Rectification of Names 1: Red

Before we can solve a problem, we need to talk about it.
Before we can talk about a problem, we need to agree on vocabulary.
Words have meanings and are most powerful when we agree on those meanings.

The Chinese philosopher Confucius recognized this importance when he put the rectification of names first. Calling things by their right names is a critical foundation of civilization.

The early Christian church made the color red a symbol of martyrdom.

In 1917 when the Bolsheviks took over Russia and founded the Soviet Union, they chose red as the color of communism. The flags of both the Soviet Union and Communist China had red backgrounds. In American war games, the enemy is the red team, while we are the blue team. 

Recognizing the negative connotation of red, the TV networks in their presidential election-night graphics alternated which party was shown in red. In 1980 Ronald Reagan’s states were blue. In 1984 they were red. In 2000 George W. Bush’s states were red and the liberal media seized an opportunity to associate Republicans with the red of communism. In every elections since then, states won by Republican presidential candidates have always been shown in red.

Just as Christians adopted the cross as their symbol, many Republicans have chosen to adopt red as their color. But note that Paul Ryan’s signs were green as are Ron Johnson’s. Tammy Baldwin’s Congressional signs were red. My signs were blue. If you decide to continue to embrace red, remember its history and work to strengthen its symbolism of Christian martyrs and mock its connection to the failure that was communism.

Dr. Peter Theron has a PhD in mathematics and taught math for forty years. In his six Congressional campaigns he created over 140 radio ads.