There’s another thing about conservative principles vs leftist maxims -
conservative principles indeed do “stand on their own”, and those espousing them derive no personal aggrandizement or moral superiority for holding those views. If you’re in favor of individualism and free markets, you’re just a person in favor of those principles.
However, if you favor wealth redistribution, “green” laws, saving the planet, etc,
you derive personal moral superiority and a sense of self esteem by favoring those policies.
When we argue the issues with the left,
we must keep in mind that they aren’t arguing on the merits of their position on the issue,
they’re DEFENDING THEIR OWN SENSE OF SELF.
‘Tis why I rarely argue with liberals. There is no arguing against religious dogma.
However, if you favor wealth redistribution, “green” laws, saving the planet, etc,you derive personal moral superiority and a sense of self esteem by favoring those policies.
I'm not so sure about that. I think people who would steal other people's freedom and money to divide between themselves and their sycophants are scum who will most likely rot in hell. Human filth. Oxygen thieves. I most definitely find someone who supports freedom morally superior to one of those pod-persons.