Merrium Webster: Full Definition of LIBERALISM1: the quality or state of being liberal2a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianityb : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standardc : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically : such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
To various commenters: The L/R distinction as More/Less government is a blunt instrument and one should be careful not to read to much into its use. Based on that simplistic distinction I will accept being called a RIghtist, but that breaks down on many issues, touched on by several comments here. There are, in fact, several factors that have been characterized as L/R, some of them contradictory, like the way many people assume that Fascists are on the R when in fact they are no less L than the Soviets.
Most particularly I want to disocciate myself from the Religious Right. They can be called R only based on their economic views, but at heart they are theocrats who want a society subordinate to religion, carving out which of your rights they will protect and which they will violate (a tactic also used by the Left). Note that this does not mean everyone on the R who is religious, but it definitely includes the anti-abortion, pro-censorship Right that is too well represented by the mass of GOP candidates.
On the subject of fascism, I call out Sherlock Watson’s attempt to smear Ayn Rand by associating her with Nazism. It is typical of mindless attacks on Ayn Rand, such as the recent one in a despicable article in Time magazine. To attack Ayn Rand is to attack the greatest defender of your own rights — all of them — there has ever been.
BE THIS GUY over 9 years ago
I am not the one who said that.
bobnanski over 9 years ago
Brooke McEldowney has been doing these same sort of comic strip panel gags over at 9 Chickweed Lane this week.
Pocosdad over 9 years ago
Actually, they’re leaning stage left.
jrankin1959 over 9 years ago
I still enjoy the strip – but they’re correct sometimes, y’know…
pschearer Premium Member over 9 years ago
There’s no such thing as just the right amount of Left.
meillered over 9 years ago
We are very amused.
dsom8 over 9 years ago
“…upon which ignorance could find an audience.”
Good description!June Higgins Premium Member over 9 years ago
To the left! That’s why I like this strip.
KEA over 9 years ago
If “the strip” is too for you, stop looking at it. …how hard is that??
Sherlock Watson over 9 years ago
Sadly, some people seem to believe that almost all literature is too “left-leaning,” with the exceptions of Mein Kampf and Atlas Shrugged.
Varnes over 9 years ago
Merrium Webster: Full Definition of LIBERALISM1: the quality or state of being liberal2a often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianityb : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standardc : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically : such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
Varnes over 9 years ago
Anybody who tells you anything different about “The Left”, is, by definition, a liar.
Coyoty Premium Member over 9 years ago
The Left is often painted as sinister.
pschearer Premium Member over 9 years ago
To various commenters: The L/R distinction as More/Less government is a blunt instrument and one should be careful not to read to much into its use. Based on that simplistic distinction I will accept being called a RIghtist, but that breaks down on many issues, touched on by several comments here. There are, in fact, several factors that have been characterized as L/R, some of them contradictory, like the way many people assume that Fascists are on the R when in fact they are no less L than the Soviets.
Most particularly I want to disocciate myself from the Religious Right. They can be called R only based on their economic views, but at heart they are theocrats who want a society subordinate to religion, carving out which of your rights they will protect and which they will violate (a tactic also used by the Left). Note that this does not mean everyone on the R who is religious, but it definitely includes the anti-abortion, pro-censorship Right that is too well represented by the mass of GOP candidates.
On the subject of fascism, I call out Sherlock Watson’s attempt to smear Ayn Rand by associating her with Nazism. It is typical of mindless attacks on Ayn Rand, such as the recent one in a despicable article in Time magazine. To attack Ayn Rand is to attack the greatest defender of your own rights — all of them — there has ever been.
Tirasmol over 9 years ago
I love this strip. Lean left, baby!