Quote Originally Posted by alan View Post
As I recall, business was pretty bad for them at that time so it was probably a smart move to sell off items he had spent his entire life acquiring and displaying. My point was that when the meaning of words change, there are consequences. I recall a diet suppressant candy called Ayds (pronounced aids) back in the 70's and 80's, which went out of business due to confusion over Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayds

But enough of these sidelines, my original point was that those who consider themselves "liberal" are historically anything but, and it's a shame that people who actually are can no longer claim the term.
Really, it is not a shame. It just is what it is, Alan. As you concede, the meanings of words change over time. There really are no consequences to this particular item of etymology other than the rest of the world not agreeing with your personal preference. Nobody else really cares. Progressives did not "ruin," "steal" or "debase" the word. And BTW, Alan, AYDS is not to AIDS as liberal is to progressive. We are not a disease. We are not an unfortunate consequence of any kind. We haven't ruined the country, we haven't ruined your life, we aren't demonic or evil or scheming to install a totalitarian regime. The impetus for "progress" in society has led to many things that have improved the lives of peole and that people take for granted today. We have safer food, medicine, housing, consumer products and work conditions thanks to the efforts of reformers and progressives. I for one am comfortable with the label liberal or progressive. But really, to go on and on about how we ruined a word you would like to apply to yourself as a label, but no longer can because a group of people you don't like stole it is very insulting and veers into crank territory.