Curiously, I’m hearing the word “progressive” a bit more in the media. It seems to be used interchangeably with “liberal,” but it doesn’t yet carry the “negative” baggage the Rethuglicans have given the L word. I guess that’s a strategy, but I long for the day when being a liberal will be seen as a positive thing again.

Perhaps the progressives in the halls of Congress (and elsewhere) should take a moment to consult with their thesaurus. And get some backbone while they’re at it. We need to proudly take back our liberalness and revel in it. I often reflect on Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I expect we could replace the word inferior with the words fearful or marginalized and get even more mileage from her very astute quote. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with being a generous, bountiful, gracious, tolerant liberal.

Another positive trait: 

To my knowledge, no one has ever matriculated at a “conservative arts” college.  The concept is, in fact, all but inconceivable.

N, that’s the school Snape will start when JK Rowling finishes the Potter books and needs a new series.

If you recall, Republicans proudly claim to make their own reality. With help from the fundies, conservative arts seem to be making inroads. See Kansas. See O’Reilly and his Christmas Crusade.

and don’t forget..."Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

I kinda like it....