Railroad Gin Liberal

A "railroad gin liberal" is a political term originating in the United States. The term is used to describe a person who might be similar to a chardonnay socialist, champagne socialist, or limousine liberal but lacks the funds to afford such a lifestyle. Instead, this person might be termed a 'railroad gin liberal' because their monetary situation only affords them the kind of gin typically available to boxcar hobos. A railroad gin liberal will typically be found alone and inebriated in a cramped apartment, listening to NPR. The person will likely extol the virtues of universal health care or a progressive tax system, although the individual's desire for such establishments are likely influenced by the person's economic status. For example, a railroad gin liberal's support for universal health care will often be informed by a personal need for a liver transplant and inability to afford such a procedure due to lack of health insurance. Railroad gin liberals often view themselves as 'enlightened' members of the middle or lower classes.

History and origin
Railroad gin has a long history in hobo mythology. The idealized hobo life is often characterized by the deep-eyed hobo, observing the world as it passes by outside of his boxcar and sipping on a bottle of gin. The term railroad gin liberal arose in opposition to the stereotype of many liberals as being overeducated, snobbish and wealthy (see: Liberal Elite.)

Quotes
*"Now the rainman gave me two cures, Then he said, "Jump right in." The one was Texas medicine, The other was just railroad gin. An' like a fool I mixed them An' it strangled up my mind, An' now people just get uglier An' I have no sense of time." -- Bob Dylan, from Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again

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