With some justification, the U.S. claims to be the mother of modern liberal democracy and has pioneered widely accepted concepts such as the separation of church and state, and the rights of individuals.

That long tradition of liberalism has become the central theme of the current presidential debates, more than such issues as the wars in Iraq and on terror, or the economy, outsourcing of jobs, medicare and the impact of tax breaks,.

And, while neither side is standing up for history, Sen. John Kerry clearly has become the poster boy for liberal politics.

The outcome of this heated discussion has the potential to have great impact on Canada and Europe. The U.S. may have pioneered liberal democracy, but it has become a mainstay of modern governance. Should the forces of liberalism lose in the U.S., the tide will be hard to hold back at our borders....

This attack on liberalism stems from a deep sense within America that its religious values are under attack. And this sense of dread is greater than concern over a terror attack or economic collapse.

Even those who have doubts about Bush's ability as a president support him because they fear the liberal alternative.

-- from 'Liberal' label cause for fear in U.S. politics in The Star Phoenix