Authoritarian Conservatism

[kalian]

http://www.lewrockwell.com/barnwell/barnwell28.html

The traditional American Right likes to bill itself as a movement which calls for smaller government and more freedom. They usually identify with the Republican Party, and claim to be the only alternative to the big government tendencies of the Left. If their policies and beliefs are implemented, America would be a much more free and just society. Or so they claim.

It must be asked, does conservatism (mainly the Republican Party) really stand for these lofty ideals? Does the mainstream conservative movement really offer more freedom and liberty than the Left, or is it just authoritarianism of a different stripe? When the policy proposals and intellectual beliefs of the mainstream Right are examined, it is hard to conclude that, while they are better in some respects to the cause of liberty than the Left, they are not much better and in some cases are much worse.

For the purposes of this essay, let us examine just several areas, (1) The conservative’s attitude towards government, (2) The conservative’s attitude towards the "justice" system and (3) The conservative’s attitude towards issues of war and peace. A casual examination of each of these areas will show that the mainstream conservative movement in general, and the GOP in particular, are hardly allies in the struggle for freedom, peace, and liberty.

...more...

Very sensible editorial. Good read.

[whistle]

1. "...is it just authoritarianism of a different stripe?"

...Yes, I think so. It's called fascism. :evilgrin: