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#18788 02/16/01 04:25 PM
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jmh Offline
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>DEMOCRAT, LIBERAL, OLD-STYLE

I'm glad to find a US liberal, they seem to be rather thin on the ground.

In the UK, the term refers to people who are fairly middle of the road. In the US, I believe it means left of centre. From my point of view, as an outsider to American politics, I was always amazed at this distinction. To me, both the Democrats and Republicans are very far to the right of the parties that can be found in Europe, let alone the UK. In the UK the "Liberal Democrats" (Lib Dems) is the name of the third largest party in the House of Commons, regarded as being in between our two main parties, except on electoral reform, where they are more strongly in favour of change than the other parties.

Here's a link to an old discussion on the subject, although I feel that both our main parties are moving further to the right these days.
http://wordsmith.org/board/showthreaded.pl?Cat=&Board=miscellany&Number=1026


#18789 02/16/01 08:23 PM
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An open note to Jazzoctopus

Thank you for your kind words. They are much appreciated.

I too am rather annoyed by the heavily visible minority that seems to be giving my generation at bad reputation. Most of us really aren't that bad. . . at least I don't think we are. Most people I know aren't as interested in learning as I am either, though. I guess that makes me a nerd or, as my English teacher would prefer, a renaissance man.

Excuse my political outburts. I guess I just like to argue sometimes. My school needs a debate club. . . I'm not really as staunchly republican as I appear. More leaning toward libertarian, I think. My dad is basically a Republican and my mom is a Democrat. Election time is very interesting in my family.


#18790 02/16/01 09:19 PM
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jmh Offline
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>Excuse my political outburts. I guess I just like to argue sometimes.

Yes, so do I, there just don't seem to be enough places around for a good healthy argument any more. I think the number of people who yawn when politics is mentioned is rising in all age groups. I suspect it is because of over-exposure in the media. I can see why people turn to the sporting pages. Its a shame.


#18791 02/16/01 09:47 PM
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I see we're way off again, but.

I can see why people turn to the sporting pages

GAH! Sports is just as bad. (The relevant section of our newspaper is called Sports. That's why the singular verb.)
Now, if there's somebody playing that I know, I go crazy.
But why on earth should I get excited about a bunch of
strangers charging up and down?


#18792 02/16/01 10:05 PM
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jmh Offline
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But why on earth should I get excited about a bunch of
strangers charging up and down?

Why indeed!


#18793 02/17/01 06:25 AM
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Kiwi asks: "Any Democrats on the board?"

Sorry, I'm a Royalist.









#18794 02/17/01 01:30 PM
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"But why on earth should I get excited about a bunch of
strangers charging up and down?"


Uhhhh... Because of breathtaking speed, stamina, skill and strategy?

-- Basketball Jones, I got a basketball Jones....



#18795 02/17/01 02:15 PM
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In the UK, the term refers to people who are fairly middle of the road. In the US, I believe it means left of centre. From my point of view, as an outsider to American politics, I was always amazed at this distinction.

Or, as a Canadian told me, "The Loony Left." I am a registered Independent, because I believe in the etymological significance of the word, "liberal." Does it not mean "free?" Does it not imply an impartiality, or an ability and willingness to examine issues on both sides, and then decide on the better course? Democrats were called "people willing to spend your money," and I've considered Republicans to be people keen on making other people's money their own. (See the play, "Other People's Money" by Jerry Steiner, NOT the movie of the same title)

I think it was Rousseau who said, "Though I may disagree with what you say, I shall defend to the death your right to say it." THAT, IMHO, is a truly liberal statement, and it's written into the US Constitution's Bill of Rights!


#18796 02/17/01 02:47 PM
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"Though I may disagree with what you say, I shall defend to the death your right to say it."

Voltaire


#18797 02/17/01 03:14 PM
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As a child I asked my Grandfather to explain the difference between Republican and Democrat.
Grandfater : "One opens the safe with a prayer, the other opens the safe with dynamite."
Child : "Which one is which, Grampa?"
Grandfather : "Exactly."
Which is why I am an Independant!
wow


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