James Rove is correct in his definition -- that is the technical definition of a neocon, and would be number one in a dictionary.

Unfortunately there would also be a number two, because in common practice the word has devolved into what LW and BakerStreet indicate, mainly due to ignorant misuse by the undereducated-but-passionate wing of liberalism.

And number two is an excellent label for that lazy epithet.

best described by my history teacher as "liberal goal through conservative means"

That's good. I like that. (The concise def., not the enacting of said def. )

Well, Eastern Diamondback, after sorting through all of the s Definitions of a Necon, have you found one that seems logical/reasonable?

Well, Eastern Diamondback, after sorting through all of the s Definitions of a Necon, have you found one that seems logical/reasonable?

I was already aware of what the technical definition of a neo-conservative was. I just hear it thrown around so much, but rarely ever defined. People use it to define contradictory ideals, such as Wilsonian Utopianism and Isolationism. I just laugh when people label as neocons others who are obviously not neo-conservatives. It's indicative of their lack of knowledge on the subject.

I just laugh when people label as neocons others who are obviously not neo-conservatives. It's indicative of their lack of knowledge on the subject.

--Yep, it is humorous...

It's been said a lot here how "neoconservative" is misused. Maybe, instead of just accepting the fact that it's misused, we should all correct people when they misuse it and other words from politics. (Conservatives have done a good job at giving "liberal" a negative conotation, just as "neocon" is used as a knee-jerk word by liberals)

Here is another miss used label: Pregressive

Love it when liberals call themselves Progressive too. When most of them have not spoken a progressive thing in the last ten years.

Neo = New

Conservative = Anyone who's political beliefs that are slightly to the left of Ghengis Khan.
(Before you all get mad at me, an ARCH conservative friend told me that joke)

So if the math is right...Neo + conservative = NEO-CON!

One definition that i agreed with is when it is used to describe someone who was formally a liberal and switched sides.

But what do i know...I'm just a LLL. Were clueless!

"liberal goal through conservative means"

relatively close as a description of foreign policy (if one accepts wilsonian imperialism as 'liberal').

the reverse ("conservative goals through liberal means") is much more true when describing neocon fiscal/social strategy.

the strauss/kristol fascination with machiavelli provides overall structure: our goals through any means.