Do you think the word "liberal" is widely misused?

I think the term is utilized of late for the sole purpose of compartmentalizing a sub group that doesn't exist here in America. Often you'll hear the term used as a sound bite to radicalize some venture unpopular with politicians that profess conservative, uh "values". Most people are both conservative and liberal in their belief system, as it's a direct result of their bearing in our essed culture. So, yes, I could agree that it is misused for political justification/rationalization.