Cannot remember having a conversation about politics since 2009 when I didn't plead with someone to stop using the term conservative. The so-called conservatives have been radicals since Newt. While I'm pretty sure I've had zero effect, I keep hearing and reading the term, I persist.
I see "radical" as another largely misappropriated word, that literally means "root", source of "radish". Technically, the work of Galileo was "radical", as was the politcal philosophy of the US Constitution. It is a fundamental change, but that can be good or bad, but somehow "radical" has become synonymous with excessive "extreme" or fanatical. Technically a responsible response to climate change will need to be genuinely radical, but I suppose I wouldn't call it that.
it's a difficult argument since words eventually mean, conversationally, whatever people think they mean, although I see value in challenging misapplied words chosen to mask treachery. Yes, I see a "conservative" small "c" approach as a compatible and sometimes necessary compliment to a bold, innovative one. I look to science as an example. What we really mean by "Conservative" in the political sense is "authoritarian".
Conservatives....
Cannot remember having a conversation about politics since 2009 when I didn't plead with someone to stop using the term conservative. The so-called conservatives have been radicals since Newt. While I'm pretty sure I've had zero effect, I keep hearing and reading the term, I persist.
Yeah, this quirk makes me super fun at parties.
Agreed. I call them far right radical regressives and yes, they are fascists.
They are ultra-extremist reactionaries, more than radical regressives (except intellectually, ethically, morally, IMO).
So, what term would you use? Fascist comes to my mind.
I like radical best because it is the opposite of their claims and describes the positions and policies accurately.
I see "radical" as another largely misappropriated word, that literally means "root", source of "radish". Technically, the work of Galileo was "radical", as was the politcal philosophy of the US Constitution. It is a fundamental change, but that can be good or bad, but somehow "radical" has become synonymous with excessive "extreme" or fanatical. Technically a responsible response to climate change will need to be genuinely radical, but I suppose I wouldn't call it that.
"Dictatorial."
Conservatives they ain't. I think a more accurate term is 'reactionaries' though I'm afraid too few Americans may know what that means.
Anti-Americans and traitors works for me.
it's a difficult argument since words eventually mean, conversationally, whatever people think they mean, although I see value in challenging misapplied words chosen to mask treachery. Yes, I see a "conservative" small "c" approach as a compatible and sometimes necessary compliment to a bold, innovative one. I look to science as an example. What we really mean by "Conservative" in the political sense is "authoritarian".
That is so right, Lee. And correct.