Because I believe in the greatest good for the greatest number.
That belief demands concern about increasing inequality. In the U.S. 1% of the population controls 50% of our nation's wealth, a greater concentration than in any other industrialized country.
And our corporate ceos receive compensation that is 500 times that of the average worker. In this too, our country is unsurpassed.
I believe there are ways to make our society more equal and we should utilize them. They would include taxation, minimum wage and government programs.
Government programs should include single payer health insurance - medicare for all. We spend more on healthcare for poorer results than any other nation.
In short, capitalism, in which I believe, is too unbridled in the U.S. We need to make it less Darwinian, less winner take all.
I am a liberal because, even though I do not like abortion, I do not think women should be required to bring unwanted children into this world. Especially here, where the safety net is under constant attack. Republicans seem to believe that life begins at conception and ends at birth.(credit Barney Frank). Late term abortion, however, is too grim for me.. Have the child and put it up for adoption.
I am a liberal because I believe the mass incarceration of blacks, mostly for non violent drug crimes, is a disgrace. One third of black males spends some time in jail. The U.S, with 5% of the world's population, holds 25% of the world's prisoners. Furthermore, in many states, the vote is denied to ex felons. Along with voter ID, the black vote is suppressed. I believe in democracy, not democracy lite.
I am a liberal because I am not smart enough to counter the conclusion of thousands of scientists that global warming threatens our planet and we have to do something to meet that threat.
I am a liberal because I know that people with guns kill people and that gun control is long, long overdue.
I am a liberal because I believe that, after 200 years of slavery, 75 years of jim crow and the KKK, and the racisim still in today's headlines, that black people deserve a break,, a helping hand, affirmative action.
I am a liberal because I believe that science and common sense trump ideology. Republicans consistently get it wrong. After violent argument, Terri Schiavo's life support was removed. After violent argument, 7 year-old Elian Gonzales was returned to his father in Cuba. When will they ever learn?
When genial Ronald Reagan appeared on the scene to castigate government, a tsunami of conservatism succeeded in making liberal almost a dirty word. I believe that tsunami is spent, that a party catering to white men will not prevail over a party that appeals to women, blacks, Hispanics and Asians. A party that relies on voter suppression, gerrymandering and the Koch brothers is on the wrong side of history.
I cannot count or list all the reasons I am a liberal. And I do like being on the right side of history.