Why do 'conservatives' get to choose their own name? They like to put labels on everything around them. Maybe it is time that we start to call them what they really are, regressive.
First, a definition of regressive:
Main Entry: re·gres·sive
Pronunciation: \ri-ˈgre-siv\
Function: adjective
Date: 1634
1 : tending to regress or produce regression
2 : being, characterized by, or developing in the course of an evolutionary process involving increasing simplification of bodily structure
3 : decreasing in rate as the base increases [a regressive tax]
To understand the first definition you need to look at the definition of regress:
Main Entry: re·gress
Pronunciation: \ˈrē-ˌgres\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English regresse, from Anglo-French, from Latin regressus, from regredi to go back, from re- + gradi to go — more at grade
Date: 14th century
1 a : an act or the privilege of going or coming back b : reentry 1
2 : movement backward to a previous and especially worse or more primitive state or condition
3 : the act of reasoning backward
Well, that tells you a lot. People who reason backward, go to a more primitive state, and a belief in having a privilege. Throw on top of that oversimplifying and decreasing as the overall population increases. Wouldn't you call that the true description of our beloved teabaggers?
To see how a label can be used to put a positive spin on something, let's take a look at the defintion of conservative:
Main Entry: con·ser·va·tive
Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsər-və-tiv\
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : preservative
2 a : of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism b capitalized : 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 [a conservative estimate] c : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners
4 : of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism
Of course, to understand conservative we need to look at the definition of conservatism:
Main Entry: con·ser·va·tism
Pronunciation: \kən-ˈsər-və-ˌti-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: 1832
1 capitalized a : the principles and policies of a Conservative party b : the Conservative party
2 a : disposition in politics to preserve what is established b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change; specifically : such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs (as retirement income or health-care coverage)
3 : the tendency to prefer an existing or traditional situation to change
This would certainly not describe the teabagging wing of the Republican party. Moderation, never heard of it. Maintaining existing views, tell that to the so called "right to life" crowd trying to take away exising rights. Over and over again this group tries to claim the conservative name without upholding truly conservative values.
Names do matter. "Teabaggers" is a fun name to use for the true "wingnuts" out there but as a broader movement we need a name more reflective of the overall values these people hold. I propose that from here on out we call them the "Regressive Party of America".