Why Do US Conservatives Not Understand That Liberals Love Freedom?
Let's be honest here: 'Liberals' love freedom. The political ideology often associated with the Democratic Party – commonly known as 'liberalism' – is grounded in the belief in individual liberties. But, if we're very specific about what kind of freedoms liberals prioritize, the picture becomes a bit more nuanced. Let's delve into this discussion.
Unpacking Political Labels: Liberals vs. Conservatives
First off, what do you mean by 'conservative' and 'liberal'? These political labels have been hopelessly warped, twisted, and generally abused by generations of democratic politics to the point that I find them rather useless. If by 'liberals' you're referring to 'progressive' or 'left-wing' Democrats, I would have to challenge your presumption to some degree, although that might depend on the 'progressive' in question.
Freedom: A Fundamental Concern
If you're referring to individual freedom – freedom of speech/press, religion, bearing arms, property rights, free exchange, and the right to keep the fruits of one's labor – let's examine these aspects one by one:
Freedom of Speech and Press
Modern progressivism in the US has become increasingly hostile to freedom of speech and the press. Hate speech laws have been enacted in many democratic states, and similar codes have been crafted on American university campuses. Social media platforms have also demonstrated a clear willingness to ban content they disagree with for political reasons, including from established news sources such as the New York Post. This is not a universal stance, but it's clear that segments of the progressive movement are comfortable with the idea of censorship and oppression.
Freedom of Religion
Issues around religious freedom are less straightforward. While there are no major problems, recent lockdown policies have been punitive against religious gatherings that were previously legal. For instance, during the lockdowns, the state of New York pursued a group of Jews for a funeral, which was held in accordance with religious observance.
Right to Keep and Bear Arms
The right to keep and bear arms is a straightforward case. The expectation of arming citizens was an integral part of maintaining a free society during the drafting of the Second Amendment. However, there should be certain restrictions and expectations for gun safety and handling, as indicated by the 'well regulated' clause.
Property Rights
Property rights don't have a great track record in 2020. Issues like eminent domain for redevelopment purposes, where land is sold at what is deemed 'fair compensation' and then turned over to private developers, often clash with property rights.
Free Exchange and Association
Progressives often push for significant regulation of economic activity, which goes against the idea of free exchange and association. The socialist and Marxist wings within the progressive movement further complicate this issue, as they counter the notion of a free market.
Keeping the Fruits of One's Labor
Many self-described 'liberals' favor a larger government with higher taxes, which is actually taking away the fruits of one's labor rather than letting people keep it. This immorality is often seen in the policies they advocate, where wealth redistribution is a cornerstone of their ideology.
A Sad Reality for US Liberals
It's rather sad that those who fought for marginalized and mistreated groups, like homosexuals, now appear to be restricting others' rights. Lockdowns by state and local governments, the tactics of chaos and even political violence during riots following George Floyd's death – these contradictions are evident. Most liberals, if they express dissent, are unwilling to speak out and condemn the authoritarian left.
A New Perspective: Statist vs. Limited Government
Perhaps, as Americans, we should consider politics not from a left/right perspective but from a statist vs. limited government viewpoint. This Nolan Chart offers a different way to understand ideological divides.
Nolan Chart
A Nolan Chart helps visualize the spectrum of political ideology, distinguishing between libertarianism and statism along two axes: economic and social freedom. You can find more information and resources on the Nolan Chart at