<p>Are you kidding? You have to go farther right-wing than that - FDR and Lincoln, baby!</p>
<p>Lincoln? I never knew that Lincoln was a "liberal" hero... I thought he was just a hero to many. I guess it's true. "Liberal" has ceased to have any meaning whatsoever in today's discourse. Huzzah.</p>
<p>Ari: Lincoln is the statist amongst statists. Modern liberalism is statism to the core. It's conservative that has been warped - many modern day "conservatives" are statists as well, leaving true conservatives behind (which of course, were actually liberals back in Jefferson's time...) You're right - I don't like liberal/conservative or left/right labels. My "Very Conservative" on Facebook gives people a ballpark idea, but those who assume instantly are probably confused by my support for gay rights and abortion rights.</p>
<p>See, that's why I wouldn't even consider Lincoln a "liberal." Or even a "liberal hero."</p>
<p>I find that the label "liberal" is just a pejorative that gets thrown about these days by anyone looking to color their opponent pink. Don't think that this particular plan by the GOP is a good idea? You're a "liberal!" Don't like state interference in marriage? "LiberalzLOL!" Don't like corn subsidies? "LIBURALZ!!! ROFLS!!!" </p>
<p>It's just a meaningless word that is attached to other words to try and drum up an emotional response. "Liberal agenda," "liberal media," "liberal this," "liberal that."</p>
<p>It's the same thing with "conservative," of course, but I don't get called conservative nearly as much as I get called liberal, so I'm far less tired of that label. I'm of the opinion that most people who have very consistent political beliefs are usually idealogues or zealots. And let's face it. Both of those suck.</p>
<p>Colgate wrote on my acceptance letter that my enthusiasm for politics was what made me stand out and why I'd be a great addition to the Colgate commnity...all my ECs were Republican related....but that's Colgate not Oberlin or something</p>
<p>Hero? Lincoln deserves some credit, but don't forget he also thought that the best thing for blacks was to return to africa, and he even said that there was no way they were equal to whites. Death and time both make the heart grow fonder..... And so does a memorial, and a holiday on your birthday, and place on the penny and 5 dollar bill.</p>