What's the difference between a Leftie and a Liberal?

[HowAnnoying]

No this doesn't have a punch line!

I thought they were the same? But just reading another thread they seem to be different! What's the difference? I don't know whether I'm liberal or left!

saucetastic - that's what it used to mean about 100 years or so ago in the UK. Liberal equated to supporter of free market, limited state etc. That is now an anachronism

Liberals in UK are really Social democrats

I am a bit suprised at some of these posts

hmc No, some liberals are social democrats. People like Vince Cable and Simon Hughes.

Many liberals are, in fact, "Gladstone liberals" - people like Nick Clegg, David Laws, Jeremy Browne etc.

Ok granted - I was thinking in terms of the major political groupings in the UK. Concur there are 'Gladstone' liberals - but they are really on the margins aren't they

I wouldn't say that Nick Clegg is on the margins of British politics these days. You may be right when talking about Lib Dem voters - but amongst the party the Orange Bookers are at least a very significant minority - they might even outnumber the SDP-types.

I hope that at some point the SDP faction (Hancock, Cable, Russell, etc) walk off in a huff. Their ideas are poisonous socialism wrapped in an extra dose of piety.

oh gawd claig & longfingernails in full effeck

Step away from the thread ladies, step away from the thread

"poisonous socialism wrapped in an extra dose of piety"

reminds me of Blairism

anyway claig, you're a chap, right? haven't we been here before?

sorry theCentralcommitte I'm not a chap. I'm not sure where uyou have been before.

oh no sorry claig i'm getting you mixed up with daftpunk - although you're both cunts ;)

daftpunk is not a chap either. You are certainly getting mixed up. Can't you make a case without resorting to swearing?

Fuck no!

I think that Claig is seriously clever! I've learnt more from this thread than any other.

thank you. But I think I imbibed too much wine, it was the wine talking. I'll have to make sure that I continue consuming at that rate.