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.