The Evolving Definition of Liberalism: From Freedom to Control

The concept of liberalism, a political and social philosophy that traditionally promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy, and free enterprise, has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. This article explores the traditional definition of liberalism, contrasts it with the contemporary redefinition, and examines the implications of this transformation.

The Old Normal Definition of Liberalism

Traditional liberalism, as understood in the past, fundamentally embraced the principles of individual rights and freedoms, along with the protection of civil liberties, democratic governance, and free market economies. These core values form the bedrock of what many consider to be a liberal society, where individual freedoms are paramount and governmental intervention is kept to a minimum.

Key Components of Traditional Liberalism

Individual Rights and Freedoms Civil Liberties Democratic Governance Economic Freedom and Enterprise

The New Normal Definition of Liberalism

Over the past decade, the definition of liberalism has shifted significantly towards a more authoritarian and restrictive form of governance. This new understanding of liberalism is characterized by the erosion of individual freedoms, the restriction of civil liberties, and the suppression of political dissent.

Key Characteristics of New Liberalism

Erosion of Individual Freedoms Suppression of Civil Liberties Curtailed Democratic Governance Delete of Economic Freedom Increased Censorship and Surveillance

Examples of the Shift in Practice

One telling example of this shift is the implementation of vaccine mandates in urban centers like Vancouver, BC, under the leadership of Dr. Bonnie Henry. These mandates created a class of individuals who were denied basic freedoms, including access to public spaces, transportation, and healthcare. The purported goal of these mandates was to stop the spread of the virus, but many argue that they had no such effect.

Fuelling this shift, the concept of "15-minute cities" emerged as a post-pandemic strategy. The idea, while well-intentioned, seeks to centralize urban planning and control around this arbitrary timeframe. This reflects a broader trend towards top-down governance where individual freedom is sacrificed for perceived societal gains.

Liberalism vs. Fascism: A Disturbing Paradox

The transformation of liberalism into something that looks and feels like fascism is both concerning and perplexing. In the old normal, fascism is often characterized by the abolition of democracy, the suppression of political opposition, and the use of state power to suppress individual freedom. Now, we see similar practices under the banner of liberalism, with the added twist of "altruism" and the "common good." This facade of legality and legitimacy is both deceptive and disturbing.

The 15-minute city initiative, for instance, claims to save the planet through urban planning, but it does so at the cost of individual autonomy. This seems to be a case of totalitarianism masquerading as liberalism, where the facade is more important than the underlying principles.

Conclusion

The evolution of liberalism from a philosophy of freedom and individual rights to a more authoritarian and control-oriented system is a complex and troubling phenomenon. As we navigate this new normal, it is crucial to differentiate between genuine liberal principles and their bastardized forms. The preservation of individual liberties and the protection of civil rights must remain at the forefront of our political discourse, as we work towards a future where genuine freedom and autonomy are valued and protected.