So you're a left-wing liberal? Think again!

[Casualbets]

I think a better term would be left-sympathising liberals.... ie those whose commitment to socialism is unequivocal until the words "TAX RAISE" are mentioned...

Borntorun said he "hates" them... I think in fairness you have to differentiate between the occasional loud, shouty, arrogant leftie liberal (step forward please Miss Bacik...) and the majority of them who express their views more diplomatically and politely...

[dónal na geallaí]

Or perhaps they're just 'conservative' lefties!?

Like William Morris ,perhaps,who started the Arts and crafts movement.I am a lefty and getting more so with the onset of age.But socialism is also about 'returning to a better state' or reclaiming stuff like communal values.Some things are worth conserving,after all.

Surely a more pertinent question is : Are young rightwingers really conservative? They don't seem to have even heard of the 'Precautionary Principle' ,for example.Were the Celtic tigers screwups of renown really noted for their caution? Methinks not,surely they would be better described as loony radicals.

[Sailor]

But are Marxists all that bothered with issues of nationalism since they see the world as being divided in terms of class rather than nation states? And the USSR certainly showed no respect for nationalist aspirations !!

[Brehon]

looks like I missed the debate but for any one that sees this. The Oxford Manifesto outlines the liberal position for the 21st century.
Oxford Manifesto 1997 - Manifesto - Politics - Liberalism

The Irish Liberal party endorses this manifesto.
Irish Liberal Party - Home

The terms Left and right are meaningless in the 21st century. They outline a dichotomy that doesn't really exist anymore, and only had meaning when the difference was between laissez-faire and state controlled monopolies. It only refered to economic terms. The world is much more grey and requires clear outlines of principles and values. I believe in those outlined in the manifesto than to other more entrenched historic positions that like to use power to thread/stomp on people's rights as equals.