Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

...Those that think the conservatives have a profound respect for the constitution and the rights of the individual citizen are incorrect.

Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Broadly speaking, liberalism emphasizes individual rights and equality of opportunity. A liberal society is characterized by freedom of thought for individuals, limitations on power, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market economy, free private enterprise, and a transparent system of government in which the rights of all citizens are protected. [2] In the 21st century, this usually means liberal democracy with open and fair elections, where all citizens have equal rights by law. [3]

One could only wish that this definition was true.

Modern liberalism is nothing about freedom or individual rights. Its all about government restricting individual rights rather than restricting government's intrusion into citizens lives.
If it was all for the "free exchange of ideas" then Al Gore would address the truly bad science in his polemics on global warming. Instead he stonewalls it.
If it was all for " the rule of law", then expalin how the Senate almost passed a Bill that would have excused millions of law-breakers.
If it was about "open government" then explain how the aforementioned Bill was crafted largely in secret.

Modern liberalism is not liberal in the classic sense.
Neither is modern conservatism, conservative in the dictionary sense of wanting to promote the status quo.

I think a more honest/ relevant, modern definition would be that modern liberals want government to be the answer to all question, the provider of all services. The people would be fully dependent on the government for all their needs.
Modern conservativism would promote the rights of the individual, and the restriction of the government to its Constitutional boundaries.

Originally Posted by dculkin

That's exactly right, except I would edit your sentence to include the words "so called" before the word "conservative."

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Unfortunately, it seems both of the major parties have embraced the worst aspects you've mentioned and forgotten any of the positive philosophies they once espoused. Perhaps the problem is deeper than mere party platforms or phlosophies. I'm thinking that maybe our society has begun to prefer restrictions and interference in favor of security, government interference in our lives over standing on our own as individuals, etc.