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brenthutch

Progressives

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Although everybody who was in any degree progressive recognised the evils of oligarchy throughout the past history of mankind, many progressives were taken in by an argument for a new kind of oligarchy. ‘We, the progressives’ — so runs the argument — ‘are the wise and good; we know what reforms the world needs; if we have power, we shall create a paradise.’ And so, narcissistically hypnotised by contemplation of their own wisdom and goodness, they proceeded to create a new tyranny, more drastic than any previously known. ~Bertrand Russell

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

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2 hours ago, brenthutch said:

Although everybody who was in any degree progressive recognised the evils of oligarchy throughout the past history of mankind, many progressives were taken in by an argument for a new kind of oligarchy. ‘We, the progressives’ — so runs the argument — ‘are the wise and good; we know what reforms the world needs; if we have power, we shall create a paradise.’ And so, narcissistically hypnotised by contemplation of their own wisdom and goodness, they proceeded to create a new tyranny, more drastic than any previously known. ~Bertrand Russell

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Russell was an optimist.

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2 hours ago, brenthutch said:

Although everybody who was in any degree progressive recognised the evils of oligarchy throughout the past history of mankind, many progressives were taken in by an argument for a new kind of oligarchy. ‘We, the progressives’ — so runs the argument — ‘are the wise and good; we know what reforms the world needs; if we have power, we shall create a paradise.’ And so, narcissistically hypnotised by contemplation of their own wisdom and goodness, they proceeded to create a new tyranny, more drastic than any previously known. ~Bertrand Russell

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

And what a perfect description of the Republican Party that is.

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5 hours ago, brenthutch said:

Here is a more contemporary take

Well it's an oversimplification at best, but I think we're well past the point of expecting deep, nuanced arguments from the far right...that said, you could interpret this as him making the case that the far right is comprised of a bunch of assholes whining that the progressives are asking not to be killed anymore ***. 

***I say this as a former smoker/Adam Carolla fan.

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Right wing extremists attacking progressives on a worldwide platform made possible by progressives is . . . awesome. 

Up next - right wing extremists complain that their data service isn't fast enough, and that the government isn't spending enough money to fix "their" roads.

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15 hours ago, brenthutch said:

Although everybody who was in any degree progressive recognised the evils of oligarchy throughout the past history of mankind, many progressives were taken in by an argument for a new kind of oligarchy. ‘We, the progressives’ — so runs the argument — ‘are the wise and good; we know what reforms the world needs; if we have power, we shall create a paradise.’ And so, narcissistically hypnotised by contemplation of their own wisdom and goodness, they proceeded to create a new tyranny, more drastic than any previously known. ~Bertrand Russell

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

The tyranny of the GOP masquerading as freedom and individual rights.

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