For a long time, conservatives have erected a false opposition between themselves and liberals.

Until the current polarization of our country, “liberal” was a compliment. The word comes from the Latin liber, free, and liberalis, genenerous. “Liberal” is the set of attitudes consistent with freedom.

The free are generous in charity, alert to threats against liberty, and able politically, diplomatically, and militarily to defend freedom. This defense includes constructing not just appropriate borders, but also internal institutions and educational systems adequate to appreciate, diagnose, correct, and propagate these liberal values.

True liberalism requires a delicate balance.Continue Reading

Three cheers for America the talkative! In an airport, standing in the security line, on the plane, I’ve been talking to people. I’ve discovered a need to share. The slightest comment about a heavy backpack, bare feet, or a spinach salad provides an opening.

From such beginnings I’ve talked to strangers about Tibetan Buddhism, about whether airports are safer today than before 9/11, about a sister’s daughter with a lesbian partner not welcome at home.

How have these pleasures evolved? Somehow we’ve recognized a need, given time, listened. There was contact. Smiles, frowns—even openly suppressed frowns—were telling: change direction, go on. “Yeah, right!” “No, really?” Smiles could lead to laughs, touches: a nudge, a brush on the forearm, a clap on the shoulder—from strangers! I have a new friend: the person sitting next to me on the plane.Continue Reading

FOLLOWING A SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BUSH FOR THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11/2001. Elections naturally bring out a country’s divisions, especially in a two-party system. One way to maintain the fundamental unity so crucial in a time of bitter debate is to use language carefully. Some leaders tell us we are now engaged in a “war on terror.” Others call it a “war on terrorism.” I suggest we not simply ignore the difference, but explore it, to clarify the task before us.Continue Reading