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We should use the name "Democratic Party" instead of "Democrat Party." While it may not seem like a big difference, using the correct legal name shows an effort to speak respectfully and restore civility, which is necessary in politics.

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Not too long ago, I had a prominent Republican speak in my class. He repeatedly referred to the Democrat Party. Finally, I politely asked if the actual name wasnt the Democratic Party. He looked a little confused at my question and then went on using his term.

So, was he right? Is it Democrat or Democratic? Many people who watch Fox News, listen to Glenn Beck or Sean Hannity, or overhear a group of ardent Republicans may think it is the former. But the real name is the Democratic Party, not the Democrat Party. Democrat is a noun and is properly used to describe a member of the party; i.e., a person who belongs to the Democratic Party is termed a Democrat. Yet, Democratic is an adjective. Thats why Democrat Party doesnt make sense grammatically. "Democratic Party does.

I realize the purpose of the common misusage by many Republicans today has nothing to do with grammatical accuracy. Rather, the reason many Republicans use the term Democrat Party is political. These Republicans began using the term as an epithet because they wanted to counter the claim of Democrats that they belonged to a party that was democratic. The Democrat party removes the democratic claim of the Democratic Party that it represents the common people while Republicans are elitists.

Not surprisingly, the term has become an irritant to Democrats who simply would like the partys name to be used properly. To Democrats, calling a political party by a different name than its actual one is another example of incivility. It becomes an insult not to be called properly.

Even worse, Democrats often remind Republicans who use the term that it is inaccurate. Yet, many Republicans continue to do it all the same. For talk show hosts it becomes a way to further anger Democrats and stir up the Republican base. For other Republicans, it becomes a symbol of Republican-ness. Using the term the Democrats wish to call themselves rather than the epithet Republicans have devised can be seen as too accommodating to the enemy.

In fairness, many Republicans may not realize the difference between Democratic and Democrat and have simply picked up the language they hear from their favorite radio talk show host or the commentators on Fox News. They use the term without understanding that it gives offense. It has become mere habit.

Nevertheless, it is time for Republicans to drop the practice of saying the Democrat Party and use the legal and actual name of the Democratic Party. Even if they dont think it accurately describes the party, they should target the issue positions of Democrats they dont like rather than the name.

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Richard Davis: Using correct party name restores civility, respect