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Culture War Roundup for the week of December 5, 2022

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“Open democracy is only working properly if it consistently generates the outcomes we deem acceptable.”

I'd definitely agree that this level of self-deception is pretty par for the course. There's a massive streak of illiberalism buried in the progressive mindset, but it is usually buried in a layer or two of obfuscation and framed as "making people free" (or something along these lines). This allows them to put enough distance between their openly endorsed values and their actual positions for them to live with the cognitive dissonance.

I have far more respect for totalitarian hardliners. At least they're honest and open about what they want.

I have far more respect for totalitarian hardliners. At least they're honest and open about what they want.

Yea, if the "liberals" said, in old time aristocratic style:

"The people are ignorant and vicious mob. We are in charge, because we are the best and the brightest."

it would be more "honest", but open to easy reply that, judged by fruits of their work, they are not the "best and brightest" at all.

Now they have the best of both worlds.

Things are good? We did it!

Things are bad? Not our fault, we are just humble servants of the people. The racist and bigoted people voted for it, and got what they wanted!