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Well Mark, that link did help a bit. It pretty much defines things the way I see them but is limited in scope. The two paragraphs I thought most to the point were these:
Unlike Europe, America in the process of enacting a Constitution had developed political beliefs that included economic individualism and the limitation of government power. This was incorporated into the Constitution. This did not follow the beliefs underlying European conservatism but was in fact closer to European liberalism. The American beliefs accepted the concepts of a free market and the personal acquisition of property by individuals. Individual freedoms and property rights were representative of attendant moral, religious, political, and civil rights. As the provisions of the Constitution decreed, the federal government was limited to acting in those areas wherein the states themselves did not have that ability, in inter-state matters and in foreign relations. Great importance was placed on separation of powers, judicial review, and states' rights as opposed to federal power. This then became the foundation of American conservatism.
Entering into the 20th century Americans generally accepted these principles that were to carry the conservative label. However, there was a political movement evolving that could now be endowed with the new label of liberalism, American style, that had beliefs that government should be more involved in social issues and in controlling the free market. Since the economy had become more complex as it expanded , these liberal elements began to support the idea that the government could best promote the interests of its citizens by regulating the economy and having government provide for the welfare of its citizenry. In addition they wanted government to correct economic deficiencies they believed to be caused by unregulated capitalism. They supported progressive taxation, antitrust laws, a minimum wage, social security, public education, safety and health regulations, consumer protection and environmental preservation laws. Some of them became socialists, although not necessarily openly supporting Marxism and communism.
I however would not place some forms of social security, public education or safety matters solely into the liberal camp.
I am still hoping to find someone who will openly declare themself as an American Liberal, who will tell us what they belives being an American Liberal means to them and why they may think it is better to be a liberal vs a conservative.
And a last note, I see by reading this link you provided, that it is no wonder we get into some wonderful brouhaha's with our european members on some of the political issues since some terms are 180 degrees out of sync between them and US [img]smile.gif[/img] Thanks Mark.
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