I was going through some notes yesterday and found this: the most basic fact is the definition. Now, self evidently definitions need not describe a given phenomenon, but they categorically DO describe how you think of them, and to the extent that reality and concept overlap, definitions are useful. The following are in my view useful definitions.
Liberalism is when the freedom to express yourself creatively is checked only by regard for the rights of others.
Socialism is when the hatred of the rich overpowers concern for the poor.
Communism is when that hatred wins.