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The "counter culture" of the 60's and 70's was. predominantly, libertarian (if they had a political philosophy at all). Some, of course, were simply hedonists.

The communists saw them all as "useful idiots" and hijacked them and their symbols and presumed them within a larger communist global revolution.

I still, frankly, cannot see how a generation, who had rightly looked upon an intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as the beast to be fought, tamed and rendered marginal so we could lead lives of freedom; can now seek to employ that same (but infinitely larger and more powerful)intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as a mechanism to impose their morality on others.

THAT was what they had fought so hard against back then...and today, they have become that which they had so hated...

Abby Hoffman was probably correct! "Never trust anyone over 30." The ageing hippies are now all over 30 (by a lot) and they have become authoritarians! (But, of course, they view themselves as "good hearted" authoritarians...and who could be against that?)

"The 'counter culture' of the 60's and 70's was. predominantly, libertarian"

No way! They were primarily socialists & communists. Still are!

I still, frankly, cannot see how a generation, who had rightly looked upon an intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as the beast to be fought, tamed and rendered marginal so we could lead lives of freedom; can now seek to employ that same (but infinitely larger and more powerful)intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as a mechanism to impose their morality on others. THAT was what they had fought so hard against back then...and today, they have become that which they had so hated...

That is so well stated. So true.

The "counter culture" of the 60's and 70's was. predominantly, libertarian (if they had a political philosophy at all). Some, of course, were simply hedonists.
The communists saw them all as "useful idiots" and hijacked them and their symbols and presumed them within a larger communist global revolution.
I still, frankly, cannot see how a generation, who had rightly looked upon an intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as the beast to be fought, tamed and rendered marginal so we could lead lives of freedom; can now seek to employ that same (but infinitely larger and more powerful)intrusive, overreaching government, rife with laws, rules and regulations, as a mechanism to impose their morality on others.
THAT was what they had fought so hard against back then...and today, they have become that which they had so hated...
Abby Hoffman was probably correct! "Never trust anyone over 30." The ageing hippies are now all over 30 (by a lot) and they have become authoritarians! (But, of course, they view themselves as "good hearted" authoritarians...and who could be against that?)

I wish I could make that my new tagline.