The fine line between protection and control, and when help becomes hinderance: Autonomy vs. Paternalism

[Anomalism]

Wasn't it us that talked about the definition of fascism and wasn't it you who seemed to agree that defined Trump?

Rather than trying to guess at the specific issue that you're trying to pursue, I can just say that Trump has demonstrated his fascist leaning hundreds of time.

I would see 1srelluc's latest post (thread) as a Trump demonstration of fascism. It's a demonstration of him overstepping his authority. IF he can do that, then is there anything that he can't do?

I don't remember that conversation.

 

[Donald H]

I don't remember that conversation.

It's not important if that's not what you're trying to pursue.

The point I made about 1srelluc's thread should be able to serve to cover all objections I have to Trump's behaviour. He's appointing himself to be able to dictate decisions on issues that are not his to decide.

That innocent little issue over the name of a team, demonstrates why everybody should be concerned. It's innocent to start with, and then all of a sudden democracy is gone.

The OP even added a comment to make it clear that Trump was overstepping his authority.

 

[dblack]

Getting back to the OP, I think the problem is that we don't have a clear consensus on the purpose of government. I do think many (most?) liberals see the government as paternalistic - that it's there to take care of us, guide us, monitor our decisions and overrule those decisions if the state thinks they are bad. In a democracy, this generally means forcing the will of the majority on everyone else.

Libertarians, and some conservatives, believe the government is there, first and foremost, to protect our freedom. It should protect our freedom to create the kind of society we want, rather than forcing us to conform to any one vision of the "good life".

 

[Donald H]

Getting back to the OP, I think the problem is that we don't have a clear consensus on the purpose of government. I do think many (most?) liberals see the government as paternalistic - that it's there to take care of us, guide us, monitor our decisions and overrule those decisions if the state thinks they are bad. In a democracy, this generally means forcing the will of the majority on everyone else.

Libertarians, and some conservatives, believe the government is there, first and foremost, to protect our freedom. It should protect our freedom to create the kind of society we want, rather than forcing us to conform to any one vision of the "good life".

You're really just saying that you want a government that will speed up the democratic process by finding on disagreements that suit your opinions.

Fascism and even communism speeds up the process by allowing the dictator to make all decisions.

 

[dblack]

You're really just saying that you want a government that will speed up the democratic process by finding on disagreements that suit your opinions.

No, I'm really just saying what I typed. I'm not sure what you're getting at here.

Fascism and even communism speeds up the process by allowing the dictator to make all decisions.

OK. Relevance?

 

[Anomalism]

No, I'm really just saying what I typed. I'm not sure what you're getting at here.

OK. Relevance?

I'm still waiting for somebody to intelligibly contradict the OP.