Why is it that liberals are so afraid to take their own side in an argument?

“Look, labels are so silly in American politics,” Senator Kerry replied evasively when asked during the New York debate, “Are you a liberal?” I agree that labels are too simplistic. But why allow the L-word to be defined–and turned into a negative–by thugs at the Republican National Committee who don’t know their own history? Isn’t it time, after more than twenty years of conservative ascendancy, for liberals to take the offensive, stop biting their tongues and declare forcefully–I’m a liberal and proud of it!

So, next time you’re asked, Senator, why not stand firm (you’re already tall) and tell Americans, crisply, sharply and with conviction, how liberal values have shaped the greatness of this country. It won’t lose you the election. It might just help you win it.

I’m sure you don’t need this, but here’s a short list of some of the great triumphs of 20th century liberalism–all vigorously opposed by conservatives at the time: Women’s suffrage; Social Security; unemployment compensation; the minimum wage; child labor laws; Head Start, food stamps; Medicare; federal housing laws barring discrimination; the Voting Rights Act; the Civil Rights Act; anti-pollution statutes, guaranteed student loan programs and the forty-hour work week.

Senator, these victories made America a more just and open society. These programs embody the civilizing and mainstream values of the past decades and they show how liberals have repeatedly fought for ordinary Americans. A fighting liberal would take on rightwing extremists who are determined to rollback the hard-earned rights and liberties of the 20th century. Why not stand on liberalism’s proud heritage? It sure beats running away from a winning legacy.