Liberal. Conservative. Fundamentalist. Democrat(ic). Republican.

[uppityperson]

These words are thrown around by politicians, by the media, by the people, even by posters on DU. Yes, they are only words and yes, we have lots of things to focus on, but words are important. For instance, n* and c* are only words, but they can be very hurtful, depending on their usage. So, here is my take on them (stemming from a topic last night giving what I thought interesting yet inaccurate definitions)


Liberal means someone who is open minded enough to let others believe as they wish. This does not mean they let others hurt people or other things, but recognize the fact that everyone has a right to their own opinion and feelings (limitations to what they can DO is ok). Another definition of liberalism is believing that everyone deserves basic health care, shelter, food.

Conservative means someone who does not want to change, but will if shown that another way works better. They keep doing what they have done because it has worked and changing for the sake of change can make things work less. For instance, if a farmer has always done something in a way that works, they will not risk changing just for the sake of change because crops might fail and they will starve. Fiscally conservative means they do not want to throw money around simply for the sake of doing so. No showboating, no conspicuous consumption.

Fundamentalist means someone who thinks not only is their way the right way, the only way, but also believes that they have the right, the need to force others into doing as they think is The way, their way.

Democrat(ic) is the people, the party, who have worked more for the People as a whole, helping those with less, providing basic shelter, health care, food, jobs, regardless of the person's heritage, background, etc. They have moved away from this so much, turning towards the God described in Repub definition.

Republican used to be the party of small business, helping them continue to be business owners, making money and employing others. It is not the party worshiping the God of the Mighty Dollar, doing what they must to make more money and damn the rest (since being taken over by fundamentalists)


Combinations:

There can be fundamentalist Democrats and fundamentalist Republicans and fundamentalist conservatives and even fundamentalist liberals which gets a bit confusing because how can you be open-minded and accepting yet force your way upon others (libruler than thou, more of a pseudo-liberal). There can be liberal and conservative and fundamentalist Democrats and Republicans. A person can be a combination of several these, depending upon what issue they are talking about.

The only term which I think is definitely negative if fundamentalist.

[Patchuli]

1. Thank you for the clarifying post!

I'm a liberal Christian progressive and while I know we are sort of rare, I hate being lumped in with those fundamentalists just because I'm a Christian. I do NOT believe in forcing my way on anyone nor anyone on me. I am pro-choice. I believe in 'live and let live.'

I'm getting sick of all the labels, too. People are people and I just wish we could all be kinder.

[uppityperson]

2. Indeed, I am tired of using "conservative" when "fundamentalist" is true