Definition of a "leftist"

I have noticed that in the heat of debate the label "leftist" gets thrown around all too often by those that lean toward the Republican way of thinking. Whatever that is? I will cover "rightest" in another post.

I decided to google the term to see what the internet definition was, and here is what came up:

A broad range of political ideology that is denouncing the of economic and social inequality in the present order of society and advocating the adoption of vigorous public policies to reduce or eliminate these inequalities in opposition of the political agenda of the rightist. Common political paths include socialism , communism , social democracy, welfare statism, contemporary American liberalism and anarchy.

The second half of the definition seems to indicate that a leftist is a socialist or communist which is quite different from the other major party--"Democrat". I suppose some "leftists' would be included in a party that is more socially liberal, but certainly not the majority of that party. There already exists minor Communist and Socialist political parties just as there exists Libertarian and Green.

I wonder what the term social democracy means? Or the term American liberalism. This is quite confusing isn't it. My inclination is to think of a lefty as being somebody who wants to throw out the democratic principals of my country and replace them with a Soviet Union, Chinese, or Cuban way of doing things.

It is odd that somebody might toss this label around so freely at those who appose Republican ideals. There seems to be as much liberlism and welfare statism in Republican circles as in Democrat circles. The only difference seems to be who is on the receiving end of the government programs and what ideas are being liberalized.

It is clear from the definition of leftist that they would be on the very fringe of any major American political party and for that matter the fringe of our society in general. I don't believe Communism or Socialism would work any better in America than it has elsewhere. The pure principals of the idea that we are all our brothers keepers and that we should share with those who are less fortunate requires a moral maturity that is not present to a large degree here or elsewhere. I pray hard for the day this does become common nature, but realize that this battle must be won from within--one soul at a time.

My experience with talking with those who say they are socialist or communist leaning either directly or by the tone of their comments-- and what I see from their personal actions leads me to believe that they are less than honest. I would say that "leftists" are some of the most self centered, greedy people I have ever met. Their tithe envelopes and lack of actual social work speaks loader than their words.

Beware of somebody who wants everybody to pitch in for the common good. He or she are usually the one leaning against the shade tree taking a nap while the rest of us are doing their share of the chores. Sharing to them is a onesided arrangement.

I think Yodi might be a pure socialist by nature. Jesus was too. I work hard trying to overcome my own limitations in this arena. But by definition I would never accuse Yodi or Jesus as being "leftist".

Maybe we need a truth in labeling rule when we have discussions or debates.

Now I wonder what the term "rightist" or rightwing means?