What is the difference between liberal and "progressive"?

[Franzl]

If we're only talking about social liberalism, then it's the same as being progressive. However, we are forced to use that title, as Republicans have turned "liberal" into a synonym of "terrorist....un-American....baby murderer.....etc.".

Economic liberalism, if of course, something entirely different, although not many Americans properly understand what liberalism is.

[Franzl]

When I think of liberal I think of classical liberalism to which much of personal beliefs are based upon.  To call a leftist a "liberal" to me though is an egregious misappropriation of the term.  Thus the correct definition is quite different from a so-called "progressive" which is another euphemism for a socialist.

I agree with the first part, that the word "liberal" means something different then most people think.

But you should learn more about what socialism is.

[Franzl]

When I think of liberal I think of classical liberalism to which much of personal beliefs are based upon.  To call a leftist a "liberal" to me though is an egregious misappropriation of the term.  Thus the correct definition is quite different from a so-called "progressive" which is another euphemism for a socialist.

Kind of like conservatism is a euphemism for fascist.  As long as we're defining the other side.

Nyet.

I was being sarcastic.  As if this guy has any idea what socialism or even "leftism" really is.  He's just throwing out labels that are supposed to be "bad" as a cheap (but effective) way to demean the other side.

And that's what really gets on my nerves after a certain amount of time. Especially in American politics, people are often so uninformed that they aren't able to actually debate you on issues, and have to resort to cheap labels.

Naturally, it's a tendency everywhere, but I think American politics are far too polarized, perhaps as a result of the two party system, in which many people consider "the other side" to be evil.

All it leads to is eternal stalemate.

[Franzl]

Today the word "progressive" means a liberal that is ashamed to admit it.

No, it means "liberals" aren't electable, although "progressives", that think and act the exact same way, somehow are.