Liberals get a lot of criticism for being naïve and unrealistic about the world. Unfortunately, our political environment today has become hostile and partisan, with self-contained bickering becoming the norm. Arguments are between in-groups about the other side, and there is very little dialogue between the two sides. Therefore, here presents an argument in defense of liberalism.
Modern liberalism has its roots in the actions of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. With the Great Depression on his heels, President Roosevelt needed to embrace new policies to counteract the seemingly disastrous actions (or lack thereof) of President Hoover. Thus, the New Deal was created, greatly expanding the power of the federal government, and arguably creating the conditions for ending the Great Depression. Core values of Liberalism include cooperation, equality, justice, and an emphasis on scientific thought and reason.
To liberals, the federal government is a necessary force for the public interest, and thus must act counter to the profit-driven ideals of capitalistic society. Where unrestrained progress brings growth as a whole, it creates massive inequalities that leave the majority in the dust. The federal government is supposed to counteract that and ensure basic needs to all its citizens.
Liberals see social security and welfare as an investment into society, paid into by everybody throughout their lifetimes. Increased public education, healthcare, and SNAP benefits cost money to the taxpayer, but ultimately cost less than what it would take to deal with the consequences of not having these publicly funded options. They also create conditions that can enable the poorest to rise out of poverty.
Increased regulations, Liberals argue, will help contain the largely detrimental growth of large corporations. With increased regulations on carbon emissions, campaign finance, and firearms, society as a whole benefits, perhaps at the expense of certain individual liberties.
