The is the original definition of the word. Definitions have a way of changing over the years. At any rate, I wouldn't call someone a neo-con simply because they used to be a liberal or further left.
To me, being a neo-con has little to do with what you *were*, but everything to do with what you *are*. If you *are* someone who supports using the institutions of capitalism to empower government ot strip people of their freedoms, then you are, by my definition, a neo-con. On the other hand, if you support the Consitution and wish to see it conserved as much as possible, and are a strong supporter of individual rights as opposed to state rights, then I would consider you a Conservative, or at the very least not a neo-con.
I understand that many may not agree with my description of a neo-con vis-a-vis a conservative, but that's how I'd judge the matter.
Tuor
Mr. 3 is being purposely obtuse. 'Pod
That's playing the Left's game of redefining words. I don't subscribe to that. The proper (original) definition of the term has been posted. All of this interpretation is amusing.
Neoconservatism means neoconservatism, which includes me since I came from the Left to the Right, as did many other prominent figures on the Right.
I won't play the game of switcheroo with the meanings of words. That's the Left's game. Now why are those on the Right engaged in the same practice?
It's hypocritical.