I am a liberal
And I’m here to take back the word from those who have hijacked it for their illiberal agendas.
I am a liberal
Which means I believe unconditionally in the Enlightenment principles of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, democracy and civil rights.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that different policy stances can emanate from these principles, that an orthodoxy of opinion is the opposite of liberalism.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that unbiased reporting is part of the responsibility of a free press.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that unbiased teaching is a prerequisite for civil society.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that shutting down dissent, especially at universities, is an act of fascism.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that boycotting a group or country based on race or religion is also an act of fascism.
I am a liberal
Which means I understand that individuality — not group identity or conformity — is the foundation of liberal ideology.
I am a liberal
Which means I am obliged to speak out against injustice and tyranny wherever it arises.
You are not a liberal
If you attempt to shut down speech just because you disagree with it.
You are not a liberal — if you attempt to shut down speech just because you disagree with it.
You are not a liberal
If you engage in biased journalism.
You are not a liberal If you teach your students your opinions rather than the truth.
You are not a liberal
If you judge people by the color of their skin, rather than the content of their character.
You are not a liberal
If you engage in moral or cultural relativism; if you don’t apply the same standards to everyone.
You are not a liberal
If you call yourself a feminist but never call out the very real oppression of women in countries like Iran or Pakistan.
You are not a liberal
If you oppose Zionism, the self-determination of the Jewish people, the return to our ancestral homeland.
You are not a liberal
If you don’t understand that, as long as force is not involved, sexuality is private; my life doesn’t revolve around your sexuality.
You are not a liberal
If you think maintaining your status is more important than telling the truth.
I am a liberal.
Are you?
