The Liberal philosophy is an enduring one. All through this century ( and earlier )
various political ideologies have waxed and waned across the world. Communism,
Thatcher-Reagan Conservatism, Nationalism, European Social Democracy, Fascism 
in all its forms and so on. Each has had its triumphs and its day.

The Liberal approach has often seemed to be on the point of extinction but each
time it rises again, like a phoenix from the flames. Why is this ? The answer
lies in its essential message of hope for men and women. Liberals believe in
something worth believing in...liberty. Put simply, this means the right to be free,
free to express oneself to the maximum, always provided that one person's freedom 
does not suppress or restrict the freedom of another.

So what does this mean in practice ? There are many variations of 'Liberalism in action'
but generally it can be said that :

LIBERALS SUPPORT :

*Political and economic power exercised at the nearest practicable level to the people
 it affects. Local if possible,then regional, then national, then continental, then global.
 At each level, maximum democratic participation and consultation.

*Clear rights and responsibilities for each individual, at work, at home and in the community.

*Respect for our terrestrial Environment. It's the only one we've got !

*Freedom of speech, assembly and worship. Equality under the Law.

*Free adult expression of sexuality.

*A fairer distribution of wealth and opportunity in society.


LIBERALS OPPOSE :

*Racism and sexism in all their forms.

*The domination of the world by 'big business'or state systems. 

*Indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction.

*Capital punishment,corporal punishment and torture.
 
*Blood-sports such as bullfighting, foxhunting, etc. These practices
demean the humans who engage in them.

*Military or industrial conscription.

Not every Liberal supports all the above points, but they do give a
general picture of the sort of people Liberals are and what they want.

Readers are invited to contact me with their suggestions/comments 
about this page. I look forward to hearing from you. In the meantime,
see the links below !

Liberal Links

AL EMERY

emery@gibnet.gi
P.O.Box 676
Gibraltar
Europe