What does being a "Liberal" mean? (US)

[BigV]

Originally Posted by lookout123

snip--

F3, I had no idea you were such an optimist. I see a nation on the decline, not one still developing. I personally think we've gone past the tipping point of "the greater good" and we'll just keep sliding through "i gotta get mine".

Originally Posted by footfootfoot

Lookout, I'm no optimist. I was speaking merely theoretically.

Perhaps you two are not optimists. Perhaps you once were, I don't know. Clearly you both recognize that state of mind. I consider you a couple of the most rational, articulate, intelligent people I know (who are only coincidentally fellow dwellars). You are not optimists--ok. But I have a question for you.

What are you teaching your children? What do you tell them with your words and what do you show them with your actions? Defensive cynicism? Acquisitive greed? To move up by pushing others down?

Something else? I have paid attention to you over the years and I don't find these sentiments consistent with what I have seen you share about your parenting journey. Maybe you're not optimists, but I see hope in the next generation. This is what makes *me* an optimist--Dads like you.