>Wed, 28 Sep 2005 02:54:37 -0700 > >It's just that words change meaning with languages and geography. Especially in >politics were the winner may try to degrade the views of the opponent. > >Liberal is slightly on the right wing here, but may be understood as left wing >in the US, and I've met americans who cant understand how we can have a >socialist government in a democracy. They think it is the same thing as >communism. > >DagT
Dag, We know that they're not the same. But they are first cousins. In Europe, it seems, "Liberal" has maintained more of the classic meaning of "open minded" where in the US it's somewhat mixed between that and "socialist". What many of us fear is the constant reduction of freedom from the more serious socialists. The bans on firearms, certain religious speech (Canada and Sweden in particular), a general unwillingness to discuss issues but instead demagogue ideas (like Intelligent Design), restrictions on travel (China), excessive taxation, and so many other problems that, even with our failings, there's no sense in losing even more freedom than we already have. KC8TKA (These letters represent a level of liberty that has been lost in many countries, both socialist and totalitarian. "Tiananmen Square" and the power of the fax machine [open communication] should never be forgotten. One should not even consider some of this open-minded internet-based discussion in China.) Collin (rejecting both communist socialists and national socialists) Brendemuehl -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ .
