You are spot on, the progressive left are the mirror image of the old religious right -- censorious, intolerant moral busybodies who think it’s their job to determine how everyone else can think, feel and act. I don’t know how the left went from “sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, free speech and sticking it to the man” to “censorship and servile obedience to government authority” but sadly here we are. Orwell had it right when he said the real conflict is not between conservatives and revolutionaries but between libertarians and authoritarians. As a Gen X’er myself I now resist the authoritarianism of the progressive left just like I resisted the authoritarianism of the religious right.
I found this pretty well written, with a healthy helping of history. I might not agree with everything this Person says but I will certainly read it with an op[en mind. well done. Stay Calm, Stay Well, and Carry On!
Wow. You've helped to understand myself with this piece. I took for granted the wealth of free expression that was culturally dominant as I came of age in the early 80s. I so resonate to your cogent, rebellious exposition. Thank you! I've been aghast as the transition to identarianism showed our country to be filled with prissy puritans of the worst kind. Who ARE these people and where the hell did they come from? I thought we had put paid to the old religious right. Jeez Louise.
I was stationed (US ARMY) in Germany from 89 - 91 and was there when the Wall fell. And I was proud of it. I thought the world was moving in the right direction. I was proud of a country that championed enlightenment values and that was slowly and imperfectly moving toward a reality that was more inclusive, more diverse, more colorful and creative. We were creating something unique in the world - a pluralistic culture that worked; one where sectarianism didn't have the upper hand; one that was driven by a yearning to be free from the arbitrary fetters imposed by our "betters."
I've been considering subscribing to support this substack and your piece just convinced me. You have a powerful, dissenting, AMERICAN voice and definitely plan to read everything you write going forward. Thank you for your contribution.
You are spot on, the progressive left are the mirror image of the old religious right -- censorious, intolerant moral busybodies who think it’s their job to determine how everyone else can think, feel and act. I don’t know how the left went from “sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, free speech and sticking it to the man” to “censorship and servile obedience to government authority” but sadly here we are. Orwell had it right when he said the real conflict is not between conservatives and revolutionaries but between libertarians and authoritarians. As a Gen X’er myself I now resist the authoritarianism of the progressive left just like I resisted the authoritarianism of the religious right.
I found this pretty well written, with a healthy helping of history. I might not agree with everything this Person says but I will certainly read it with an op[en mind. well done. Stay Calm, Stay Well, and Carry On!
Wow. You've helped to understand myself with this piece. I took for granted the wealth of free expression that was culturally dominant as I came of age in the early 80s. I so resonate to your cogent, rebellious exposition. Thank you! I've been aghast as the transition to identarianism showed our country to be filled with prissy puritans of the worst kind. Who ARE these people and where the hell did they come from? I thought we had put paid to the old religious right. Jeez Louise.
I was stationed (US ARMY) in Germany from 89 - 91 and was there when the Wall fell. And I was proud of it. I thought the world was moving in the right direction. I was proud of a country that championed enlightenment values and that was slowly and imperfectly moving toward a reality that was more inclusive, more diverse, more colorful and creative. We were creating something unique in the world - a pluralistic culture that worked; one where sectarianism didn't have the upper hand; one that was driven by a yearning to be free from the arbitrary fetters imposed by our "betters."
I've been considering subscribing to support this substack and your piece just convinced me. You have a powerful, dissenting, AMERICAN voice and definitely plan to read everything you write going forward. Thank you for your contribution.
Thank you for writing this. It's a crucial subject, and you've made a strong statement.
History matters.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. It squares well w/ my recall and your framing of it rings true. Keep up the good work!
Well done. Nobody should self censor or be censored.
Yes!
Nice. Learned a lot about the Gen-Xers. TYTY.
Really liked this piece. You should reach out to Meghan Daum who also wrote an anthem to Gen-X. Keep up the great work.