The term "liberal" comes from the word "liberty." The original liberals were those who argued against the absolutism of government power, and that man had natural rights which absolved him (and her) from being ruled by kings. Liberal philosophers such as Locke and liberal political economists such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo championed ideas of individual liberty and limited government power over people's lives. That's why people call themselves "classical liberal."
The terms "liberal" and "conservative" have been co-opted over time. "Conservatives" were not liberals in the classical sense. Conservatives as understood in the past were those who wanted to "conserve" society, and often the power structures of the monarchy or ruling classes. This is why in Europe, conservative parties and movements are often associated with the monarchy.
In America, the term "conservative" can mean conserving the original intent of the Founding Fathers and the Constitution, which was a fairly liberal document in the classical sense in that it imbues rights and makes the individual sovereign. But "conservative" in America also means those wishing to conserve society, as it does in older societies. This is especially true in the South, where conservation of the white power structure and the suppression of blacks by government force was seen as necessary to keep the social order. This is why there is relatively greater emphasis on law and order issues in the South than in other parts of the country.
Modern liberals also believe in liberty, but in other ways from the intent originally articulated by Locke, Smith, et. al., i.e. liberty from hunger or discrimination, etc., whereby government power is used to "liberate" the individual from the hardships of life. This is why modern liberals espouse issues such as government involvement in health care and affirmative action laws.
in terms of the study of philosophy, i certainly agree with you. but i think liberalism as it exists in this country, which is what the right bemoans grows out of the idea that there is a social contract. that we, as children of the enlightenment, have an obligation not only to ourselves, but to the world we live in.
people on the right like to say the founders believed in "small government". but that simply isn't the case. they believed in a strong centralized government. were that not the case, we'd still be living under the articles of confederation. there would be no constitutional clauses to allow government to do things that are necessary to benefit the welfare of society or regulate commerce between the states.
what is interesting to me is that the party representing liberal thought used to be the republican party. the party of lincoln. then the republican party became the party of intellectuals who had a sense of noblesse oblige and wanted to act for the benefit of society. that started to change after the new deal and absolutely changed after the civil rights laws were enacted.
so when i see the phrase 'classical liberal" used by people who don't believe in government, i know that is a way to discredit liberal accomplishment. i think you'll also find the phrase used by people who would have voted against the civil rights act and would have required a constitutional amendment to do away with jim crow laws.
so, while i see your point from an intellectual/philosophical standpoint. from a realistic standpoint, well.. i've said my piece.
the thing i don't understand... and perhaps you can explain it to me. is how you can consider voting for a party that thinks someone like christie is too liberal? i don't see you as being represnted by the party of michelle bachmann and eric cantor.
