Why I Am A Liberal

by Keith Cooper

I come from a very conservative background and my liberal views have long alienated me from my family. In fact, for years I shied away from the liberal label that I saw so maligned. A few years ago, though, my convictions moved me beyond restraint and I “came out” to my conservative family and friends as a proud liberal. Instrumental in my decision was the way the label was vilified in the mainstream.

Since Newt Gingrich began his propaganda assault against liberalism in the 90s, conservatives have been adept at framing the debate and controlling the political message. They essentially asserted that a vast left-wing conspiracy existed, led by the supposed liberal media. This was highly effective as it marginalized the liberal voice while shrouding the mainstream media with a shadow of doubt and mistrust. It succeeded largely because liberals, while focusing on issues of importance, were reluctant to take on the opposition and challenge the propaganda.

Liberals are portrayed as godless socialists, who hate America and don’t believe in anything. The fact is that we are passionate patriots, who know the difference between nationalism and patriotism. Because we value the spirit of the principles of democracy, justice and freedom outlined by our forebears, we stand against efforts to transform our nation into an imperial military state that compromises cherished civil liberties or commits atrocities in our name. We accept that there are dark passages of American history, but dream of a nation that fulfills the vision of our forefathers.

I am often called a pacifist but the fact is I believe there are several things worth fighting for, I just don’t believe that any of those values are represented in the current military agenda. And, while I favor exhausting diplomatic means before engaging in war, I understand that military action may be necessary to protect freedoms or thwart human rights abuses. Domestically, I believe that dissent is not only important but that it represents a vital form of patriotism and celebrates hard-won liberties like freedom of speech and the right to organize. It is the rebellious spirit of revolution, not that of aggression, that saw the birthing of our nation. It is in this spirit that I protest the war in Iraq, which was born of lies and misinformation to achieve an imperial agenda and to usher in a policy of preemptive warfare.

I have been seen as godless, but I cherish the freedom of religion that we enjoy today. I believe the key to that freedom is found in the constitutional provisions for the separation of church and state. The rights to prayer and worship are sacred and should be protected. However, a specific religion should not be imposed by the state, and the rule of law should not be prejudiced by a certain brand of faith. I believe the choice of worship should be equally available whether one is a Hindu, Muslim, Jew or Christian, and that the choice of an atheist not to worship should be respected under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

I believe that the widening gap between the poor and wealthy in this country is a travesty. I believe that the plight of the poor is not their responsibility, but the result of their station in our society. I believe that our system of capitalism as it works today serves to perpetuate poverty and insolate wealth. Very few are able to elevate themselves from poor beginnings to positions of means. A cycle of educational opportunity, corporate collusion and economic prejudice works in favor of the rich and to the detriment of the poor. Many conservatives propose a so-called “culture of ownership” or one of individual responsibility in which the individual takes responsibility for his economic status. However, unless there is a level economic playing field, such policies will only further widen the wealth gap.

I believe in human rights and civil liberties. I believe that a liberal spirit and progressive values have carried us out of some dark passages of American history. Those values are responsible for the end of slavery and of racial segregation. They held McCarthyism in check and held the government accountable for corruption and abuse of power. There is still a need for progressive voices to speak out against injustice, as fear, hate and prejudice continue to lead to hate crimes and even legislation that alienates certain groups.

I believe in principles that have the potential to make America great. I also accept that America has often missed the mark. She has oppressed and displaced Native Americans. She has blacklisted dissenters and labeled them communist. She has interned Japanese Americans during the Second World War because of their heritage. She has escalated a war in Vietnam over the lie of the Tonkin incident. She has built an imperialist foreign policy on a foundation of fear and rage. Only the liberal voice can prevent further abuses. That’s why I’m a liberal.