What is liberalisim?, Can someone explain in simple terms? Options

[On the edge]

Nick Clegg referred to the 'cause of liberalism' in his recent exchange of letters with Chris Hune. He seemed to be suggesting that the LibDems were the standard bearers. I thought 'liberalism' was all to do with free markets, abolition of national tariff barriers, Messrs Cobden and Bright. small Government and so on. In modern terms, Mrs Thatcher big time. Have I got that wrong, if not what do they stand for today? Perhaps I'm more confused than usual, but I'd really like to know what the second biggest party in West Berkshire actually believes in.

[Biker1]

Nick Clegg referred to the 'cause of liberalism' in his recent exchange of letters with Chris Hune. He seemed to be suggesting that the LibDems were the standard bearers. I thought 'liberalism' was all to do with free markets, abolition of national tariff barriers, Messrs Cobden and Bright. small Government and so on. In modern terms, Mrs Thatcher big time. Have I got that wrong, if not what do they stand for today? Perhaps I'm more confused than usual, but I'd really like to know what the second biggest party in West Berkshire actually believes in.

Try here if you've got a few hours!!
As a regular rail user the "Transport" section under "What we stand for" should be of interest!

[NWNREADER]

Asking a political party what Liberalism/Socialism/Conservativism is would be like asking a thief what honesty is.....

[Andy Capp]

"Liberalism

Liberalism (from the Latin liberalis, "of freedom") is the belief in the importance of liberty and equality. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but most liberals support such fundamental ideas as constitutions, liberal democracy, free and fair elections, human rights, capitalism, free trade, and the separation of church and state. These ideas are widely accepted, even by political groups that do not openly profess a liberal ideological orientation. Liberalism encompasses several intellectual trends and traditions, but the dominant variants are classical liberalism, which became popular in the 18th century, and social liberalism, which became popular in the 20th century."

Interestingly, I find Liberals can be every bit as opinionated and "anti-whatever" as any other party. These days, you could say Liberalism is an anachronism in this country.

[blackdog]

I suggest that the first point is that, when Clegg uses the word it should be capitalised 'Liberalism' - and means the cause of his party, not the wider concept of liberalism.

[On the edge]

I suggest that the first point is that, when Clegg uses the word it should be capitalised 'Liberalism' - and means the cause of his party, not the wider concept of liberalism.

Yes I'd go with that. So what is Liberalism? Looks very much like 'Labour Lite' to me, Socialism with its face washed. 'We' know best, so not the bosses, not the workers, but us with the big egos!

Biker - thanks for the link - loved the 'Transport bit'. Owes much to the American influence - Walt Disney!!!

[blackdog]

Yes I'd go with that. So what is Liberalism? Looks very much like 'Labour Lite' to me, Socialism with its face washed. 'We' know best, so not the bosses, not the workers, but us with the big egos!

All three parties (and the rest) know best.

The Lib-Dems seemed more socialist than New Labour - until they decided to join a coalition with the Tories.

[NWNREADER]

All three parties (and the rest) know best.

The Lib-Dems seemed more socialist than New Labour - until they decided to join a coalition with the Tories.

The Conservatives are more socialist than New Labour!

[On the edge]

The Conservatives are more socialist than New Labour!

Yes that seems to be so - are we going back to the days of Grocer Ted, best socialist PM ever,

[Biker1]

Biker - thanks for the link - loved the 'Transport bit'. Owes much to the American influence - Walt Disney!!!