Now that's a word I haven't seen for about ten years. And it popped up today again.

What does it mean, anyway? Wikipedia rightfully leads to the conclusion that the para is in the eyes of the observer. It's a good way to judge the bias of the reporter or news spigot, by simply tracking the use of terms as they apply to one side or the other.

Guys we like: government, president, military units, law enforcement, freedom fighters, civilian contractors, could have been a violin player, news agency.

Guys we hate: regime, dictator, tyrant, despot, paramilitaries, insurgents, mercenaries, casualties, state-run news agency.