But the current version of leftism seems different -- more dissolute perhaps, falling apart. For one thing, the experience of history has demonstrated the failure and futility of socialism and the evil of communism. The left has no overarching themes left, just talking points.
And where are the liberals of today who are like Scoop Jackson or John Kennedy, in terms of their commitment to the defense of our civilization in argument, in public policy, and in military action? (I have fundamental political disagreements with much of those two people's politics, but nevertheless there used to be a place for liberals who believed in our civilization and supported a strong defense of it.)
And, of course, long before that, the left in the West contained many who defended Stalin.
But the current version of leftism seems different -- more dissolute perhaps, falling apart.
But there is a big difference.
Stalin was a communist, Khomeini hardly could be called a leftist.
It was the same weird mentality then that many of the left are displaying now.
I think that's where this 'dissolution' all began.
In effect they said we support anyone who attacks the USA
(or the USA via the Shah.)
I thought it was extremely weird at the time,
but what is happening now is just a continuation of this tendency.