How to interpret liberal 'code speak'

As we move closer to the election, I wanted to help raise awareness of the special language, or "code speak," that we can expect from liberals.

When you hear one of the following phrases, you can substitute the real meaning, and understand what they're really talking about.

Let's start with "giving back": code for wealth redistribution, as in taking from the hard working and giving to the shiftless.

"Eco-friendly": being expensive or made by my brother-in-law at the EPA.

"Social or economic justice": expressions that betray the leftist agenda of big government and liberal social action. Don't confuse social and economic justice with "equal justice" under the law, which is a phrase engraved on the front of the United States Supreme Court building.

"Balanced": two liberals arguing over the rate at which government or taxes should be expanded or raised.

"Empathy": the new code word for judicial activism.

"Fairness Doctrine": terminology used to silence diverse voices, such as conservative opinion shows.

"Wealth Inequality": you worked harder and/or are smarter than me and that's just not fair.

"Liberation Theology": a Marxist interpretation of the Bible whose aim is to stir up class envy and race hatred.

And most recently the White House told the Catholic Church it should listen to the "voices of enlightened accommodation." Translation: the government knows more about applying church doctrine than the church does.

Forewarned is forearmed. Beware of the code.

Bert Walker

Bluffton

This story was originally published March 15, 2012 at 12:01 AM with the headline "How to interpret liberal 'code speak'."