Liberalism is Just a Liability Shield

I got to thinking about the Joe Biden situation, and all of those who still endorse or "look past" what may have happened and it dawned on me...

Liberalism is just a liability shield for the wealthy or powerful.

For instance, this article poses some reasonable questions about how Biden will be treated relative to other prominent individuals who have been caught up in #metoo era.

www.city-journal.org... _wcB

I use that to illustrate a point... because he's a liberal it's OK. He gets a pass.

No different than Obama in regards to Flynn. He's a liberal, so it's OK...

www.foxnews.com...

Think about the wealthy people who are liberals. Ever step back and think "gee, that person seems to be very successful/lives in a mansion/etc. but they're a liberal - seems to go against their own self-interests..." Which is exactly the point - it's a sham. It makes people think "oh they're wealthy but they care about people" and "look at all the good they do". It's the evil conservatives who don't apologize for being capitalists or supporters of self-reliance who are the ones in the wrong.

So, if you're wealthy, best thing you can do is support the liberal narrative publicly, show you're "on board" with their agenda so the media leaves you alone (or makes you a champion of a cause) and when you then go do some really, really shady stuff - you get a pass... why? The media's full of liberals... and you tow the line 99% of the time/forward their agenda so when you find yourself in hot water they'll let it slide - or actually help you get out of the jam!

Thus, liberalism a type liability shield for the wealthy and powerful people who want to oppress you. They don't actually care about people, they care about the illusion and the protection the leftist viewpoint affords them.

Thoughts? I'm sure there are truly the "liberal" minded people - i think about hippies for instance - who buy into the Lib agenda fully. I'm saying that the very wealthy/powerful people who are also liberals are hiding behind the Lib facade - and it works.

Most liberals dont actually live their lives as a liberal. They are conservative.

The use liberalism to virtue signal to others while being conservative behind closed doors.

This is why you see such hypocrisy from them on any number of issues.

a reply to: EnigmaChaser

I agree, I have often wondered how many of our celebrities and politicians have been caught in a compromised situation only to be let go and black mailed.

Logically, it would be the best way to push an agenda without looking like its being forced. Too many's ego's are connected with how their fav's are viewed. People aren't defending the celebrity or politician they are defending their beliefs.

People are easily influenced and want to be led. I posit this is the single biggest reason for the disdain for Trump, too many are unconvinced of his person. Not to say he is worthy of total trusts, its just the boisterousness of conviction without proper articulation.

I'm kind if of the other way on it as I see his lack of self confidence made him create a persona to feel comfortable amongst his people. I feel more comfortable with a person trying to sell my a semi evil persona than those that try to sell me on their persona of altruistim.

People seem to not realize that liberalism is a personal choice. It can't exist as a government function. Any mandation of liberalism undermines its core principals.

originally posted by: Edumakated
Most liberals dont actually live their lives as a liberal. They are conservative.

The use liberalism to virtue signal to others while being conservative behind closed doors.

This is why you see such hypocrisy from them on any number of issues.

Fully agree.

I was thinking about why I’m so ardently opposed to the liberal viewpoint the other day. Took some time to unpack that and one of the points I realized bother me the most is the hypocrisy. Tax tax tax, spend spend spend, more regulation, etc. then ride off in your limo to your mansion... And yet people only watch what they say and not what they do...

To be clear though, there are absolutely true liberals out there. While I don’t agree with them, I respect them for living consistently with their beliefs. I grew up in The People’s Republik of Eugene, OR and I can assure you there are some true, die-hard liberals riding their bicycles and living in communes. These folks are the real deal. Again, don’t agree with them but can give them props for practicing what they preach.

And I can assure you those who are the real deal look nothing like your liberal elected officials.

originally posted by: Edumakated
Most liberals dont actually live their lives as a liberal. They are conservative.

The use liberalism to virtue signal to others while being conservative behind closed doors.

This is why you see such hypocrisy from them on any number of issues.

I think this is more about elite vs common people than it is liberal vs conservative.

Liberals (especially in a position of power) virtue signal all the time. They're hypocrites at the end of the day.

But conservatives tout wanting a smaller federal government, and less spending until it comes to laws or war. They love them some war on drugs, war on different nations who haven't attacked us... And the liberals go along with them on it.

originally posted by: TheLead
a reply to: EnigmaChaser

I agree, I have often wondered how many of our celebrities and politicians have been caught in a compromised situation only to be let go and black mailed.

Logically, it would be the best way to push an agenda without looking like its being forced. Too many's ego's are connected with how their fav's are viewed. People aren't defending the celebrity or politician they are defending their beliefs.

People are easily influenced and want to be led. I posit this is the single biggest reason for the disdain for Trump, too many are unconvinced of his person. Not to say he is worthy of total trusts, its just the boisterousness of conviction without proper articulation.

I'm kind if of the other way on it as I see his lack of self confidence made him create a persona to feel comfortable amongst his people. I feel more comfortable with a person trying to sell my a semi evil persona than those that try to sell me on their persona of altruistim.

People seem to not realize that liberalism is a personal choice. It can't exist as a government function. Any mandation of liberalism undermines its core principals.

Reasonable points.

I also agree I’d rather have someone be genuinely aggressive/obtuse than someone who fakes caring/altruism/etc. for personal gain.

To me, a fine example of the concept that liberalism is nothing more than a liability shield is the “homeless problem”. It’s gotten worse nationally yet we “just can’t solve it”. Why? This could be solved or improved lots of different ways. Yet the problem gets worse. Do you see liberals enjoying having “section 8” housing units built next to their high-end homes? Do you see the politicians putting tiny houses on their property to house these people? Sending their kids to public schools? NIMB crowd indeed.... but they’re always willing to tax you more so they can try a “new solution”. now, I don’t want any of that near my home or on my property - but I’m not going to lie about my viewpoint.

It’s just so disingenuous I can’t get on board.

a reply to: EnigmaChaser

Today's Liberalism is a mask to disguise socialist/communist polcies.

Classical Liberalism, is far different.

"Classical liberalism is a political ideology and a branch of liberalism which advocates civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom. "
-Wiki

originally posted by: CriticalStinker

originally posted by: Edumakated
Most liberals dont actually live their lives as a liberal. They are conservative.

The use liberalism to virtue signal to others while being conservative behind closed doors.

This is why you see such hypocrisy from them on any number of issues.

I think this is more about elite vs common people than it is liberal vs conservative.

Liberals (especially in a position of power) virtue signal all the time. They're hypocrites at the end of the day.

But conservatives tout wanting a smaller federal government, and less spending until it comes to laws or war. They love them some war on drugs, war on different nations who haven't attacked us... And the liberals go along with them on it.

I think that’s true - but that can live along side the argument I’m making here.

They all tend to row in the same direction when it comes down to it. The reality is that the more mud they sling the more “convicted” they appear in their beliefs - makes it easy to sell to the base on both sides.

Also, and I should have made this clear, my thoughts here don’t absolve conservative politicians of wrongdoing. It does suggest, however, that the price paid by conservative politicians is largely different than their liberal counterparts for said wrongdoings...

originally posted by: DBCowboy
a reply to: EnigmaChaser

Today's Liberalism is a mask to disguise socialist/communist polcies.

Classical Liberalism, is far different.

"Classical liberalism is a political ideology and a branch of liberalism which advocates civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom. "
-Wiki

Good point.

Liberalism today, to me, tracks more closely with Hitler’s vision of governments role than classical liberalism (obviously). Kind of brilliant that they took the notion of classical liberalism, changed its values under socialist/communist ideals and sell it as altruism....

originally posted by: EnigmaChaser

originally posted by: DBCowboy
a reply to: EnigmaChaser

Today's Liberalism is a mask to disguise socialist/communist polcies.

Classical Liberalism, is far different.

"Classical liberalism is a political ideology and a branch of liberalism which advocates civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom. "
-Wiki

Good point.

Liberalism today, to me, tracks more closely with Hitler’s vision of governments role than classical liberalism (obviously). Kind of brilliant that they took the notion of classical liberalism, changed its values under socialist/communist ideals and sell it as altruism....

Well said.

originally posted by: DBCowboy

originally posted by: EnigmaChaser

originally posted by: DBCowboy
a reply to: EnigmaChaser

Today's Liberalism is a mask to disguise socialist/communist polcies.

Classical Liberalism, is far different.

"Classical liberalism is a political ideology and a branch of liberalism which advocates civil liberties under the rule of law with an emphasis on economic freedom. "
-Wiki

Good point.

Liberalism today, to me, tracks more closely with Hitler’s vision of governments role than classical liberalism (obviously). Kind of brilliant that they took the notion of classical liberalism, changed its values under socialist/communist ideals and sell it as altruism....

Well said.

Cheers man.

Chasing my own thought there... the notion of modern liberalism reflecting Hitler’s political ideologies is an interesting one. To me, the two actually overlay nicely. It also fits the narrative of the “fascist” being right-leaning or the war on “white supremacy groups” who get turned into the poster child of what the Republican Party stands for - when in reality the modern liberals operate far more like the classic Nazzis than the right.

The left worked to take control of higher education, the media and the courts. Brilliant. Tell people how to think via their education, feed that narrative via the media and legislate from the bench whenever possible. Use those positions of influence to move the country further left over time - which they have been doing successfully for at least 60 years now at scale.

But, who teaches history and writes the history books? Liberals, largely. People are discouraged from doing their own research at the hands of people who’s formal education outpaced their intelligence.

a reply to: EnigmaChaser

I hear ya, and I agree with you in a lot of what you said... I was just more or less saying how I see it through my lens.

I'm a staunch independent, and usually hate to pick sides... If I had a gun to my head though, I probably agree with more of what the right claims to be about. Smaller federal government, fiscal responsibility and such. But at the end of the day, I see them sell out just as much.

When Trump was elected, and had every electable arm of the federal government on the same team, they were still pushing back on what America voted for (establishment republicans). Hell, the republicans even got the Steele dossier rolling before they gave up and it got picked up by the other team.

I think you got it wrong be it liberals, libertarians, or conservatives are not looking past what he is accused of.

They are comparing. On one hand, you have a guy accused of grabbing a woman by the pussy. On the other hand, you have a guy who is on record bragging about grabbing women by the pussy.

a reply to: Grimpachi

They are comparing. On one hand, you have a guy accused of grabbing a woman by the pussy. On the other hand, you have a guy who is on record bragging about grabbing women by the pussy.

Context is key in that comparison. Trump was bragging about women letting rich men grab them by the pussy... Biden's accuser is claiming he did it without her consent.

Now, what Trump claims to have done still isn't acceptable behavior by most peoples standards, but what Biden was accused of was different and illegal if true.

Do I believe her? I don't know. It wouldn't really play a part in me not voting for him though as he just doesn't seem fit, and I frankly don't like his platform or the results of his tenure in positions as it is. It certainly doesn't help his case that there is no shortage of creepy sniffing pictures, and that's going to play into his optics from voters. I'm not going to say he did it for sure though as it's always convenient timing when these allegations pop up.

a reply to: CriticalStinker

There is a lot of nuances we can get into with both of them. Don't forget that Trump has been accused by more than one woman for more than just grabbing that most people simply dismiss. So like I said I think it will come down to comparison and it will be quick short comparisons. Most people are not willing to openly debate the issue with others nor will they give it in depth thought.

ATS is an outlier where people will debate it, but there are not that many of us.

a reply to: Grimpachi

Yea, there were certainly more allegations with Trump. Those would probably be better comparisons.

But you're right, most here is going to have an honest and fair conversation about it without giving their guy the benefit of the doubt while stop short of saying the other guy definitely did.

originally posted by: Edumakated
Most liberals dont actually live their lives as a liberal. They are conservative.

The use liberalism to virtue signal to others while being conservative behind closed doors.

This is why you see such hypocrisy from them on any number of issues.

I would term American liberalism as "Conservatism Lite". A religious fundamentalist will vote against legalized prostitution for religious reasons. A liberal will vote against it because it offends them. Religion pretty much came about as a systematic method for bypassing reason and critical thinking. As science became more and more mainstream, it became easier to apply much more sophisticated psychology (and of course way more advanced technology) to generate spurious bias on a massive scale.

So I think (in the US, anyway) religious fundamentalists skew strongly "conservative" and atheists tend to skew "liberal". They'll all vote for oppression for their own reasons.

Most conservatives preach small government but vote for people who hit every problem with the same hammer (government). They really just want their own flavor of oppression.

originally posted by: CriticalStinker
a reply to: Grimpachi

They are comparing. On one hand, you have a guy accused of grabbing a woman by the pussy. On the other hand, you have a guy who is on record bragging about grabbing women by the pussy.

Context is key in that comparison. Trump was bragging about women letting rich men grab them by the pussy... Biden's accuser is claiming he did it without her consent.

Now, what Trump claims to have done still isn't acceptable behavior by most peoples standards, but what Biden was accused of was different and illegal if true.

Do I believe her? I don't know. It wouldn't really play a part in me not voting for him though as he just doesn't seem fit, and I frankly don't like his platform or the results of his tenure in positions as it is. It certainly doesn't help his case that there is no shortage of creepy sniffing pictures, and that's going to play into his optics from voters. I'm not going to say he did it for sure though as it's always convenient timing when these allegations pop up.

I like this commentary. It’s realistic.

I don’t have any idea what Biden did or didn’t do. Who knows. Timing is certainly convenient and the “#metoo” movement has been highly weaponized by the left - not so much by the right.

My only observation here is the reaction of those on the left - which I read as largely “oh well - that didn’t happen or it’s just Joe being Joe”. A pass. Frankly I’m not of the mind we should have a witch trial over the allegations against Biden either - simply pointing out the difference in how it’s been approached.

a reply to: EnigmaChaser

My only observation here is the reaction of those on the left - which I read as largely “oh well - that didn’t happen or it’s just Joe being Joe”. A pass.

Just curiously where do you read this stuff, where are these people that give this behaviour a pass ?

a reply to: EnigmaChaser

There are no "actual" Liberals in Federal politics anymore.

THAT got hijacked in the 1920's by the Progressive movement.

Just as there is only a few "Conservatives" left in the Republican party.

THAT got hijacked by the Progressive movement in the 1960's.

So when people lament about our politics being two wings of the same bird, you have to realize this...

You are mostly voting for Progressive (R) or Progressive (D).

We need to take our parties back, is all.

Which is a tall order, indeed.