Changes

The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'left' usually  

The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'left' usually  

imply taking positions in favor of poor, powerless, or oppressed people.  Therefore [[communist]]s, [[socialist]]s, and

imply taking positions in favor of poor, powerless, or oppressed people.  Therefore [[communist]]s, [[socialist]]s, and

[[social democrat]]s are usually considered leftists, as are [[feminist]]s, [[gay right]]s activists, and people who

[[social democrat]]s are usually considered leftists, as are [[feminist]]s, [[gay right]]s activists, and pother activists.

oppose [[racism]].

Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously

Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously be classified as 'right' or 'left'.  Nonetheless, the left/right distinction is mentioned in many countries.

be classified as 'right' or 'left'.  Nonetheless, the left/right distinction is mentioned in many countries.

The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'.  But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the

The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'.  But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the word [[liberal]].

word [[liberal]].

Compare: [[Rightist]]

Compare: [[Rightist]]