LINKClassical liberalism is a political ideology, a branch of liberalism which advocates civil liberties and political freedom with limited government under the rule of law and generally opposes government interference with economic freedom.
Classic Liberalism of the past (as defined here) is more often called "Libertarian" now.
While I don't agree with all of those who have historically espoused classic liberalism, I do agree with this statement. I have always agreed with this statement. My position on this statement is a core belief of mine that has not changed. I first called myself a "classic liberal" over 10 years ago. People have called me different things through the years and I don't argue with them. Why should I? Their opinions have nothing to do with who I am so why bother with them?
Another statement of definition LINK:
Tolerance is another hallmark of classic liberalism. Both the Modern Liberals and the Conservatives (neo, ultra, religious as well as even some who claim to be "moderate") have forgotten what it means to be tolerant.Basically, classical liberalism is the belief in liberty. Even today, one of the clearest statements of this philosophy is found in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. At that time, as is the case today, most people believed that rights came from government. People thought they only had such rights as government elected to give them. But following the British philosopher John Locke, Jefferson argued that it's the other way around. People have rights apart from government, as part of their nature. Further, people can form governments and dissolve them. The only legitimate purpose of government is to protect these rights. People who call themselves classical liberals today tend to have the basic view of rights and role of government that Jefferson and his contemporaries had. Moreover, they do not tend to make any important distinction between economic liberties and civil liberties.
Honesty is something we should all strive toward. Modern Liberals and Neo/Ultra/Religious/Moderate Conservatives have come to believe that a lie is only wrong when the other side does it. Both sides are so self-righteous that their unctuous exteriors would melt into a miasma in a mild heat wave.
What is wrong with us?
We are flushing ourselves down the toilet and so busy pushing each other into the swirl that we don't realize we're swirling too.
WTH????