Why are so many people (notably FML and BS) so offended by the concept of liberalism and liberals in general? I am curious to know what you definition of liberalism.

To me, liberalism means progress and growth. It means acceptance and more rights for the common man.

According to http://www.answers.com/liberalism&r=67 in the 20th century liberalism has come to mean:
"In the United States minimum wage laws, progressive taxation, and social security programs were all instituted, many initially by the New Deal, and today remain an integral part of modern democratic government. While such programs are also advocated by socialism, liberalism does not support the socialist goal of complete equality imposed by state control, and because it is still dedicated to the primacy of the individual, liberalism also strongly opposes communism. Current liberal goals in the United States include integration of the races, sexual equality, and the eradication of poverty."

Generally, liberalism is good for society. Of course many people argue against the New Deal, however, who can oppose racial/gender equality?

Based on that definition/application liberalism sounds pretty decent and good. So what, BS and FML, is so awful and terrible about it?

Conservatism, according to the same website, means "the desire to maintain, or conserve, the existing order". Therefore, under the policy of conservatism wouldn't slavery still exist? Would women not be allowed to vote? Would human sacfifices be still be going on?

I know that people will always disagree with certain parts of liberalism but how can anyone deny the validity of certain aspects of the concept?

I salute to you, as well!

I agree with you, bluedemocrat. Liberalism seems to be a concept that, lately, is considered an insult. One of my best friends, who happens to be extremely conservative, said to me during an argument... "God, you are SUCH a liberal." As if I was supposed to be offended that he stated a fact. I see liberals as open-minded and ready for change.
I salute you, bluedemocrat.

I'm one of the moderate people. Way more liberal than conservative but still with some conservative ideals.

The basic argument of conservatives? They think that there is a point where we give humans too many freedoms so that our nation becomes corrupt. So they say better safe than sorry when passing things such as gay marriage (i.e. gender equality) because they fear the implications (Don't you remember the, "Then people will start marrying their dogs!" argument?). They would rather us be too conservative so that our nation doesn't fall rather than being more liberal which is better for our nation.

My opinion on this concept? They're just paranoid. Yes, there is a point at which humans are giving too many freedoms (the freedom of murdering their next door neighbor definitely should not be given) but people aren't stupid, either (well, some of them). I think it's ridiculous to think that once gay marriages are allowed so will marriages to dogs. To me that's almost like a conspiray theory.

I suggest all diehard conservatives should read The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. If we continue to become more and more and more conservative, we will eventually end up like this society (i.e. bad).