But, if by a Liberal, they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes that we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a Liberal, then I'm proud to say that I'm a "Liberal."

- U.S. President John F. Kennedy, September 14, 1960

A guild dedicated to intelligent, reasoned, open political discussion framed in the precepts of democratic, progressive, society-minded principles. Over these years on Gaia, this guild's various members found that political discourse was dominated by those with little grasp of history, political science, or economics. Verbal warfare derived from talking points, media pundits, and campaign hyperbole dominated the scene. It is the hope of this guild to be a haven for and to represent educated members of the political left.

While still a selective guild, one need not hold to all the positions advocated traditionally by the left. To require that kind of blind loyalty would only be limiting intelligent political discussion rather than promoting it. If you oppose gun control but find that you still sit on the left on most issues, come on in! All we're looking for are members who can make their points in a reasoned and intelligent manner. Quite frankly, we want people who know what they're talking about and can back up their opinions with evidence.

<center>In your application to join this guild, answer the following question:

"To you, what does being a 'liberal' mean? Why are you liberal?"

Notice: If your application does not answer these two questions, it will be declined.

Please make a thread introducing yourself if you're accepted. We'd love to get to know you!</center>