Active Users:1129 Time:23/11/2024 04:57:57 AM
In reality, classical liberalism - Edit 1

Before modification by Praziquantel at 28/08/2013 01:43:03 AM

I think personal freedom is a basic right; I'd like to think at least that I'm able to control my own life.

As for political parties... I'd fall closest to George Washington's views on those:


The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty.

It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another.

-- Farewell Address, 1796



Return to message