The illiberal Liberals

My dictionary defines "liberal" as "broad-minded, tolerant, open to new ideas," a definition that applies to small-l liberals but not apparently to big-L Liberals these days. MP Borys Wrzesnewskyj makes the common sense suggestion that we negotiate with Hezbollah, and he is harassed by fellow Liberals into resigning from his position as associate critic of foreign affairs.

Mr. Wrzesnewskyj insisted he wasn't suggesting the group be removed from our list of terrorist organizations, although one could make a very strong case they should, just that we talk to them. For this rather obvious and sensible observation, he is pilloried by his own party.

We can understand Conservative MPs not speaking until their leader has spoken for them. Mr. Harper is so terrified of what his caucus might say unless properly instructed, he has essentially issued a gag law. But shouldn't Liberals be ... well ... liberal?