A big problem I have with debates like this is that for some reason, it gets personal.
(i.e. the term "libtards", etc)
Differences of opinion serve noone once they get personal.
Liberals are Liberals because they believe that helping to uplift others, we uplift ourselves as a society.
is the belief that individuals are the basis of law and society, and that society and its institutions exist to further the ends of individuals, without showing favor to those of higher social rank. Magna Carta is an example of a political document that asserted the rights of individuals even above the prerogatives of monarchs. Political liberalism stresses the social contract, under which citizens make the laws and agree to abide by those laws. It is based on the belief that individuals know best what is best for them. Political liberalism enfranchises all adult citizens regardless of sex, race, or economic status.
What this means is, trying to make the playing field as equal for everyone as possible.
Now, what passes for liberalism these days is usually called "Social Liberalism", which shares the beliefs of classical liberals, but push things farther left. Its this wing of liberalism where things like market regulation, anti-trust laws, etc.
Liberals (both kinds) believe in individual freedom as the endpoint, as the objective. The main reason liberals push for these things is the belief that lack of economic opportunity, health, education, are all threats to liberty.
Real liberals, in my opinion, want to make sure everyone gets off the starting block at the same place.
In my belief, today's liberals go too far to keep trying to push those who lag behind, ahead.
Everyone should get an oportunity to get a good education, be in good health, etc. The main liberal belief, in my opnion, is that, the more individuals that do well, the better we all do.
It doesn't come from being pampered; it comes from feeling a responsibility for your fellow man; a responsibility that can end up going too far toward socalism/communism.
EDIT:
So IMO, liberalism is the result of a failure to properly understand people as they are, with the acceptance of some sort of utopian idea of humanity as the truth instead. I'm not averse to helping somebody out through a rough patch, but making a lifestyle out of living on the dole is another matter.
Parker Dean made a great point; but I don't think the fault is with liberalism insofar as it is particular people. Everyone needs to know that sometimes people need a little help to get going, but also need to realise that people will take the path of least resistance.