The Erosion of Ideological Foundations: Progressives and Conservatives in Crisis
"The problem was, we never came up with any mechanism to regulate our worst ideas." This piercing observation by Jonathan Rauch encapsulates a fundamental challenge faced by progressive movements over the years. Rauch’s book, The Constitution of Knowledge, sheds light on a crucial solution: enlightenment liberalism (the notion that humans have natural rights and that government authority is not absolute, but based on the will and consent of the governed) works.
The tale of modern progressive politics is a story of high hopes, bold visions, and at times, significant missteps. As the history books of the progressive era are written, the Sanders campaign will undoubtedly be the first chapter. Bernie Sanders ignited a fervor among a diverse base, pushing for universal healthcare and better treatment for minorities. It was a quirky, yet well-meaning movement that sought to address the deep inequalities in American society. Meanwhile, on the conservative side, the Tea Party movement began as a push for smaller government and fiscal responsibility. However, it quickly became synonymous with obstructionism and extreme partisanship, often opposing policies solely because they were championed by the opposition.
Another troubling instance was the corruption within Black Lives Matter. Reports emerged of leaders misappropriating funds, with some allegedly stealing $30 million under the guise of advocating for George Floyd. These revelations were met with resistance and denial. No one wanted to hear it. No one wanted to be accused of being racist. This silence allowed problems to fester and grow unchecked. Similarly, the NRA faced scandals involving financial mismanagement and lavish spending by its executives, undermining its credibility as a defender of Second Amendment rights and leading to legal battles and declining influence.
The progressive movement also grappled with internal contradictions. The push for gender identity recognition, for example, led to debates over the inclusion of transgender women in women's spaces, such as locker rooms, without medical transition. This created a schism within the movement, with many preferring to stay silent to avoid controversy. On the conservative front, the push to outlaw abortion entirely, without exceptions for rape or incest, has caused significant backlash and alienated moderate voters, complicating efforts to pass more balanced pro-life legislation.
Credible progressive leaders found themselves in a bind. They were socialized into saying silent, mirroring a dementia patient's gradual detachment from reality. As the movement grew more unmoored, it became a breeding ground for conmen and extremists. Meanwhile, conservative leaders who supported Trump’s false claims of a stolen election found themselves similarly detached from reality, fostering an environment where misinformation thrived and extremist groups felt emboldened.
China, foreign antisemitic entities hijacked legitimate criticisms of wars and turned them into broader, baseless attacks on Jews in America. An uneasy alliance with Islamists emerged, advocating for self-immolation as a misguided solution to the nation’s problems. The progressive culture became so brainwashed that even self-immolation was praised. On the other hand, conservative ideologies have been manipulated by foreign actors through social media disinformation campaigns, aiming to sow discord and weaken democratic institutions, as seen in the Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Social media added fuel to the fire. A steady stream of addicted personalities propagated unchecked hate, particularly against Jews. The public had enough. Like the block that crashes the Jenga tower, the patience of the general populace wore thin. Rational individuals sought refuge in more grounded political lifeboats, abandoning the sinking ship of radical progressivism. Likewise, the spread of QAnon conspiracy theories within conservative circles led to a similar exhaustion and disillusionment among traditional Republicans, who found themselves increasingly marginalized.
The metaphor of a terminal brain cancer is apt. The patient, representing progressive policy ideas, appears beyond saving in its current state. But ideas themselves do not die. They may lie dormant, waiting for a more suitable vehicle capable of intellectual honesty and strategic acumen to carry them forward. Similarly, conservative ideals of limited government and personal responsibility are overshadowed by extremist rhetoric and actions, awaiting a return to reason and principle.
So, what went wrong? How did movements with such noble beginnings lose their way? The answer lies in the absence of a regulatory mechanism for ideas. Without a way to filter and refine concepts, both progressive and conservative movements were doomed to be hijacked by their worst elements.
Rauch’s The Constitution of Knowledge offers a glimmer of hope. Enlightenment liberalism, with its commitment to reason, debate, and empirical evidence, provides a framework to regulate ideas. By adhering to these principles, progressives and conservatives alike can reclaim their movements from the fringes and restore credibility.
This renaissance requires more than just intellectual commitment. It demands courage from leaders to confront uncomfortable truths and resist the urge to silence dissent. It requires the public to engage critically with ideas, fact-check claims, and participate in informed debates. Only through such a rigorous approach can both movements regain their footing and fulfill their original promises.
The Unchecked Ascent of Radical Ideals
It's not just the progressives who have struggled with unchecked ideas. The conservative movement, too, has faced similar challenges. Over the past decades, Republican ideals have also drifted away from their core principles, leading to a parallel crisis of credibility and coherence.
The rise of populism within the Republican Party exemplifies this trend. Once grounded in conservative fiscal policies and a strong national defense, the party has increasingly embraced nativist and protectionist rhetoric. The 2016 election of Donald Trump marked a significant shift, with the GOP rallying around a leader whose policies often contradicted traditional conservative values. Similarly, progressives embraced increasingly radical ideas without sufficient scrutiny, such as the "Defund the Police" movement, which alienated many moderate supporters.
Unchecked Republican ideals have led to divisive policies and a growing disconnect from reality. The denial of climate change, despite overwhelming scientific evidence, has hindered meaningful environmental policy. The refusal to address systemic racism and social inequalities has alienated minority communities and exacerbated social tensions. On the progressive side, the insistence on ideological purity tests has marginalized potential allies and stifled constructive debate, leading to a fractured and ineffective movement.
The embrace of conspiracy theories, such as QAnon, and the rejection of mainstream media as "fake news" have further eroded the party’s intellectual foundation. This has created a fertile ground for misinformation and distrust, undermining democratic institutions and the public's faith in governance. Progressives, too, have faced the consequences of embracing unfounded accusations and extreme rhetoric, which have damaged their credibility and alienated potential supporters.
Enlightenment liberalism's principles of reason and empirical evidence offer a solution for both sides. By returning to a fact-based approach and engaging in honest debates, progressives and conservatives can reclaim their positions as movements of thoughtful principles.
In conclusion, the path to a more just and equitable society is fraught with challenges. Progressive and conservative ideas alike need regulation and refinement. By adopting the principles of enlightenment liberalism, both sides of the political spectrum can navigate the complexities of modern politics and emerge stronger. It’s a call to action for leaders, activists, and everyday citizens alike.
