youbet said:
Rich, lots of liberals have money. And those with money seem to have developed elitist attitudes looking down their noses at the work-a-day lower middle class and speaking of them with great distain. The stereotype is to automatically assume someone who labels him/herself liberal as an advocate of the working class. Not necessarily true. They're more likely to view blue collar types with disgust and mock their culture and their heritage.
But I promised myself less political discussion on this board, so that's all I have to say about that.
I wonder about this elistist attitude issue. I have heard this several times but I don't know any liberals like that. I am a liberal.
Webster's dictionary defintion of liberal:
Liberal
(lib'er el, lib'rel), adj 1. favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs. 2. (often cap.) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform. 3. of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism. 4. Favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties 5. favoring of permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers. 6. of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies. 7. Free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners. 8. open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc. 9. characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: A liberal donor 10. given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation. 11. not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule. 12. of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts. 13. of, or pertaining to, or befitting a freeman. -n 14. a person of liberal principles or views, esp. in politics or religion. 15. (often cap.) a member of a liberal party in politics, esp. of the Liberal party in Great Britain. [1325-75; ME < L liberalis of freedom, befitting the free, equiv. to liber free + -alis -al] –lib'er-al-ly, adv –lib'er›al›ness, n
These definitions are inconsistent with being elitist.
Rich says he tries to have an open mind. I find that attitude very liberal.