Luke Ford

Word Abuse - a Lexicon

A political way of thinking has so permeated the American consciousness that it has changed the way we use English.

Below, a lexicon that shows how certain words are used by mayor American newspapers, by the electronic news media (especially television), and by many individuals in public and private debate.

Conservative: A person with selfish motives.

Liberal: A person with altruistic motives.

(N.B.: In 11 years of doing talk radio, I never once spoke to a liberal who believed that a person who voted for Ronald Reagan or George Bush could be motivated by altruism Republicans; by definition, vote with their pocketbooks.")

Ultra-Conservative: A person who is too conservative.

Ultra-Liberal: Term not used. One cannot be too liberal.

(N.B.: I read sir newspapers a day, and countless journals. I have never encountered the term "ultra-liberal " or "arch-liberal." I read or hear about "ultra-" or "arch-conservatives" all the time.)

Christian Right: Contemptible people who always try to impose their values on other Americans

Liberals: Idealistic people who never try to impose their values on other Americans.

(N.B.: When Christians try to put their values into law-for example, preventing government funds from going to what even most liberals would consider to be obscene art-they are attacked for trying to impose their values on others. However, when liberals pass laws reflecting their values-e.g., forcing states to allow gag and lesbian couples the same right to adopt children as married couples-that is not regarded as imposing values, but simply the right thing to do.)

Abortion: A form of birth control.

Women's Rights: Supporting the right to destroy a human fetus for personal convenience.