Vocabulary Refresher

Editor, Times-Union:
As the time for midterm elections gets closer, there are several political terms being thrown around — for scare tactics I’m guessing. Perhaps it’s time for a refresher vocabulary lesson so voters can decide whether they really ought to be scared or merely embarrassed for candidates who often label their opponents with these terms.
First on the list is the term “communist,” which our current president is suddenly hell bent on labeling Democrats. Simply put, a communist believes in a system of government in which individual people do not own land, factories, personal property or assets. All economic resources are publicly owned and controlled by the government. Class is abolished, the ability to earn more than other workers is almost nonexistent, and religion is suppressed.
“Socialist” is another label tossed about. Socialism is a doctrine calling for public rather than private ownership or control of property and natural resources. Individuals may own personal property, but all industrial and production capacity is commonly owned and managed by a democratically elected government. Classes exist but differences are lessened, and some people may earn more than others. Freedom of religion is allowed.
(Above information from Robert Langley, thoughts.com, June, 2025)
“Capitalism,” our current system, is an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of goods. “The market sets the price.” – Shawn Windsor. “Profit is among the driving forces of capitalism and often stimulates overwhelming competition.” – Jaimie Green. It has been argued that “capitalism is fundamentally flawed because its rewards inevitably flow to those who own capital (money), rather than those who contribute only with their labor.” – Martin Wolk. Basically, a capitalist believes in and promotes private ownership, profit motive, and free markets.
“Democratic Socialism” rejects capitalism, advocates for collective or worker ownership of key economic sectors —energy, transportation, housing, and distinguishes itself from authoritarian socialism that centralizes control in a bureaucratic state — Britannica. In short, democratic socialism is about building a society where democracy extends to the economy and workplaces, ensuring that economic decisions serve public needs rather than private profit.
It seems worthwhile here to review the core ideologies of our two major parties — Democrats and Republicans. The Democratic Party supports a more active government role in society, believing that government intervention can promote equality, protect civil rights, and provide social safety nets such as healthcare, education, and welfare programs. They advocate for environmental regulations, labor protections, and progressive taxation, where higher earners pay a larger share of taxes.
The Republican Party emphasizes tradition, personal responsibility, and limited government. They favor free-market capitalism, lower taxes, and fewer government regulations. They often prioritize strong national defense, states’ rights, and conservative social policies, including restrictions on abortion and opposition to expansive social programs.
Obviously the foregoing definitions are simplified in order to provide some basic information. It is now up to you to learn more about the kind of government you want and to know exactly what your favorite candidates’ intentions are —rather than believe what they say their opponents’ intentions are. Choose wisely.
Jeanne Tuka Schutz
Winona Lake, via email