I am totally against today's style of republican politics. Does that make me a

[right you are ken]

liberal?
As an independent, I would hardly consider myself brain-dead. Brain death is voting for the same people over and over and expecting different results. Looking at my avatar and jumping to conclusions, is another form of brain-death.
I am for smaller, less intrusive, fiscally responsible government. That's where I stand. I want to thank everyone for such thougtful answers. I won't pick a best answer, instead I'm putting this one up for a vote. I do like the Kucinich, Gravel, Paul answer. I'm leaning towards Paul at this moment. Thanks to all.

[susi]

Based on your avatar, I would say it makes your brain dead! (then, yes, you are a liberal).

[evilindependent]

If so, I guess I am one, too.

[The Cowardly Donkey]

why should that be a shock..given the vacant history inscribed on this site?

[robling_dwrdesign]

There seems to be two groups running the major factions of the two main parties-neoconservatives and social liberals. Both are statists. I like the views of classical liberals, who ironically are a small faction of the Republicans. Smaller government, lazzie-faire economics, states' rights, adhering to the Constitution.

So the question is what kind of "liberal"? Social or Classical?

[Scott L]

No, unless you believe in the liberal agenda.

[MeinOH]

Just "Republican Politics"? By not mentioning "Democratic Politics" from your statement, you imply that you do not criticize the Democrat's politics. ("expressio unius est exclusio alterius"). One can surely point to ugly parts of Democratic politics ( I won't start - this post would be too long). That said, simply because you don't agree with what a particular group of Republicans is doing does not - logically - make you a liberal. Just answer these questions:

Do you believe in limited federal government or an all powerful centralized government?

Do you want lower federal taxes or excessive social spending?

Do you believe in capitalism or redistribution of wealth via confiscatory taxes?

Have you examined all the scientific evidence about Global Warming or do you blindly follow the politically motivated and unscientific idea that the industrialized West (i.e., the U.S.) is at fault for climate change which has gone on for millions of years without man? (This is scare politics at its finest, Chicken Little)

Conservatives believe in federalism, lower taxes, capitalism and scientific debate. There are conservative Democrats too. So, don't confuse the party with the philosophy.