ShellGames

In this politically "energized" world today, I have been seeing so many ads, "testimonials," etc. that deride, chastise, and otherwise denigrate the word "liberal" that it is just getting my dander up.
I am a liberal, and the definitions I grew up, and into it, with, are:

liberal adj. 1.a. Open-minded; tolerant. See Syns at broad-minded. b. Favoring civil and political liberties, democratic reforms, and protection from arbitrary authority. 2.a. Tending to give freely; generous. b. Abundant; ample. 3. Not strict or literal; approximate. 4. Of or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education. -n. A person with liberal ideas or opinions. [<>liber, free.]

Syns: liberal, bounteous, bountiful, freehanded, generous, handsome, munificent, openhanded

Ant: stingy adj.

conservative adj. 1. Favoring traditional views and values; tending to oppose change. 2. Traditional in style. 3. Moderate; cautious: a conservative estimate. -n. A conservative person.

conservatism n. 1. The inclination, esp. in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order. 2. Caution or moderation, as in behavior or outlook.