Very interesting! I also found that interview really interesting and enlightening. It’s all part of a never ending struggle for the path and soul of the nation. And I agree that a big piece of the puzzle is articulating liberalism’s benefits and importance
Understanding and resonating with these points helps me have some peace with where we are, as well as offering problem solving solutions for now and the future.
I agree for the most part. I’ve written a bit that the two competing moral/philosophical forces shaping American society/culture since European colonization are liberalism and Christian Nationalism.
In a way, its cleaner to just say liberalism and its opposite, illiberalism. But I think few are actually motivated specifically by illiberalism. I think many are motivated by dogged self interest of the individual/nation (nationalism) and that this tends to organize around more traditional communities that strongly identify as Christian.
In any case, Christian nationalism was clearly a central guiding principle of Columbus, justified the subjugation of the Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans. The white man was justified in all this, to save those other races from damnation and eternal hellfire. It doesn’t account for Japanese interment tho.
I especially appreciate the analogy and likening of illiberalism to a vast reservoir, rather than a "wave". It fits. What is it about us Americans that seem to act surprised when real social progress has to be defended, advanced, and fought for with each succeeding generation? Maybe now, we know.
There are two terms that we in the States (collectively speaking) use frequently without understanding. Too many on the left, or left-leaning, use the word "fascism" and too many on the right, or right-leaning, bandy about the term "socialism", without either of them knowing what they're talking about. And in the process, "we" (again, collectively) have created a very false, yet very present, boyched, and dangerous struggle between fascism and socialism, with liberalism and liberals caught in the middle. And more or less befuddled by what's going on.
I don't know of another country that has such a strange relationship between liberalism and conservatism; others, like Canada and Britain, have actual Conservative Parties, and Liberal and Labor respectively, for what it's worth. More clearly defined, perhaps? I don't know. But there is more in-depth understanding needed, and this research is a good starting point. Thumbs up for this.👍
Thank you for sharing and reflecting on this podcast!
Indeed, we cannot take anything for granted.
I've heard people talk about this moment as the "extinction burst" of illiberalism (or of conservatism, or whatever they think it is).
I was in disbelief at the naïveté and in awe at the confidence--and quite afraid for that ever fragile flame we (always have to) carry...
This really resonated, Jon — I'm grateful you took the time to lay it out so clearly.
Very interesting! I also found that interview really interesting and enlightening. It’s all part of a never ending struggle for the path and soul of the nation. And I agree that a big piece of the puzzle is articulating liberalism’s benefits and importance
This is just what I've been needing.
Understanding and resonating with these points helps me have some peace with where we are, as well as offering problem solving solutions for now and the future.
Really excellent, thank you
I agree for the most part. I’ve written a bit that the two competing moral/philosophical forces shaping American society/culture since European colonization are liberalism and Christian Nationalism.
In a way, its cleaner to just say liberalism and its opposite, illiberalism. But I think few are actually motivated specifically by illiberalism. I think many are motivated by dogged self interest of the individual/nation (nationalism) and that this tends to organize around more traditional communities that strongly identify as Christian.
In any case, Christian nationalism was clearly a central guiding principle of Columbus, justified the subjugation of the Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans. The white man was justified in all this, to save those other races from damnation and eternal hellfire. It doesn’t account for Japanese interment tho.
If any interest, some writing on the topic here:
https://radmod.substack.com/p/christopher-columbus-richard-nixon
Thanks. I’ll read the post with interest!
I especially appreciate the analogy and likening of illiberalism to a vast reservoir, rather than a "wave". It fits. What is it about us Americans that seem to act surprised when real social progress has to be defended, advanced, and fought for with each succeeding generation? Maybe now, we know.
There are two terms that we in the States (collectively speaking) use frequently without understanding. Too many on the left, or left-leaning, use the word "fascism" and too many on the right, or right-leaning, bandy about the term "socialism", without either of them knowing what they're talking about. And in the process, "we" (again, collectively) have created a very false, yet very present, boyched, and dangerous struggle between fascism and socialism, with liberalism and liberals caught in the middle. And more or less befuddled by what's going on.
I don't know of another country that has such a strange relationship between liberalism and conservatism; others, like Canada and Britain, have actual Conservative Parties, and Liberal and Labor respectively, for what it's worth. More clearly defined, perhaps? I don't know. But there is more in-depth understanding needed, and this research is a good starting point. Thumbs up for this.👍
That word should be "botched". Boy did that get "botched". Or 'boyched'? That's a new one!