Why “Conservatism” Is Liberal

In fact, Stephen Wolfe is actually talking about the establishment neoconservative in this talk, although he does not explicitly label them as such. But this is a great talk that is well worth considering. Take the time to watch if you are so inclined. He is a great thinker:

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6 thoughts on “Why “Conservatism” Is Liberal

  1. Very arbitrary definitions. There are no liberals anymore. They are leftists authoritarians.

    These 2 words have lost their meanings for practical purposes. For him to use these words with his own complicated specifications is an abstruse exercise. Given his collectivist bent, that is just as well.

      1. I’m actually very sympathetic to paleoconservatism.

        Triad, my reaction was probably too quick and ungenerous. But provoked by the sense that our situation is so beyond the liberal/conservative dichotomy at this point. Our problems don’t flow from one extremely fuzzy ideology having prevailed over the other.

        The real divide in America is not between Republicans and Democrats, but between those in on the racket and those excluded from it. John Thune, Chuck Schumer, Bibi Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Pfizer, and the rest of the Epstein class are in on it. You, I, and the rest of the sheep who pay taxes are excluded.

        1. I agree to the extent that the Democrats and establishment Republicans are part of the same racket. The problem is that the establishment Republicans constitute a vast majority of those Republicans serving in office, and they tend to the neoconservative point of view.

          The smaller cadre of truly conservative Republicans are an improvement over the democratic socialists. The problem is that they usually can have no impact.

  2. A thought provoking lecture.

    The term “paleoconservatism” (shortened to “paleocon”) was coined in the 1980s by philosopher Paul Gottfried.

    In the 21st century, the meaning of paleoconservative came to be associated with conservatives who criticize Israel and support the Arab cause in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. However, the Israeli–Palestinian conflict was originally tangential to the neoconservative–paleoconservative split, and paleoconservatives to this day have varied opinions on the matter. Some, such as Pat Buchanan, Russell Kirk, and Tucker Carlson have tended to criticize Israel, whereas others have expressed pro-Israel stances. Gottfried in particular views the rise in anti-Zionism following the October 7 attacks as part of a broader movement of anti-white sentiment in Western countries.

    Paleoconservatives support restrictions on immigration, decentralization, trade tariffs and protectionism, economic nationalism, isolationism, and a return to traditional conservative ideals relating to gender, race, sexuality, culture, and society. They also tend to oppose abortion, gay marriage, and LGBTQ rights.

    So if I have to choose I am a paleoconservative.

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