MANILA -- Ideological fuzziness has become a hallmark of politics. Instead of accentuating ideological positions, politicians deliberately demonstrate vagueness. This, their advisers argue, prevents the politicians from alienating strategic interest groups crucial for victory in elections.
In spite of this leveling out, ideologies haven't disappeared all together from political discourse. If one listens carefully, ideological biases still play a role in partisan politics.
Arguably the most popular political catch phrase of all is "freedom." Invented by the classical liberal thinkers to counter authoritarian rule, freedom as an objective today is claimed by all political camps -- liberals, socialists, conservatives, to name the most important ideological mainstreams. I don't know a major political grouping that would declare it is opposed to freedom. Even tyrants and terrorists claim they are fighting for freedom, although their deeds lead in the opposite direction.
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