That's a plausible explanation, I suppose, but I think you have to conclude that given the number of people who fall in to this ridiculousness the brain health of the population, generally, isn't so great.

lib·er·al (lbr-l, lbrl)
adj.
1.
a. Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
b. Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

I hate that conflation.