Better a Bleeding Heart 
than none at all

This sticker of course refers to the phrase "bleeding heart liberal," a phrase that is often used by conservatives when they are ridiculing liberals, though the phrase is also used by some liberals to describe themselves. 

Liberals who use the phrase to describe themselves (myself included) seem to be trying to convey how strongly they feel about their liberal beliefs. These liberals are liberal to the core of their being. They are not on the fence, or in a phase. This is who they are, and they are proud of it. "Bleeding heart" seems to be similar in its meaning to "dyed in the wool."

I do not know the origins of the phrase "bleeding heart liberal." But it is interesting to note that the phrase "bleeding heart" is almost never used with any word other than "liberal." You rarely hear of a "bleeding heart" Democrat, for instance. 

My American Heritage dictionary defines the phrase "bleeding heart." There are two definitions: 1. A garden plant having arching pink heart-shaped flowers. 2. One who is excessively sympathetic toward others.   

Why is it that 'bleeding heart" means whatever it means? If your heart is bleeding, that is not a good sign. You should probably see a doctor, assuming you have health insurance. If you have a bleeding heart, that could mean you are dying. You're the one who needs sympathy. You have no business being sympathetic toward others. That's just my opinion. You may want to get a second opinion. 

Dan R. Frazier