It's funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

[upgw]

It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

lib·er·al Pronunciation Key (lbr-l, lbrl)
adj.

Not limited to or by established, traditional, orthodox, or authoritarian attitudes, views, or dogmas; free from bigotry.
Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of liberalism.
Liberal Of, designating, or characteristic of a political party founded on or associated with principles of social and political liberalism, especially in Great Britain, Canada, and the United States.

Tending to give freely; generous: a liberal benefactor.
Generous in amount; ample: a liberal serving of potatoes.
Not strict or literal; loose or approximate: a liberal translation.
Of, relating to, or based on the traditional arts and sciences of a college or university curriculum: a liberal education.

Archaic. Permissible or appropriate for a person of free birth; befitting a lady or gentleman.
Obsolete. Morally unrestrained; licentious.

 

[Chuck52]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of t

Well heck. Being obsolete himself, he obviously favored the obsolete meaning.

The Great Obfuscator was really something, wasn't he?

Chuck

 

[Wingnut]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

I wonder why the correct definition is noted as obsolete? Must be a liberal editing it!

 

[knucklehead]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

You beat me, Winger. I was going to question the author of the dictionary. Even that is changing.

I've actually struggled with this, as I have the opinion that our language has been diluted and sometimes hijacked (try announcing that you are feeling quite gay at work tommorrow). Even as I tend to agree with the technical definition, I find many of those who are thought of as liberals do not fit under this term. I find some of them to be more dissolute, licentious, and generally rebellious for the sake of being different, as opposed to widely thinking, accepting, and promoting freedom.

My negative picture of a "liberal" tends toward short sightedness, expediency, elitism in the form of expanding government over personal freedom, and a general lack of acknowledgement of personal responsibility in either their own affairs or others. It is, in general, the functional opposite of the definition. Indeed, that is the most frustrating thing I encounter - many self described free thinkers are anything but free to consider other points of view. I know that is held against many "conservatives", too, so I ready myself for the return fire.

I would say that not many I have encountered here fit my harsh description, and so I believe you will find I have infrequently referred to or used the term on this forum. Hopefully this won't go into several pages, but I may have contributed to it, unless one carefully considers the above words.

/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Chuck52]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of t

Mark,

Nice polite post. It does get irritating to read again and again that all liberals are this or that insulting thing after having identified oneself as a liberal. I think that most conservatives, indeed most all folks of whatever political persuasion, are decent human beings. Of course, that's the kind of wishy-washy thinking which seems to irritate some conservatives who like to see things in black and white.

Chuck

 

[Wingnut]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

Just what shape/design of a Harley engine is a Knucklehead, anyway /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.
One thing about good ole Canada is that the political parties are actually NAMED "Liberal" and "Conservative". Of course (as you noted) the appellations are more correctly misnomers. Liberals are the free-thinkers all right, if your definition of free is "valueless". And, just as with liberals in this country, their claim quickly loses credibility when you try to discuss anything with them. Their free minds are cxompletely made up and there's no room for differing opinions or, in most cases, facts.
Canada has also has similar problems with the left hijacking the language.
Bilingual used to mean "two languages" ... now it means French is preferable to English, no other language need apply.
Multiculturalism used to mean "many differnet cultures" ... whereas now it means any culture other than American is more interesting and valuable than Canadian and must be supported with tax dollars.
I could go on ... but this is getting too depressing for a Wdnesday morning.
Have a good one .... or did Reagan change the meaning of that phase too?

pete

 

[Chuck52]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of t

If liberal and conservative are antonyms, it would follow that close-mindedness is a desireable attribute to a conservative. So, your objection is that liberals are taking over your territory?

Chuck

 

[Alan L.]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of this

The word liberal doesn't really match the steriotype. Liberals tend to be against any productive activity that might threaten the environment. You would think that would be a conservative stance.

You would think liberals would think its OK to brandish a concealed weapon, but we conservatives have that view.

So, on many issues conservatives are liberal and liberals are conservative.

 

[Chuck52]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of t

Wow! Can I agree to the conclusion without accepting the examples?

Chuck

 

[knucklehead]

Re: It\'s funny how Reagan changed the meaning of t

No! You must accept them! Do it! Now! Now, I say!

/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif