Hayek, like Reagan, saw general conservatism at mid-twentieth century as part and partial to a spirit of libertarianism. In fact, Hayek, in the appendix we have referred to saw US conservatism, in general, differing from continental conservatism and termed it libertarianism.
Since that time, we have had Objectivists, doctrinaire Ideologues and rationalist of the left trying to capture libertarianism's spirit and simple constitutional principled adherence to freedom and turn it into something that seems foreign to our heritage. That is the only type of libertarianism that I have had trouble with in my posts in the past.
Terms get sooooo much baggage, that sometimes only turning to the detail will give us a clear view of the principles advocated. I believe conservatives and libertarians of many tempers can agree with Hayek's detailed overview here. I am glad that we appear to be in those ranks of general agreement.
I also note, that the conclusion Hayek draws, supports an adherence to traditionally small central government, not one fostered in growth by rationalistic schemes.
" --- Hayek doesn't like the term liberal, or conservative. He also finds Libertarian somewhat lacking. He settles for "Old Whig" saying it is the only thing accurate enough.
I see libertarians who throw away the vagueries of Principles and want the cold logic of "one simple single formula" and while there are some in their rank I respect, and even enjoy, that system is not one I can admire.
It sets them on the Rationalist Totalitarian line that Hayek condemns so heartedly.
Now you say:
" --- Hayek, in the appendix we have referred to saw US conservatism, in general, differing from continental conservatism and termed it libertarianism.
Since that time, we have had Objectivists, doctrinaire Ideologues and rationalist of the left trying to capture libertarianism's spirit and simple constitutional principled adherence to freedom and turn it into something that seems foreign to our heritage.
That is the only type of libertarianism that I have had trouble with in my posts in the past.
Thank you for revising your opinion at #62, wherin libertarianism was a cold logic of "one simple single formula" -- a system you could not admire, -- into agreement with -- "libertarianism's spirit and simple constitutional principled adherence to freedom"..
I wonder if it's fair to say that in America until as recently as the mid-1960s, what conservatives advocated conserving was in large measure small government. (Hayek thought so.)
I also wonder, surveying America c. 2004, which distance is greater: that between where we are now and the vision of Hayek/Reagan, or the distance between Hayek/Reagan and the "doctrinaire ideologues."