The Tyrannical Logic of Liberalism

First Principles ^ | October 17, 2008 | James Kalb

[rmlew]

The following is an excerpt from James Kalb’s The Tyranny of Liberalism: Understanding and Overcoming Administered Freedom, Inquisitorial Tolerance, and Equality by Command (Wilmington, DE: ISI Books, 2008), 330 pages, $28.

“The tyranny of liberalism” seems a paradox. Liberals say that they favor freedom, reason, and the well-being of ordinary people. Many people consider them high-minded and fair to a fault, “too broadminded to take their own side in a quarrel,” too soft to govern effectively. Even the word “liberal” suggests “liberty.” How can such an outlook and the social order it promotes be tyrannical?

The answer is that wanting freedom is not the same as having it. Political single-mindedness leads to oppression, and a tyranny of freedom and equality is no less possible than one of virtue or religion. We cannot be forced to be free or made equal by command, but since the French Revolution the attempt has become all too common and the results have often been tyrannical.

Tyranny is not, of course, what liberals have intended. They want government to be based on equal freedom, which they see as the only possible goal of a just and rational public order. But the functioning of any form of political society is determined more by the logic of its principles than the intentions of its supporters. Liberals view themselves as idealistic and progressive, but such a self-image conceals dangers even if it is not wholly illusory. It leads liberals to ignore considerations, like human nature and fundamental social and religious traditions, that have normally been treated as limits on reform.

[rmlew]

For more information on this book, which I am personally am only beginning, see Mr. Kalb's site Turnabout

[HockeyPop]

Methinks we are now relegated to using the same tactics of community organizing in the same in-your-face manner the left have been carrying out under our noses for the last 40 years. While conservative talk radio may help to get the word out, it does little [except to let off steam] to direct the thinking and deconstruct the public school and television brainwashing of the seedpod over the last few generations. Time to re-write the textbooks, turn hollywood upside down, and promote patriotism and reverence for our forefathers’ sacrifices in all corners of the public square and discourse. It requires numbers and it requires time and it requires benefactors. How difficult would it be as a first step to insist that Washington’s picture be displayed and the pledge said in every classroom in this country?

[Dumb_Ox]

I believe the author is a Freeper. I first came across his conservatism FAQ on UseNet in the late ‘90s. He really gets to the roots of our predicament.

[rmlew]

Conservatism FAQ is one of the best sources for conservatism out there. It is right up there with the George Nash's thesis and later book, The Conservative Intellectual Movement since 1945M but actually cover more recent history as well.

As for Mr. Kalb being a Freeper, he can respond himself.