Classic liberals aren't. What the progressive left has become is not liberal by any stretch of the imagination. Liberals like me don't generally mind things like ignorance from anyone else. Why would we? Being offended never killed anyone. If someone wants to live their life in a way that is 'offensive' to others then they have a right to do so.

Endorsing the right of people to generally say and live their lives in unpaleatable ways is not the same as endorsing what they say or what they do. When the 'progressive' arm of the left wing wades into telling people what they can and cannot say and uses social pressure to do so - they stray away from 'being liberal'. Forcing people to your world view because you're convinced of your moral truth is never a liberal position. The right wing Republicans and the Progressives have far more in common than they think.

And here's the simple truth about homophobia and racism. Offence is a choice. How do I know? If a three year old was openly racist and homophobic at you, you wouldn't be offended and enter into a fist fight with them.Or have them cancelled Why not? Because they're three. You dismiss the offence and get on with your life.

Let me be clear that's not a tacit endorsement of either of those things, it's a statement of what you choose to do with those things once they enter your life. You're better off not being offended. Weaponising offence to shut down discourse with those people is equally childish - and I've challenged you on it before (in the article you've embedded I think)

Liberal societies have idiots and bigots - and being a liberal society is about tolerating them. Compare this with China or Saudi Arabia for reference. Bigotry is nothing to do with political affiliation and everything to do with how prepared you are to listen to the point of view of others. There is a huge amount of bigotry on this platform - pointing it out usully has classic liberals like me labelled as racists, transphobes, white supremicists and (for some reason) Trump voters.

You are an excellent writer, and though I don't always agree with you I always enjoy your work. This article seems to be you pushing yourself back into the centre ground where I think your voice belongs. Preaching to the choir is easy as you've said and very lucrative if you want to be in the Medium earning elite - but that doesn't make it the morally right or ethical thing to do. Especially if you're committed to the democratic process and the continuation of a truly liberal society.