Definitions
Stupid is as stupid does
Forrest Gump
Apparently, an expensive education at Columbia produces stupidity as evidenced by graduates tearing up their diplomas in an anti-Trump/Musk protest. Forrest would agree.
Sometimes the best definition is an example, a picture or a meme. However, most of the time we use words to express our thoughts, which are nuanced by vocal tone and inflection. Even body language conveys significant meaning. Examples are a scornful face or arms crossed over the chest. And every husband has observed the flush on his wife’s cheeks to realize he’s “misspoken.”
As a writer, I reside in the world of words. But how can I convey my thoughts if we don’t agree upon the meaning of words, terms or definitions? My grandchildren are learning vocabulary words and learning to read. Admittedly, I didn’t appreciate weekly vocabulary assignments in elementary school, nor did I appreciate mandatory English in grades one through twelve and two years into college. But then I was an “underachiever” until college and medical school.
Which brings me back to this week’s tutorial from whom some might call the persnickety pedagogue (teacher). In my defense, doctors are teachers. The word doctor derives from Latin docere which means to teach. During my career, I taught patients, medical students, residents and colleagues. And now I get to enlighten each week in this opinion column.
In recent weeks, we’ve watched domestic terrorists on the streets of America attacking Tesla dealerships, cars and even threatening the drivers of Teslas. Who are these people who violate the law and civil society? They appear deranged, not connected with reality. Or perhaps their leftist ideology of anti-capitalist, anti-American, open borders and world citizenry drives their insane behavior. These socialist radicals are intolerant of any perspective different from theirs.
But what is socialism, favored by AOC and Bernie Sanders? It is anti-capitalistic and favors collective ownership of all means of production. Some private ownership, for instance industry, is allowed, but operates at the whim of the government. The Nazis were the National Socialist Party of Germany. Socialism has been tried repeatedly all over the world and has always failed, most recently in Venezuela.
Vladimir Lenin said that the “goal of socialism is communism.” This most radical form of socialism is built on class and economic warfare. In communism, everything is owned and is subservient to the state, which is ruled by a small privileged class. Democrat apologist Van Jones is an avowed communist.
The term liberal derives from classical liberalism of the Founders’ era, which advocated free markets, limited government, civil liberties, private property and equality under law. Classical liberalism may be closer to the modern libertarian philosophy, which abhors a welfare state.
The American progressive movement began in the late 19th century in opposition to radical socialism and abuses in the Industrial Revolution. However, unpopular progressive policies like increasing government, prohibition, income tax and entry into WWI, led to progressives losing elections. As a result they rebranded themselves as “modern liberals.” The word modern was later dropped. Liberals and Democrats are masters of euphemisms (politically correct terminology). Historically, progressives support income distribution, bigger government, and a “living wage,” as well as universal healthcare. The modern Democrat party has very few traditional “Blue Dog” Democrats. The party is now composed of increasingly radical progressives if not leftists.
Conservatism derives from the word conserve or preserve and advocates traditions and social stability with slower, less radical changes.
Conservatives come in different stripes, including fiscal, social, Constitutional, etc. So, it’s clear why Republicans in Congress are a fractious bunch compared to Democrats who often vote in lock-step to the party line.
Populism is a term we hear much about these days and derives from the Latin word populus or the “people.” There were Roman leaders who advocated for the common man rather than the elite ruling class. Populist movements urge governmental, political and social changes through the collective concerns of citizens. This perspective cuts across many left-right politics of have and have-not social specters. As an example, the TEA Party movement was populist.
The Founders studied history and were afraid of the historical abuses of democracy (people rule), where majorities abused minorities. This is why they fashioned a representative republic for us, predicated on the rule of law.
Definitions and civics are important and why I’ve recently discussed domestic terrorism, tariffs and mercantilism, DEI, ESG, USAID, the CR and last week, Civics 101. Citizens must be informed about the Ukrainian war, the rogue judiciary and the two most influential people of our time, President Trump and Elon Musk.
Last weekend, the Democrat-Progressive cabal attacked Tesla, proving how lost and dangerous the party and its minions have become. Importantly, there was essentially no push-back from the Democrat leadership. The only Democrat voice was the Senate rant of Spartacus, aka Corey Booker, about Trump and Musk. What a pathetic person ruled by evil’s sickness of hatred. Obviously, Booker did not watch Bret Baier’s interview with Musk and his DOGE team It is available on YouTube (bret baier doge interview) and must be watched by citizens if you want to be educated and fair-minded.
President Trump labeled April 2nd as “liberation day” when his “reciprocal tariffs” went into effect. I am no expert, but I have read extensively about the pros and cons of tariffs. And I have an opinion. One hundred-seventy countries have tariffs on United States products. It is unfortunate that reciprocal tariffs are necessary to level the playing field. I understand why other countries protect their own industries. But why should we not protect our farmers and industries?
I’m a big fan of Don Surber’s news blog. Surber is insightful, witty and appropriately acerbic. Becky and I believe a morning without Surber is like a day without sunshine. Surber’s blog of March 31, 2025, is the best analysis I’ve read about tariffs and should be read as you consider the long-term benefits of tariffs for our country. Policies that drove industry out of our country in search of cheap labor led to supply chain issues during and after the pandemic. Industry and jobs must return if we are to remain a free and prosperous people. It is common sense that national security products like antibiotics must be produced in the USA.
Hope and Change didn’t work; nor has what we’re currently doing. I trust Trump and the MAGA counterrevolution. Without these necessary reforms of government and the economy, we are finished.
