Patriot (American Revolution) [Whigs & Tories]

Submitted by Robert (United States), Oct 1, 2018 at 21:56

Michael S.,

Let's try supporting the discussion of Daniel Pipes here - which is about the distinction between Conservatives and Liberals. I maintain that it is good to begin with the English language as it was in Great Britain before the American Revolution. By that time the "conservatives" one might say were the TORIES, and the WHIGS were what we might say are today's LIBERALS.

So the Patriots (for the Revolution) were the Whigs (Liberals). And the Loyalists/Royalists were the Tories (against the Revolution).

If the distinction holds throughout historical time, you get the unacceptable conclusion that Conservatives what the Queen of England to Reign over us. Whereas it is the Liberals who support the Rebels cand the Constitution.

Here's Wikipedia, in pertinent part:

"Terms"

"The critics of British rule called themselves "Whigs" after 1768, identifying with members of the British Whig party who favored similar colonial policies. In Britain at the time, the word "patriot" had a negative connotation and was used as a negative epithet for "a factious disturber of the government", according to Samuel Johnson.[1]"

"Prior to the Revolution, colonists who supported British authority called themselves Tories or royalists, identifying with the political philosophy of traditionalist conservatism dominant in Great Britain. During the Revolution, these persons became known primarily as Loyalists. Afterward, many emigrated north to the remaining British territories in Canada. There they called themselves the United Empire Loyalists."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_(American_Revolution)

My point is that the distinction between C & L isn't ideological, but shifts in meaning as we move forward in history. Here's another example: Conservatives before the Civil War supported Slavery. And in the 1960's, with the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Conservatives were the Racists.

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