High court reactionary, not conservative
When discussing any issue, it is necessary to first understand the words and terms used. Then, such terms need to be used properly. That requires much more than dictionary definitions. It involves the study and understanding of subject matter. What disappoints this individual is the misuse of the term “conservative.”
What is greatly disappointing is that many who use it, even many who label themselves and take pride in doing so, are not at all “conservatives,” but “reactionaries.” All they have done is redefine the term to suit their purposes. Redefinition does not change the substance.
As an example, some are referring to the current makeup of the United States Supreme Court as being a conservative court. Let me assure the reader that the makeup of this court is not at all conservative. It is reactionary. To keep using the term “conservative” consists of nothing more than deception, intentional or otherwise.
What worries this individual is that such distortion even occurs in the media.
One would think that those who make their living with the English language would first know the real meaning of words and the subjects, in particular when members of that group wish to opine. If they don’t, what hope is there for the general public?
Robert I. Laitres, Delta
Well said, Robert.
Posted by Charles B on July 9, 2007 06:31 AMCute letter, and I'm guessing that you are not being entirely objective, thus until you actually define the terms conservative and reactionary, it's pretty much nonsense.
Posted by Mike S. on July 9, 2007 10:23 AMPosted by Mike S.
Good point. What is definition of 'conservative' to the people that use it? What is your definition? What is your definition of 'reactionary' and how does the supreme court fall into this definition rather than the definition of 'conservative'? Are there differing definitions of 'reactionary'? Etc. People would never figure anything out if we all sit around arguing over terms all the time...It seems it would be better not to label the supreme court at all, which goes for many other things as well, because through labeling you are stereotyping, which means you are avoiding reality.
Posted by Roy on July 9, 2007 02:30 PMnytimes.com/2007/07/09/opinion/09mon4.html
Last Term’s Winner at the Supreme Court: Judicial Activism
By ADAM COHEN
Roy:
How about we just use random words in place of the ones that actually communicate a meaning.
Have you ever received those spam emails that are a bunch of random text roughly equating sentences in order to fool spam filters? That is what communicating in a world in which terms are not defined would be like.
How can we accomplish anything without speaking the same language, using words that have a like meaning to both of us?
For the record:
Conservative:
1: preservative
2 a: of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: as (1): of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions (2): progressive conservative
3 a: tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional b: marked by moderation or caution.
Reactionary:
: relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction; especially : ultraconservative in politics.
Posted by Charles B on July 9, 2007 06:17 PM The critical question when someone tells me that they are a "conservative", my next question is "What is it, exactly, that you are trying to "conserve"? The number of blank stares I receive is astounding. They have never even thought of it.
To be a conservative in economic, social or the political arenas requires a considerable knowledge of the past, not merely the present. Not only one must "know" it, but actually understand it.
As far as the current Supreme Court goes, if one wishes to examine its recent decisions, and compare it to that which was sitting at the end of the 19th and the early part of the 20th, one may find much more in common between the two than they might wish to.
Maybe, just maybe, more people should take the time and expend the effort to determine their own answers instead of looking to others to provide them.
This individual is very wary of those who would provide easy answers, especially when I have not yet asked the question. Such minds are nothing, if not servile.