Liberalism: As American as Apple Pie

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R - Harrumphing Old White Dudes) sounded a trifle unhappy the other day.  In the wake of President Obama's  inspiring inaugural address,  he mournfully declared,  "The era of liberalism is back."

For once in my life,  I actually agree with the Good Senator.   But I don't feel nearly as downhearted.  

Recent polls reveal national sentiments on a host of issues of widespread concern:

        -  No Social Security cuts:    77%
        -  No Medicare cuts:             79%
        -  No military spending cuts:  33%  (only!)

(Source:  National Journal  via The Ed Show  [MSNBC])

Additional polling data indicated majority support for legalized gay marriage,  and widespread belief  (a 2-to-1 ratio) that climate change is man-made.  

On the other hand,  periodic surveys fielded by the Gallup Organization  seem to have arrived at a different conclusion.  But instead of focusing on specific issues,   the Gallup interviewers asked their respondents how they perceived themselves politically:   as liberal,  moderate,  or conservative.    The latest sample,  taken about a year ago,  revealed the following data:

         - Conservative       37%
         - Moderate             40%
         - Liberal                  23%.

Something for the  conservatives to crow about,  right?   Not so fast!    Many folks,  particularly among those of us with some  mileage on our anatomical odometers,   are skittish about identifying ourselves as liberals.  Historically,  at least in some quarters,  a self-identified liberal  would be roundly condemned:   "After all,  we're soft on Communism/terrorism  (depending on the era) and 'welfare queens',  we're bleeding-hearts (guilty as charged),   and we're uncouth,  unwashed boors who never blow our noses!"

So we prefer to identify ourselves,  at least to the pollsters,  as "moderates".    (Admittedly,  it's just a theory on my part,   but I believe that the issue-based polls give it some credence).    Conservatives,  on the other hand,  haven't traditionally faced the same degree of condemnation or ridicule.   So they're much less likely to seek out an alternative label. 

  Considering where folks stand on the issues,  I tend to feel that a solid majority of self-identified moderates are,  in their hearts,  good old-fashioned liberals,  endowed with compassion and empathy.

So,  come on out of the closet,  people.  It's okay to be a liberal!  Honest!