and like the Puritans before them, with their desire for religious freedom, they want to deny the same to those that hold differing opinions.
What rights exactly are the liberals trying to deny, though? Certainly not the right to have a differing opinion. Can you give an example of what you mean?
The right to live one's life without government interference. Hell, now they want to regulate/tax food, drink, education, you name it. Now personally, I like to live my life with restraint for the most part. But if others want a different path, I've not a problem with that.
I don't think the government should be telling private businesses what sorts of behaviors need to be regulated in their establishments-nonsmoking, etc.
I don't think government should be telling us what sort of light bulbs to buy.
Am I for regulations? Within reason,
with strict controls on interference. The late 19th and early 20th C told the story of unbridled capitalism. Ever since there's been lessons to be learned from unbridled government interference.