Words mean things. A huge problem right now is that we have multiple definitions for socialism,

[vanbean]

We could save a whole lot of argument if everyone had the same definition. Seriously, this would serve to help the country to lose its fear of something they have no reason of which to be afraid.
I would hope by now, that you all know what I mean.

[arbusto_baboso]

1. Reactionaries have always defined things in ways that prove their own "points".

Don't look for them to bow to anything like fact or reality anytime soon.

Don't believe me? Try discussing anything rationally with a teabagger...

[Oregone]

2. No, there are not multiple definitions. Just multiple misuses

[ET Awful]

3. Bingo. There aren't multiple definitions, just limited people who know what the definition is.

n/t

[vanbean]

9. I don't know what you mean. Please elaborate?

[JeffersonChick]

4. I was thinking the same thing

And I've met cons who call Obama a socialist, but ask them to define socialism and they suddenly get nervous. They're just parroting what they hear.

I think it'd be an idea to come up with a new term for socialism, so that it doesn't have that negative connotation. Particularly since it's been hijacked by despots.

[CrispyQ]

7. My mother used to say, "That Nancy Pelosi is so far left!"

She was parroting Fox news. One day I said, "Mom, tell me what policies Pelosi supports that are so far left." "Well I can't think of any, but she's far left." :eyes:

The dems were wrong to remain silent 30 years ago when the right started blasting the word liberal. The repubs have a 30 years head start on us in regards to framing the debate & the dems still haven't learned the importance of taking control of the message. And now, too many of the dems are really just repubs in disguise.

[zipplewrath]

5. Rinse, repeat

Probably could make a similar post about "progressives" and "liberals", not to mention fascists and commies....

[Cleita]

6. Yeah, we need a new word that says socialism, but that the

tea baggers and other crazies haven't had time to twist the meaning of. I don't know what that would be: maybe a short phrase like 'communal justice'.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. How about 'common good'?