[LarryLied]

Every political philosophy is an attempt to impose a metaphysical order on reality. That's why they're called "political philosophies".

Not one which springs from the grassroots up. Libertarianism is top down. a posteriori vrs a priori. Empirical vrs metaphysical. The essence of conservativism is freedom. That is not a prescription but a means, a format in which to "muddle through", to figure out by emperical feedback what to do next (all while knowing that there is no perfection possible). Libertarianism on the other hand is gnostic utopianism--it dicates courses of action despite what reality suggests one should do.

The hallmark of gnosticism is the refusal to compromise. The "party of principle" prides itself on not compromising. So did the Puritans, German fascists and Soviet communists. They all have the final answers. To compromise, for them, is to sin, to go against revealed truth.

[The Green Goblin]

The essence of conservativism is freedom. That is not a prescription but a means, a format in which to "muddle through", to figure out by emperical feedback what to do next (all while knowing that there is no perfection possible).

That is nothing but moral relativism and blind utilitarianism. Besides, there is no such thing as neutral, uninterpreted "empirical feedback"; judgements and/or actions based upon such evidence will always be made in light of the interpreter's fundamental premises, whether they be examined principles or unexamined, second-hand premises..

[tpaine]

The "party of principle" prides itself on not compromising. So did the Puritans, German fascists and Soviet communists. They all have the final answers. To compromise, for them, is to sin, to go against revealed truth.

--- { Larry says, as he 'reveals truth' in his uncompromising dictatorial fashion.} --

Larry, you lie so much to yourself, about your own motives, that you can't see the hypocritical humor above. - Sad.