I was reading the almost-most recent issue of Adbusters, and they had an interesting article on the growth of conservative groups on University Campuses, and their clash with the traditional liberalism that's part of University experience. The issue seems to generally be focusing on what liberalism means, the heart of it as a political movement, and where it's going. Some of these issues I wholeheartedly agree with -- anti-nationalism is an extremely important stance to encourage. Patriotism is one of the real differences between the american left and right -- the right almost univerally considers it a great thing, while the hard left and parts of the soft left consider it dangerous. A related virtue, the desire for internationalism, is similarly a good marker between the left and the right. Reverence for the past is another part of what it means to be conservative -- Liberals see women's rights, gay rights, the loosening of religious privilege/restriction, and the like as good things, and conservatives, to varying degrees, the opposite. Capitalism is one of the areas which, unlike the former, in its division between the right and the left, I find myself somewhere in the middle. Finally, there are some virtues where I'm considerably less liberal than Adbusters. Not really a problem for me. I'm bothered by special privilege for liberal view expression when it's there. I don't hate Rush Limbaugh (I do admire Howard Stern a bit more). Finally, the criticism that the Liberals seem to be united by not being conservatives seems to be valid, but is also true the other way. What do conservatives want? What do liberals want? The notion of political parties seems to distort the landscape -- society moves over time, conservatives wanting to sustain one of a succession of Leave-It-To-Beaver societies they grew up in, all different, and liberals wanting to achieve one of a succession of cultural ideals they grew up in. The label of Dem or Repub is one they choose at one point, and it then slyly moves their ideas over the years, until they may disavow their earlier ideas. Always a danger in identity... Sometimes the more honest folk may switch parties, although this is like becoming Catholic (or vice versa). Anyhow, to wrap this up, I think it's neat that Adbusters is able to do an interesting criticism of today's left. Bravo to them -- just like people who are able to show uncertainty when they encounter a new idea, it shows a rare honesty and openness that's too lacking in today's world.