I wrote this on another thread trying to describe the dichotomy between Libertarianism and Progressivism which I think is more important today than the dichotomy between conservatism and liberalism. My girl friend tends towards liberalism. I tend towards conservatism. But because we both tend towards libertarianism neither one of us tried to impose our subjective views on society. If I believe its a bad idea for you to smoke weed (I dont but for example) I might encourage you to not smoke week but I wouldnt want to compel you through legislation. If she thinks drinking a 32 ounce soda is bad for you (She doesnt) she might express that but she wouldnt make it illegal. Libertarianism is primarily about liberty. Large government is the enemy of freedom. Progressivism seeks to force social change on people through the coercive force of government. Being against weed smoking might be a conservative idea but enforcing it through legislation and imposing their subjective views of right and wrong on people is Progressive. Opposing gun ownership might be a liberal idea but making laws against gun ownership is progressive. Seeking to impose the social change you want through the force of government. I think of it as an X Y axis. You can be liberal or conservative and be libertarian enough to support peoples right to think and act differently than yourself. Or you can be a conservative or liberal who is a big enough progressive asshole to try and make everyone else in the world live like you think they should. Frankly I err on the side of freedom.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 18:57:46 +0000
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