This is the proper definition of the word.
Since I was once a lefty who "saw the light," if you will, and became conservative, I am by definition a neoconservative. David Horowitz is a neocon. Even Dr. Thomas Sowell is a neocon. He used to be a Marxist just like Horowitz used to be.
A lot of disdain is shown here for the so-called "neocon." Let it continue, please. As for this "neocon" not being really a conservative, let's just say that I don't prove negatives. I can only tell you what I am as opposed to what I am not.
But if this makes you and others feel better about yourselves, let it ride.
Anybody thinks Sowell is not conservative is deluded.
If no, then you are not a neo-con in the way i define the term.
William Kristol is the epitome of the term. 'Pod
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
This is the proper definition of the word.
Around here, the operating definition of “neo-conservative”seems to be - anyone who had the audacity to not vote for Pat Buchanan.