Liberal Fascism: The Afterword

The conservative version of liberal fascism is compassionate conservatism. This term refers to a political ideology that combines conservative principles with a focus on social justice and empathy towards those in need. It emphasizes the importance of helping the less fortunate and promoting equality, while still upholding traditional conservative values. It seeks to find a balance between individual liberty and collective responsibility, recognizing the role of government in addressing social issues. By adopting a compassionate approach, this ideology aims to address societal problems while staying true to conservative ideals.

Modern liberalism is the offshoot of 20th-century progressivism. Progressivism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the social and economic challenges brought about by industrialization. Progressives advocated for government intervention and regulation to address issues such as income inequality, labor rights, and social welfare. Modern liberalism builds upon these ideas and continues to emphasize the role of government in promoting social justice, equality, and individual freedoms.

William F. Buckley was accused of being a "crypto-Nazi" on national television.

Goldberg sees the main difference between conservatives and libertarians as their stance on government activism. While conservatives may support a strong military and oppose civil rights, libertarians specifically oppose government intervention and advocate for limited government involvement in various aspects of society. This includes opposing government activism and favoring individual liberties and personal freedom.

The real threat that liberal fascism poses to Americans is the trade-off between the promise of America and security. This suggests that in the pursuit of security, individuals may be willing to sacrifice their freedoms and rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. This can lead to a erosion of democratic values and principles, ultimately undermining the foundations of American society.

The primary justification for liberal fascism is compassion. This suggests that those who advocate for liberal fascism believe that it is necessary to enforce their ideology in order to bring about a more compassionate society. They may argue that by implementing strict regulations and controlling individual freedoms, they can ensure that everyone is treated fairly and that social justice is achieved. This justification is based on the belief that a strong central authority is needed to protect and provide for the well-being of all individuals in society.

The correct answer is "Their dogma is written down." This answer suggests that the disadvantage of the right wing, compared to the liberal fascists, is that their beliefs and principles are documented and set in stone. This can limit their ability to adapt and evolve with changing times and circumstances. The other options provided do not specifically address the disadvantage of the right wing in relation to the liberal fascists.

The three reactionary conservative yearnings mentioned in the answer are nostalgia, me-too conservatism, and identity politics. Nostalgia refers to a longing for the past and a desire to return to traditional values and ways of life. Me-too conservatism represents a tendency to mimic or imitate the beliefs and actions of mainstream conservative groups without critical thinking or independent analysis. Identity politics involves prioritizing the interests and concerns of a particular social or cultural group, often leading to division and polarization.

Goldberg characterizes Pat Buchanan as a "Neo-progressive." This term suggests that Buchanan holds some progressive beliefs or values, while also maintaining conservative or traditional views. It implies that Buchanan may have a mix of both progressive and conservative ideologies, making him a unique and potentially contradictory figure in his political beliefs.

According to Richard Weaver, freedom requires the willingness to reject favors. This implies that in order to maintain true freedom, individuals must resist the temptation of accepting favors or benefits that may compromise their independence and autonomy. By rejecting favors, individuals can ensure that their actions and decisions are not influenced or controlled by others, allowing them to exercise their freedom to make choices based on their own principles and values. This emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility in preserving freedom.