Words

I love words.

I love to research words.

I enjoy finding the true meaning of words.

I am a “word-ographer” LOL

– and no, that’s not a word! LOL

Having been called each of these words in the last couple of years, I decided to look up the original meaning of each.

I realize that in this age people have attached new meanings to these words – and sadly, 75% - 90% of those meanings are far from the original.

Fascist –

One who believes in an authoritarian form of government.

Extremely intolerant.

With oppressive ideas and/or behavior.

Domineering views and practices.

- I am extremely intolerant of rude behavior.

- However, I do not believe in oppression. In ideas, or behaviors.

- Does that make me classed as a “Fascist”?

Conservative –

One who is averse to change or innovation.

Holding to traditional values.

Favors democracy, free enterprise & private ownership.

- I do hold to traditional values, for my own self.

- However, I do not try to impose my values on anyone.

- But, I love innovations – new ideas and ways.

- I do favor democracy, free enterprise, and private ownership.

- Does that make me a “Conservative”?

Liberal –

One who is willing to respect and/or accept behavior or opinions different from their own.

Open to new ideas.

Believes in individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise.

- I respect and honor the different opinions and convictions of others. Isn’t that what being American is about? - I am open to new ideas – at least to listening, considering, perhaps even trying new things. Even if I don’t choose to stick with it.

- I believe each one of us have rights – and those rights should be guarded and protected.

- I have already said that I favor democracy and free enterprise.

- Does that make me a “Liberal”?

Humanistic –

A perspective that emphasizes the whole individual and their potential for growth.

A devotion to the humanities – compassionate, sympathetic, generous behavior.

One who clings to philosophy, the arts, languages.

- I believe that we should love and care for the whole individual, ourselves included.

- I believe that each one has the potential for growth – which is change.

- I have a compassionate spirit, a sympathetic heart. Rick said that I would give my last dollar, or the shirt off my back.

- I love philosophy, the arts, and languages.

- Does that make me “Humanistic”?

What would I be called – since I can identify with each of these in their original meanings, at least in part?

Rick would say – “Strange and weird” LOL

Why have I been called each of these?

Because I do not think like the one who labels me.

I find it very ironic that those who shout the loudest about being tolerant and accepting – are 9 out of 10 times, the least tolerant and accepting.

Especially of those who have different viewpoints, or convictions of life.

And no, I am not trying to "ride the line".

Just reflecting on the original meaning of words, remembering my Sweetheart's tolerance for me . . .

Simply my Coffee thoughts this Friday morning.

Maybe I need more coffee.

Maybe I need less morning.

Maybe I need to stop thinking.