Political terminology

Question

I have not posted here in quite some time. I have a question on two words, one of which is normally only used in politics and the other in several things, but I am interested only in its political meaning. To what end of the political spectrum do the words "reactionary" and "radical" belong? Gene ABV61-1043.001.HCB http://www.tckworld.com/opfoot Find "Skinny Dipping and Other Stories" On the web at www.publishamerica.com or www.military-brats.com and look for "Into Joy From Sadness" soon.

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]I have not posted here in quite some time. I have a question on two words, one of which is ... interested only in its political meaning. To what end of the political spectrum do the words "reactionary" and "radical" belong?[/nq]
For the most part, "reactionary" means far right (conservative) and "radical" means far left (liberal). A couple of decades ago the oxymoronic "radical right" became popular; its meaning was less than completely clear, but I'd say it was a variant of "reactionary." The difference, as I understand it, is that traditional conservatives, even reactionaries, are for smaller, less intrusive government, but those of the "radical right" seek to have Government enforce their moral standards.

Be aware that these terms are often used flexibly and even loosely. In the US, "liberal" is only beginning to recover from being thought a dirty word, and "libertarians" can be found all over the political spectrum.

-- Bob Lieblich Liberally conservative

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I have not posted here in quite some time. I ... the political spectrum do the words "reactionary" and "radical" belong?[/nq]
It depends on the circumstances.

Recationaries want to go back to the way things were before, so it depends on what they were before and what they are now.

In Russia, for example, communists are reactionaries. So reactionaries are on the left. Shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, however, reacotionaries were on the right.

Radicals what deep-rroted changes (as opposed to "cosmetic" changes).

Which part of the political specturm they are on depends on what they want to change into what.

-- Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/stevesig.htm E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

Usenet · Answer

[nq:2]I have not posted here in quite some time. I ... the political spectrum do the words "reactionary" and "radical" belong?[/nq]
It depends on the circumstances.
Recationaries want to go back to the way things were before, so it depends on what they were before and what they are now.
In Russia, for example, communists are reactionaries. So reactionaries are on the left. Shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, however, reacotionaries were on the right.
Radicals what deep-rroted changes (as opposed to "cosmetic" changes).

Which part of the political specturm they are on depends on what they want to change into what.

Steve Hayes from Tshwane, South Africa
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/7734/stevesig.htm
E-mail - see web page, or parse: shayes at dunelm full stop org full stop uk

Political terminology

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