That is because in Europe 'liberal' still retains its original meaning which is roughly the same one that 'libertarian' has in the USA. In America the meaning of 'liberal' has shifted. (somehow? How does one actually hijack such a term, with positive connotations, to make it become meaning its opposite?)
An American liberal should be called a socialist or social-democrat. Or, in Tom's words, call a turd a turd.
Tom, I agree with you. (I'm beginning to scare myself as I find myself agreeing a lot with you lately...)
<rant>
Remember, always be gentle and supportive to people. Don't disagree with them and if you do, first state that you are not attacking them personally and say some supportive, nice things before you get to the critical bit. Because we don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. And if you inadvertently hurt their feelings, be prepared for the theatrical drama that will ensue. My favourite line (I've seen it a few times on this board too) is 'I'll take my questions to some other board where they are more gentle/supportive'. I've never replied to such statements but have always felt this urge to ask them "is that a threat or a promise?"
Incidentally, I was reading this article last night. It seems political correctness has now found its way into the sciences as well:
"In the olden days, perhaps twenty or thirty years ago, academic debates were marked by sweet discourse and the harmonious if impassioned hum of debate. (Also by sarcasm.) The rule used to be that if you disagreed with someone's opinion or interpretations of data, you did the civilized thing-you called the person a knucklehead or an incompetent fool. Or you wrote a devastating reply explaining why the knucklehead was terminally wrong, misguided, or drunk."
(http://www.csicop.org/si/2002-07/high-cost.html)
I wonder how Salman Rushdie is doing, btw.
Peter.
"You do NOT have the right not to be offended!"
</rant>