Are largely rooted in the degradation of language in which liberalism split off in slightly different direction. One branch following the views expressed by Hayek, Friedman, Ayn Rand, Nozick and others is generally referred to as neoclassical liberalism. These liberals tend to call themselves "conservatives" or more honestly, "libertarians."

The other branch of the same tree finds voice in the theoretical statement found in John Rawls's "A Theory of Justice." This grouping is sometimes referred to as "welfare" liberalism, or "cultural-political" liberalism and is a mix carrying forward the concept of social programs that birthed in the New Deal programs of the 1930's and the individual rights movements of the 1960's.

Liberalism is that political wave that attacked: religious conformity, aristocratic privilege, and absolute rule. And it still is.

Today liberalism has lost some of its appeal partially because of philosophical ignorance, language deterioration. The basic appeal of liberalism has been its philosophy of fairness and justice and has been the measure of success in shaping modern society.

Part of the changing nature of liberalism is too many liberals have denied the complexities of issues and have become identified with rigid political correctness and other tasteless public expressions by the extreme actions of some liberals.

Liberalism will continue as long as most Americans believe they have a responsibility to care for the elderly, the poor, the ill and the young and defenseless.

Publius