When Definitions Don’t Fit

Definitions change – sometimes quickly, sometimes not so quickly.  Sometimes the folks who change definitions do it deliberately, wanting to deceive.  Now the term “Progressive” has changed a couple of times . . . or perhaps I could say was developed around 1900, then:

“The word “progressive” comes to us from the early twentieth century, when leftists like US Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson used it to portray themselves as agents of progress. History textbooks refer to the period during which these three men ran the government (1901 to 1919), as the “Progressive Era.” Most modern textbooks reflect the leftist bias of their authors by framing this period as a time when enlightened leaders used the power of government to promote “social justice.”1 The other side of the story, generally downplayed by history professors and other leftists, is the way the original “Progressive” politicians trampled on the Constitutional principle of checks and balances, and ushered in an era of unprecedented government power.”

Classical liberalism is a political ideology and a branch of liberalism that advocates free market and laissez-faire economics; civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on limited government, economic freedom, and political freedom.  Sounds a lot more like today’s definition of a libertarian.

The Urban Dictionary defines “politically liberal“

A set of political beliefs which should focus on stressing the following:|
-Social government programs seeking to improve the quality and equality of life such as Health care and Welfare
-Heightened strength of federal government to keep differing state governments close enough together to avoid conflict
-Protection of Constitutional rights of ALL people (even those who are not politically liberal)

Unfortunately, it is now also known for the following:
-Anti-religious zealotry seeking to censor any mention of God, thus restricting free speech, but only for religious individuals.
-Anti-conservative bigotry that viciously mock and criticize conservatives simply because they have different beliefs.
-Radical homosexual propaganda that makes anyone who disagrees with “Homosexuality is natural, healthy and good for society” out to be some sort of criminal.

I don’t know how to explain to my friends that I’m politically liberal but not a total lying bitch like Rachel Maddow or other famous liberals.

by TruthInText May 25, 2010”

This definition probably shows why the progressives are returning to politics.  A century is enough time for a word’s definition to be forgotten.  On the other hand, a conservative is supposed to be someone who wants to preserve existing social institutions – though the Urban Dictionary describes it: 

Conservative:

A Political phrase that has been thrown around so much that it has lost its meaning and has many people who pretend to be it(Just as with the word Liberal).

Conservatives generally believe in less government and a government that only steps in when necessary.

On Economic Issues, Conservatives generally believe in low taxes, a flat income tax(seeing that it is the only equal and constitutional way to conduct a tax) and financial independence. They believe that a person’s money belongs to the person, not the government. They believe in less government spending and fewer government programs. They are against welfare(both Corporate and Private) and intervention in the economy. These beliefs are generally known as “Fiscal Conservatism“.

On Social Issues, Conservatives believe in interfering only when someone’s constitutional rights are at risk. This is why many Conservatives are Pro-Life(they see abortion as an attack on a human being’s constitutional right to live). Conservatives are against “Big Brother” telling you how to live your life.

Many Conservatives believe in an idea known as “Peace Through Strength.” An idea that revolves around military strength and the power of intimidation to avoid war.

Conservatives are usually identified with the Republican Party, although in recent years, the Party has broken into a civil war between Conservatives and Neo-Conservatives(Not to be confused with Conservatives). And, recently, Neo-Conservatives have began to use the term “conservative” to refer to their own beliefs. However, some prominent Conservatives, such as John McCain, Ron Paul, and Fred Thompson, have risen and popularity as well as the ideas behind True Conservatism.

John McCain and Ron Paul are Conservatives, Rush Limbaugh is not.

By David N. Dunnsworth September 19, 2008

Confusing, isn’t it?  When the definitions change, it gets hard to tell which SOB is lying to you.