Overload the servers with recommends, not to mention dominate Top Comments Mojo list. (we do tend to mess with the site with all of our recommends at one time)(also, to dominate the Top Comments Top Mojo we need at least 50 comments with over 200 recommends, see guideline B)
I. That's enough for now. (Have a suggestion? Post it.)
MKinTN posted a diary to help everyone achieve greater success called How to Succeed at Mojo Friday Without Really Trying.
For those of you new to MF (Mojo Friday) we have our own lingo about a few things. Thank's to MF'er Jez (the link will explain) go to this diary for a little more fun and explanation. Official Mojo Friday Snecktionary.