Liberalism: America's Last Hope for True Greatness

You Say “Liberal” Like It’s a Bad Thing.

Too often in today’s discourse, “liberal” is hurled as an insult—a term for the naïve, the soft, or the dangerously idealistic. But here’s the truth: I’m proud to be a liberal, and by that I mean two fundamental things:

1. Open-Mindedness: A willingness to accept and respect opinions and behaviors different from one’s own, and an eagerness to explore new ideas.

2. A Bold Political and Social Philosophy: A commitment to individual rights, civil liberties, democracy—rule by consent—and free enterprise.

   
   

The Revolutionary Heart of Liberalism

Our nation wasn’t built on blind obedience or the divine right of kings. It was forged by men who, in their day, were radical liberals. The Founding Fathers dared to reject monarchical tyranny, boldly declaring that government must be of the people, by the people, and for the people—all the people. They crafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights not merely as legal documents but as revolutionary proclamations of freedom. These texts enshrine essential civil liberties—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, due process—that continue to safeguard our individual rights today.

To call the Founding Fathers conservatives in the modern sense would be a misrepresentation. Their ideas were, in their time, nothing short of revolutionary—a break from oppressive tradition that paved the way for modern democratic society. Their vision was rooted in the belief that power belongs to the people, not a ruling elite, and that liberty is the birthright of every individual.

Conservatism: Reaction, Not the Natural Opposition

Let’s clear up a common misconception: conservatism is often cast as the direct opposite of liberalism, but historically, that isn’t the whole story. In American politics, what we now call “conservatism” emerged largely as a reaction to the sweeping changes initiated by liberal progress. Rather than serving as a true counterpoint to the liberal ideals of individual freedom and open inquiry, modern conservatism has, in many cases, become a refuge for those who fear change and cling to a nostalgic, and inherently fictional, view of the past.

This reactionary conservatism isn’t about preserving the true spirit of our nation—it’s about defending established power structures and resisting the evolution our society needs to thrive. It is the political equivalent of foot binding women in Asian culture, designed to limit their movements and ability to be free.

When liberalism first took root in our revolutionary era, it shattered the chains of aristocratic privilege. Today, conservatism is too often weaponized against the very principles that made our nation great, painting progress as a threat to tradition rather than a necessary path toward genuine freedom.

Democracy: Rule by Consent, Not by Monarchs

At its core, democracy is more than a system of government—it’s a living commitment to ensuring that no single individual or institution holds unchecked power. The checks and balances woven into our Constitution serve as a constant reminder that freedom must be vigilantly protected. Democracy is about debate, dissent, and the perpetual quest for a more perfect union—a stark contrast to the static power of kings and tyrants.

Free Enterprise: An Abundance Mindset

Liberalism also champions free enterprise—not as a vehicle for greed, but as an engine of abundance. In a truly liberal society, one person’s success is not a theft from another; it’s a sign of opportunity realized and innovation unleashed. This economic philosophy rejects the scarcity mindset that turns every gain by one person into a loss for another. Instead, it promotes an environment where individual achievement contributes to the collective prosperity of society.

Embracing Every Voice: The Inclusive Heart of Liberalism

From my own feminist perspective, true liberalism means that every voice matters. Our liberal vision for a great nation isn’t one that excludes or marginalizes—it’s one that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Without such an approach a nation becomes dangerously inbred in its ideals, creating an echo chamber of sameness that is a pale reflection for those in power. To resist this decay means standing with people of color, indigenous peoples, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and all those who have been historically downtrodden.

America’s legacy is complex. While our nation's past includes grievous wrongs which cannot be erased through selective teaching of history—when we were blythely stepping on the necks of slaves and indigenous peoples as well as women, legal immigrants, and LGBTQ+—we have also been a nation that strives to rectify those errors and extend the promise of freedom and opportunity to all. The ideals enshrined in our founding documents were meant to uplift the weak and empower every individual, not to threaten any demographic. The notion that liberalism is a threat to any group flies in the face of the very design of our nation—a nation built as a refuge for the oppressed and a champion of equal rights.

A Call to True Greatness

Consider the now emotionally loaded slogan "Make America Great Again." To some, it evokes exclusion and a longing for a narrow, nostalgic past—one defined by the religious, social and ethnic interests of the already powerful. But to me, as a liberal, making America great again means returning to the generous, freedom-oriented, open-minded idealism on which this country was founded. It means reviving the spirit of innovation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity that built our nation—not a call to hostility or hate, but a rallying cry for the true ideals of liberty and progress.

A Manifesto of Liberalism

What follows is what liberalism stands for, not against. It is juxtaposed with conservative views which unfortunately seem most prevalent, by way of contrast.

1. Inclusive Democracy We believe that every citizen has an equal right to participate in our democratic process. True democracy means engaging all voices—especially those historically marginalized—and ensuring that every opinion matters.(Contrasted with certain conservative and MAGA narratives, which often promote a narrow, exclusionary vision of who "truly" belongs.)

2. Equality and Social Justice We stand for a society where every individual—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status—has the opportunity to succeed. Our commitment is to acknowledge past injustices and work actively to correct them.(In opposition, some political currents cling to a sanitized history that ignores systemic inequality.)

3. Civil Liberties and Individual Rights Our foundation is built on the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, such as free speech, due process, and the right to privacy. These rights are inviolable and serve as the bedrock of our freedom.(Opposing views sometimes advocate curtailing these liberties in the name of tradition or control.)

4. Religious Freedom We champion the right of every individual to practice—or not practice—a religion without interference. True religious freedom means fostering a pluralistic society that respects all faiths and beliefs, as guaranteed by our founding documents.(Some conservative interpretations, however, co-opt religious language to enforce a singular, exclusionary worldview.)

5. Open-Mindedness and Intellectual Curiosity We believe in the power of ideas and the importance of engaging with new perspectives. Continuous learning, innovation, and respectful debate are essential to societal progress.(This contrasts with anti-intellectual tendencies and rigid dogma that can stifle growth in other ideologies.)

6. Economic Opportunity and Abundance We support a free enterprise system that fosters innovation while ensuring that prosperity is shared. Success should not be viewed as a zero-sum game but as an opportunity for collective advancement.(This stands against economic policies that pit communities against each other and favor only a privileged few.)

7. Environmental Stewardship We commit to sustainable practices and policies that protect our planet for future generations. Environmental health is a shared responsibility, and long-term ecological stability must be prioritized over short-term gains.(This vision challenges narratives that ignore the pressing need for environmental action, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term ecological stability.)

8. Social Responsibility and Community We believe that a thriving society is built on mutual support and collective well-being. Every individual’s actions contribute to the health of our community, and we must work together to create opportunities for all.(This principle opposes narratives that emphasize isolated self-interest or foster division.)

9. Accountability and Transparency We demand integrity from our leaders and institutions. Fact-based discourse, open governance, and accountability are the cornerstones of a healthy democracy.(In contrast, populist rhetoric—like that seen in certain MAGA circles—often relies on misinformation and secrecy, eroding trust in our democratic processes.)

10. True Transparency and Servant LeadershipOur leaders must embody a spirit of servant leadership, prioritizing the needs of the people over personal gain. True transparency means that every decision and action is conducted openly, with the public interest at heart.(While critics of current governance rightly point to self-interest and opacity, our solution is to renew public trust through leadership that serves, listens, and acts with integrity.)

11. Diversity as StrengthWe celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that make our nation strong. Diversity is not a threat—it is our greatest asset and a vital source of innovation and resilience.(This stands opposed to ideologies that seek to narrow our national identity and exclude those who are different.)

12. Ethical Treatment of Others with Respect and DignityWe believe that every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Ethical behavior and compassion in our interactions are fundamental to building a just and humane society.(This is in stark contrast to ideologies that dehumanize or marginalize groups based on identity or ideology.)

13. A Progressive Vision for the FutureWe are committed to evolving as a society, guided by the timeless values of freedom, equality, and justice. Progress means learning from our past, correcting our missteps, and continuously striving to improve our collective future.(This forward-looking vision rejects the nostalgia-driven appeals of some conservative and MAGA narratives, which often idealize a past that never fully embodied these inclusive ideals.)

    
    

This manifesto outlines the core principles of liberalism—a vision dedicated to inclusivity, progress, and justice for all. It stands in deliberate contrast to the exclusionary, nostalgia-driven, and outright false and reactionary narratives often found in contemporary conservatism and the MAGA movement. Together, these principles form the foundation of a society where every voice matters, where leadership is both transparent and devoted to service, and where true greatness is defined by our collective capacity for empathy, innovation, and mutual respect.

I proudly reclaim the term “liberal” as a badge of honor—a reminder of the courageous spirit of our nation's inception, however flawed, and the inclusive, progressive legacy that was set in motion. Let’s stand together in defense of these timeless ideals, ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of freedom, opportunity, and genuine greatness for all.